The year 2020 has been uncertain, unpredictable, and for many people, it has been lonely. Millions of people have been forced into solitary situations, perhaps for the first time, and have to deal with new isolation experiences. Mental health and emotional wellbeing are a concern, so there is so much attention around it. In this article, we explore some of the ways to resolve feelings of loneliness during the temporary pandemic.
Stick to a regular schedule
Suppose you are unwell or isolated because of the pandemic. In that case, it’s easy to fall into lethargy without a regular routine or schedule, especially if you are in elder care—furthermore, feelings of loneliness increase on our own. Even if we know we have people we can talk to in the world; if we’re not allowed to meet up regularly, we can become depressed. This can be dangerous to our mental health and wellbeing in the short and long term.
If you have a lot of space in your day, it’s recommended that you create a schedule that you can stick to daily. This might involve a set time to wake up at, along with a wake-up routine. Have some healthy breakfast options available and perhaps some exercise routines to do. Throughout the day, you can keep track of what you’re doing by monitoring it and keeping a diary of how you feel. It’s an excellent time to experiment with your routines and interests.
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Stay informed
Handling the Covid-19 pandemic is a bit of a balancing act. Because of the nature of the virus, the situation changes all the time, and there are often new updates and developments. Recent studies have shown that staying informed about the outbreak developments and implementing them in your life is also a way of promoting good mental health. It feels good to know that we are connected to others and doing the right things.
However, a word or caution is needed. If you are on your own, without much human interaction, there can be a tendency to consume more media, through the television or your smartphone. While it is good to stay informed, too much Covid media can feed your anxieties about the situation and turn into paranoia. Be careful with your media consumption during this time. Perhaps schedule a time in the day for updates and otherwise switch off.
Stay active
Our mental health and physical health are intimately connected. One informs the other. If you have a lazy mindset, for instance, you are more likely to watch television than do exercise, which will contribute to weight gain. Conversely, if you do some exercise, you are more likely to gain energy from it and schedule more of it into your routine. If you notice that you’re slipping into a state of lethargy, it might be time to work against that tendency.
Of course, it can be tricky to find the time and space to exercise while social distancing and isolation, but there are some excellent ways to stay active in your home. Light low-impact exercise, such a tai chi, and yoga are perfect for afternoon sessions. There are plenty of videos to choose from on YouTube, and afterward, you will feel a mental and emotional uplift. Other simple exercise forms, such as walking, are also highly recommended during the Covid Pandemic: just remember to wear your mask.
Do something meaningful
Part of the reason we experience loneliness is that we need meaning in our lives. For most people meaning comes from other people. We have a need to be seen and accepted by other people in order to feel complete. However, meaning can also come from other places, such as an interest, a practice, or a pet. The meaning gained from such things can be an effective substitute during the time of Covid – and beyond.
Everyone is different, and meaning will be created for you in ways that only you will know. Take some time to explore what things bring you meaning in the world and why. It is an excellent time for self-exploration. You might discover you want to explore an interest you’ve had for a while or maybe draw up your family tree. There are also many opportunities online to join like-minded communities.
Stay connected
Luckily, the global pandemic hit at a time when digital technology is widely available, and most people are now familiar with how it works. Video conferencing software is excellent for keeping in touch with friends, family, and like-minded communities. After a video call with loved ones, you will feel connected and supported even though you can’t meet in person. If you’re feeling creative, why not go the opposite way and write a letter.
