5 Tips for Managing Stress While Self-Isolating
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It’s already difficult to deal with all the unknown going on in the world right now. It’s somewhat challenging to be in the house with your family for extended periods. But if you have to self-isolate in your home? It may seem impossible!
When you are spending a lot of time at home alone, whether self-isolating or because you are ill, it can be really easy to get stressed out. Right now, the pandemic around the world is creating enough stress on its own, but it gets worse when you have to be quarantined alone.
If you are experiencing signs of stress like constant worry and panic, problems sleeping, unusual eating habits, and increased use of alcohol or drugs, then the following tips can be very useful for you.
1. Limit How Often You Watch the News
It can be hard to walk away, but if you are currently staying home because of the Coronavirus pandemic, you really need to be careful with how much time you are devoting to updates. While you don’t want to unplug completely, try to limit how often you watch the news. Try getting your updates just once a day – they repeat a lot of information, so that is really all you need. Choose just one way to get your news, and leave it at that.
2. Have “No Social Media” Blocks
When you are spending a lot of time alone, social media can seem like a good way to keep up with your friends and family. While it definitely helps, you might notice that absorbing too much of it is hurting your mental health. If you find that you feel fine before logging on, then are in a bad, irritable, sad, or upset mood after checking Facebook or Twitter, it’s time to limit your time on social media.
A better strategy is to have blocks of time during self-isolating where you don’t use social media at all. The length of time depends on your routine but try for blocks of 1-2 hours at a time.
3. Take Care of Your Mental Health
To reduce stress while you are spending a lot of time home alone, you want to focus on your mental health. This is what is going to help you de-stress. Sometimes, because it actually reduces stress and anxiety. In other ways, it is more about distracting your mind so that you can focus on other things.
For example, if you need fresh air, head outside to go for a walk. Keep your distance from others if you are social distancing, but just getting outside in the fresh air and getting some exercise is amazing for your emotional health. Some other ideas include reading, doing meditation, and participating in baking or making crafts.
4. Take Care of Your Physical Health
In addition to your mental health, you can reduce stress by taking care of your body as well. This includes getting more exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and drinking water. But keep in mind that eating healthy doesn’t mean being on a restrictive diet or never having treats. Don’t burden your mind right now with dieting or weight loss. Just try to balance your meals and snacks with something healthy that also includes some indulgent treats.
5. Socialize from a Distance
Even when you need to keep your physical distance from others, you can still socialize! Connect with friends or loved ones on Zoom or FaceTime, text or call them, or just talk online when you get the chance. Self-isolating doesn’t have to mean that you are lonely!
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
20 Comments
Rosey
These are all good tips. You know, I really did have to stop watching so much news. I’ve switched to every other day instead of a few times a day and it feels better.
Dominique
I tend to read my newsw as well. I think it’s easier to manage that way!
Valerie
I like your tip about limiting how much news we watch. I find that reading the news is better than watching it on TV and getting the “hyped up” version. Same with social media, although I find that my biggest source of annoyance there comes from my friends and family posting lol.
Dominique
I would rather read it as well!
Iamgeetha blog
Without zoom, fce time, whatsapp my life become hell on these days.
Elicit Folio
Great post! We made a practice as a family to only watch the news twice a week. This has really helped our family’s mood levels during the pandemic.
the joyous living
#1 and #2 are terrific and so very important. I don’t even watch my morning news program every day.
Marysa
I have totally being trying to detox from the news and social media. It really helps! I feel like we are just bombarded with constant news and thoughts and it is good to take a break. I am also going to work on getting into a better fitness routine.
katrina Kroeplin
those are def great tips! i take breaks from the news and also just do some mindfulness on what i need for me.
littlemisadvencha
taking care of our mental health is really must especially during these stressful times! Thank you for sharing this to us…
blair villanueva
Your tips number 1 and 2 are so true! Especially Number 2, and those many fake news circulating adding stress and anxiety to many. Better to stay away coz we already know more about Covid19.
Anna
Great tips – I especially need to watch less news and do a social media detox! Thanks for the inspiration!
Lyanna Soria
Taking care of our mental health is quite important and should be practiced. Those are quite some wonderful tips to keep in mind.
Lily
Really great tips we can all use. I think people needs to be honest about their feelings and manage at this time or they will spiral
Jessica Collazo
I only see news on TV I avoid social media news because it’s too overwhelming thank you for this tips.
Ivana Mearns
I could not agree more, when this all started I was watching the news continuously, many times a day, but I had to stop, it was really draining me. The other four tips are also very useful, thanks!
Stephen Gough
There is so much misinformation going around and bad news at the moment. I’m trying to tune it all out and concentrate on the good things
Shannon Gurnee
This is definitely important in this day. I am definitely going to try to do some of these things. Thanks for sharing.
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