The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the world hard. Schools have closed, businesses have shutdown and some states have decided to go for a total lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
Self-quarantine has become a common phenomenon even among those who are not infected. However, this option has it fair share of challenges, including isolation anxiety. Apparently, people in quarantine are likely to go through a period of stress, depression and uncertainty throughout the entire period.
Fortunately, we have compiled a few tips that can help you cope during this period of national concern.
Focus on your home and yourself
One of the reasons most people become depressed or feel anxious during quarantine is that they have the “I am stuck inside” mindset. Instead of focusing on the positive side of life, many people tend to dwell on the negatives thanks to their misplaced attitude.
Well, quarantine is the perfect time to focus more on working on your weaknesses and improving your strengths. In essence, you should focus more on yourself by pursuing tasks you’ve always wanted to do, but you previously didn’t have the time to accomplish them.
Stop obsessing about Coronavirus news
Let’s face it. The Coronavirus has brought about long hours of spare time with employees not having to keep up with work or social obligations. This means you will probably have plenty of free time to do whatever you like.
However, the last thing you would ever want to do is to spend all your spare time watching COVID-19 related news. It’s normal to feel anxious about the emerging developments, but you should stop obsessing about Coronavirus news to avoid the stress and depression that comes along with it.
Follow your normal routine
Never abandon the core of your normal, pre-quarantine routine as this could lead to lack of focus and negative thinking. Instead, try to stick to some semblance of your regular schedule throughout the quarantine period. For instance, you can eat, exercise, shower or go to bed at around the same time to help you cope with the emerging situation.
Maintaining your regular routine will not only keep you active but also prevent you from becoming anxious as nothing much would have changed except you are now working from home.
Keep your home clean and organized
Lethargy and disorganization will always lead to a chaotic situation and a negative mindset. As the outside world struggles to battle with the disease, you should strive to keep the inside clean and organized.
Start by decluttering your home and arrange your furniture in a manner that will make it easier to clean the floors regularly. Furthermore, set up several mental zones for daily activities such as reading, exercising and eating.
Try out new quarantine rituals
Whether it’s a morning ritual or a bedtime routine, everyone has a ritual, which he or she follows religiously every day. With this new dispensation, it is only logical to try out something away from the normal such as writing a daily journal, reading a new book, exercising at a particular time or playing games with your kids every evening. These activities should ideally fall at a specific time to help keep stress and anxiety at bay during this difficult period.
Talk to a professional
If things seem to get out of hand and your anxiety becomes unmanageable, then it is high time you talked to a licensed psychologist. Reaching out for help early can go a long way to ease any emotional challenges you could be facing during quarantine times. The best part is that you don’t have to meet face to face. You can talk to your doctor online using communication tools such as video calls and social media.
