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Kicking the Social Isolation and Quarantine Blues
Right now, we’re in a really odd time of life. No, the Earth is not a teenager and Mercury may or may not be in retrograde but that isn’t the point. Right now, we’re being told to go into social isolation and quarantine to try and fight the spread of COVID-19. I’ve noticed that a lot of people are going stir crazy or getting lonely, they don’t know what to do. It’s a scary time but instead of buying all the toilet paper, let’s see what we can do about this isolation and quarantine.
Ever since I got home and was sent into quarantine, I’ve been scrolling through social media (duh) and contemplating life in general and I’ve come up with a few questions that you might also be thinking about:
What can I do to keep myself sane?
Why am I feeling so lonely when I like being alone?
What could I possibly do to make myself less lonely?
Do I have to get Animal Crossing to simulate life?
How can I get stuff to do the things I want to try out?
Have no fear, I have the answers. I mean, I don’t have the answers to the universe but I do have some suggestions to help you fight the social isolation and quarantine blues.
What Can You Do To Keep Yourself Sane?
It’s a stressful time, I totally get it. It’s as if you’re relaxing then a sudden feeling of anxiety hits you ad you start over thinking everything. With a limited amount of things to do and really nothing to occupy time, it can get overwhelming. However, there is a way for you to maintain your sanity and keep that brain working.
Read: This may sound simple but reading is a form of escape, especially reading fiction. Allow your mind to wander into a fictional universe allows you to feel like you can go out and be free.
Go on a walk: I know this is quarantine but the US Government is allowing a daily walk. If you aren’t in the US, look up the rules but going on a walk will let you feel like you’re in control, give you healthy habits, and help you lose weight.
Adopt A New Hobby: You’ll see it all over that people are getting into new hobbies and trying out new things. It’ll give you something to concentrate on that is not this weird world situation we’re dealing with right now.
Play some games: A lot of people are staying with their families during quarantine so you guys can do some good old fashioned family bonding with board games, video games, new made up games, etc.
Those are only a few suggestions but there are many more. Personally, I’ve been writing lore for stories, getting into my old interests, and getting to know myself better.
What Causes Loneliness?
Even if you enjoy being alone, you can experience loneliness because it does not depend on how many people surround you or interact with you. Even with all the friends in the world, you can be lonely. It depends entirely on the quality of your relationships.
Loneliness can actually distort the good quality relationships that you have, causing them to seem to devalue those great relationships. This isn’t great because when you feel lonely, you tend to show it through your social media presence and through media, loneliness can be contagious.
It can make our bodies feel colder and can be just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes. So how can we curb this dangerous, hurtful feeling?
How Can I Curb Loneliness?
Well, sometimes, it just takes little things to make you feel less lonely. It always helps when friends and family reach out to you on their own but don’t be afraid to reach out to them yourself.
Getting a pet has shown to lessen loneliness. Animals have been proven to be good for your mental health. Dogs can allow you to get out walking, create bonds with them and other pet owners as well as give you a sense of responsibility. It’s my personal favorite method of treatment.
One that I have personal experience with is finding your people. This doesn’t necessarily mean going out and talking to people. It’s not ideal during this quarantine. But online servers and communities of people who share your interests and hobbies can be pivotal to your mental health. So join online groups and servers. It always helps.
How Can I Start My New Hobbies and Activities?
Yes, stores are closed so accessing things will be difficult. However, online shopping is still an option. I’m getting a lot of supplies via Amazon. I can improvise is, alter it, and make it what I want. They filter their products to be safe. Some of their delivery dates will vary because of the pandemic but they will still deliver. I have gotten and ordered quite a bit of items for my the hobbies I’m getting into.
Finding things around your house can also be helpful. I’m finding things around the house as inspiration for DIY projects or designing. My mom has quite a bit of sewing material so it gives me the opportunity to learn how to do it to.
You can work with what you have or order online. Amazon Prime members get free delivery so keep that in mind. There is always something to do and use.
A Few Things to Remember During Isolation & Quarantine
I know that you might be scared and weary, watching the news and the death tolls increasing. But did you know that since the worldwide quarantine, the Earth has begun to heal itself?
Because we aren’t touching her or tampering with her, the Earth‘s life has started to replenish. Animals are appearing all around like the dolphins playing in the Venice canals. Trees are growing, and the ecosystem has gotten the chance to heal.
Despite the many who are dying and sick, perhaps we can come out of our homes to a better planet. Perhaps we needed this disease so nature could be rejuvenated. So as Earth heals, think about how we can keep her running at her best. Do your part to keep her healthy.
Remember that during these times, it’s important to look after each other. Wash your hands. Take showers. Practice proper hygiene. Keep your distance. Don’t touch your face or others. And please, don’t buy all the darn toilet paper. Stay safe because you deserve it.
Kick the Social Isolation and Quarantine Blues was written, researched, and edited by
Emmalie Roberts. For more articles, check out our blog page, here, and don't forget to follow us on social media, here, for daily tips, tricks, and reminders for your path to holistic health.