Humans are social creatures, and with restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor spaces closing across the country many people find themselves lost without their daily routine and feeling isolated during social distancing.
Luckily, in the age of technology we are more equipped than ever to deal with isolation.
Here are some tips for staying sane during isolation:
Take advantage of technology!
With platforms like Facetime, Skype, Video Calls, Group Chats, and even Netflix’s Party Feature, use technology to get as close to in-person as you can. Calling instead of texting and seeing your friends and family on video can help you feel more connected.
Maintain a social life as best you can
Leaning on technology, you can still schedule happy hours, game nights, and watch parties with your friends. Take time to check in with friends and see how they are doing, and if you are struggling reach out to your community.
Try to create and maintain a routine
Having structure and daily routines are never more important than when coping with a crisis. Setting a daily routine with reminders to take breaks throughout the day can keep you from falling into bad habits and poor mental health.
Engage in some self care
Time alone can be scary, but it’s also a great time to reflect and relax. Take a bath, light a scented candle, or lather up with a scented, luxurious soap and take care of yourself in this time of stress.
Don’t read too much news
Limiting your news intake to once a day and only from outlets you trust can help prevent you from falling into periods of existential dread. Without others around to help us regulate and connect with reality, it’s important that we spend as much time in our present, physical world as possible.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you are taking care of yourself during this time of stress.