We’ve all hit a self-isolation wall, right? It’s been forever since we’ve received a good squeeze from a loved one, or even walked down the street unmasked, not purposefully staying 6 feet away from the next passer-by. Social-distancing is certainly disheartening, especially now that it’s been so damn long.
However, we’ve not come this far to give up just yet. There will soon become a day when the whole world can have one giant group hug, but in the meantime, social-distancing is still unfortunately the law we have to abide by. So if you’re still finding it hard to stay sane and active during our ongoing lockdown, here are 9 tips to help you stay grounded and hopeful. You’ve got this – keep soldiering on!
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1. Find a love interest
Source: ehl
If you’re a single pringle like a lot of us are, a fun way of keeping your mind busy is to find a love interest. Face-to-face dating is strictly off the table, but there’s nothing wrong with an innocent flirty text or even a video call if things go well. Online dating gets a bad rep for being a shallow and useless method of finding ‘the one’, but that’s not true whatsoever. According to miingle.com The enforcement of lockdown restrictions has actually proved that more and more people are ready and willing to search for love online, so don’t miss out on finding your future husband or wife!
2. Meditate and stay grateful
Practising mindfulness may sound like a useless waste of time to a lot of people, but in reality, it truly is one of the best techniques in destressing and decluttering your anxious mind. Harbouring worries and inner turmoil is one of the most damaging things you can do for your mental health, so consider taking some time out of your day to meditate in a calm and safe place within the home. Choose a comfy spot, put on some relaxing music, and let your angst float away. If it doesn’t help at first, keep trying!
3. Limit your screen time
Source: Merrimack Valley Magazine
Using our phones and laptops may well be the only way for us to stay in touch with friends and family at the moment, but it’s also important for us to limit the time we’re staring at our screens. Perhaps it’s best if you allocate a certain time for you to use technology, that way you won’t easily fall down a rabbit hole of endless and mindless scrolling. Social media is a fantastic way for us all to stay connected, but putting restrictions on yourself can help you stay sane for when you do eventually decide to switch off. Find the right balance.
4. Keep moving that body
Depending on where you live in the world, you might still be able to venture out and meet friends or family in an open outdoor space. Whether you can do so socially-distanced or not, getting out of the house and moving your body will do wonders for your lockdown sanity. Not only is outdoor physical exercise an effective way of working off some restless energy, but it’s also an opportunity to clear your head and feel refreshed. Remember, if you can meet a loved one outside, always ensure you’re staying safe and sticking to the rules!
5. Find a long term project
Source: Citavi
With the amount of spare time we all have nowadays, it really is the time to start that new hobby you’ve been talking about for years. Whether it’s something fun, something sporty, or something arty, finding a long term project for you to work towards will keep your mind occupied when the stress of social distancing gets too much. The more you distract yourself from the terrors of the outside world by learning something new, the better you’ll feel about yourself and how you feel on the inside. Get creative and have fun!
6. Laugh every single day
It’s true what they say: laughter is the best medicine for sadness. Although our social lives are restricted and we’re not allowed to meet loved ones in person, that doesn’t mean we can’t pick up the phone for a quick catch up. Five minutes with someone who makes you laugh can instantly improve your mood, so try and find something funny every single day even if you force yourself. Smile on the outside and you’ll start to smile on the inside.
7. Reach out to others
Source: Loughborough University
This tip might sound blatantly obvious, but isolation can sometimes make us retreat more inside ourselves, especially as we get used to not having direct human contact. Remember that we’re all in the same boat and there will always be someone who is feeling just as hopeless and miserable as you. Covid life is undeniably hard for us all, so helping someone else in need will make you feel better too. Be a friend and reach out, even when you really don’t want to. Take the plunge and pick up the phone!
8. Enjoy your alone space
The fact of the matter is, we have to accept our fate. We’re not yet allowed to socialize, so it’s important we learn to love the alone space we have inside our homes. Find the spot in your house that calms you the most and make it your place of zen. Fill it with comfy cushions and blankets so you can retreat to your happy place when the time calls. Lockdown Friday evenings are made for lounging and relaxing, so enjoy the rest.
9. Think to the future
Source: BBC
Finally, keep reminding yourself every day that social-distancing will not be forever. Don’t allow yourself to fear the situation we are in, because the more we think about it, the more daunting it can become. Remember that it’s only temporary. The world will get back to normal eventually, we just have to wait. Be patient and think about the future. Make eventual plans with the special people who mean the most to you and stay hopeful. It can’t possibly get any worse, right?
