Listen to “How to Stay Sane While in Isolation”.
Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing has never been more critical than it is now. Long periods of loneliness and social isolation can harm your physical, psychological and social health.
Here are some of the signs that isolation is having a negative effect on you:
- Physical symptoms – aches and pains, headaches, illness or a worsening of any previous medical conditions
- Mental health conditions – isolation increases the risk and effects of depression, anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks.
- Low energy – feeling tired or lacking the motivation to do even simple tasks
- Sleep problems – difficulty getting to sleep, waking up frequently or sleeping too much
- Diet problems – loss of appetite, sudden weight gain or loss
- Substance use – Increased consumption of alcohol, smoking, medications or drugs
- Negative thoughts and feelings – feeling worthless, hopeless or thinking about suicide
Don’t worry! There are simple measures that you can take to help you adapt.
Sticking to a routine is really, really important
Having a set schedule for meal times and a set bedtime can help you stay in control. Planning out activities and setting goals will also help keep you motivated and stop you feeling down.
Set your alarm and wake up at the same time every day, just as you would if you were going to work or school. Not only will it normalize your day, but it’ll also help you to sleep better at night.
Exercise
Finding ways to stay active is important, for both your physical and mental well being. Just 20 minutes of exercise a day will help lift your mood by releasing endorphins, as well as reducing feelings of tension.
The main aim is to get your blood circulating and give yourself an energy boost. There are lots of cardio and yoga classes online to help you stay fit and healthy while isolated at home.
Maintain your hygiene and your home
It’s easy to get into a bit of funk while spending all day at home. However, poor hygiene and untidiness in the home will lead to a lack of motivation.
Getting ready and showering every day will help you maintain a sense of normality and keep you from feeling depressed.
Clean your home! It is spring after all, and now is the perfect time to do some big cleanouts and create some space in your life. Scientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute showed that clutter causes us to lose focus and reduces our cognitive function.
Breath in, breath out
When we meditate, time alters and becomes something new. Not a line to nowhere, but a cycle, a pulse, a heartbeat, emanating from the centre of our being. Try DeepH healing meditations to help you reduce anxiety and get a better night’s sleep.
