We’re seeing plenty of governmental and health professional directives at the moment to self-isolate at the early signs of flu symptoms. This all makes sense logically now that we know the extent of the Corona Virus and its potential for transmission but really, the same rules ought to apply whenever we are harboring a fugitive infection that’s transmissible (cold, flu, etc)…
It’s like the introverted person’s dream –
isolate, isolate, isolate
in neon banners and every media platform.
I remain somewhat in jest but I wanted to write this brief post to talk about how to stay healthy mentally if you’re sick and have to isolate for a while. Actually, even if you’re not sick and are instead imposing self isolation for anxiety or other-based reasons, these following few pointers are worth taking into consideration.
1) Remain with the RAP rule. Responsibilities, Achievements, Pleasures. Find balance in these activities even when you are housebound. It might end up resulting in quite a productive time in isolation
Even when you are sick, do your best to get something small done around the house. Or, maybe aim to tick off something on a to do list you’ve been unable to for a while (like this article: I’m home sick with the flu ATM), and continue to do good things for yourself. Take care of yourself with healthy food etc sure, but go above and beyond and enjoy an extra long hot shower or read a book if this is your thing.
2) Strike a balance between having a routine and sloth-ing… When we’re sick, we just want to sloth. I get it. But try to retain some routine if you can during your days at home.
3) Make your life easier where you can. Order your shopping online, cook for a couple of days at a time one day to take pressure off the next…
4) Keep checks on your Screen time… All rules seem to go out the window when we’re sick. It’s understandable: We’re tired, lethargic, and feeling unmotivated so the lure of the screen monster is understandable. Still, excessive screen time may have a negative effect on your sleep, increase your anxiety around Corona virus, and means that your balance of RAP will become out of whack.
5) Make regular check-ins with people. Create, maintain, and engage with people in your network. Send a letter to that uncle that too often gets forgotten… speak everyday with at least one person ideally.
6) Continue to access nature and sunlight wherever possible.
7) The basics. Exercise wherever you can, eat well (don’t rely on uber eats everyday), and stay well hydrated…
8) Avoid burnout from the pandemic hype by;
Acknowledging your uncertainties as they arise
Pause and breathe instead of reacting
Pull back from your worrying thoughts. Remind yourself they are only thoughts or feelings. Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are not statements of facts.
Let go of thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to respond to them.
Explore the present moment instead of getting caught up with the future based anxious thoughts. Be mindful.
stay healthy everyone. wash hands. repeat… :o)