““I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
”So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ”
COVID has touched every single one of us, and the effects are far from over. In addition to the physical effects of the illness, the mental effects are far-reaching. Many people are out of work and worried about how they are going to pay the bills. The uncertainly definitely can be substantial for those with pre-existing mental health challenges. Add together the social isolation of quarantine (or having multiple people working from home in the same space), and that is a whole other level of challenge. We are all in this vast unknown together, and we don’t know how long it will last.
I am an introvert in practice, so I expected social distancing wouldn't be very difficult. After all, I already run my business from home, so it’s not like my routine would change much. WRONG. Who knew staying in your house for weeks at a time could be so exhausting!
We all are in this together, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Here are my tips and tricks for preserving your mental health during quarantine and social distancing.
Physical Distancing Not Social Distancing
3 out of 4 Americans are under quarantine or following social distancing protocols. That means not seeing friends and family, going out on the town, or generally engaging in outside activities (here in Los Angeles all the beaches and trails are closed).
However, that is physical distancing, not social distancing. We can still be social during this time!
Here are some ways to engage in social connection without leaving the house:
Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while (or even better, skype so you can see each other!)
Plan a virtual happy hour or brunch
Join or start a virtual book club
Stream a movie or show together and live-chat the experience. Some of my favorites are Schitt’s Creek, Parks and Rec, or The Good Place
In addition, now is an excellent time to check on the extroverts in your life who are probably doubly feeling the effects of quarantine.
Engage in Self Care
As someone with anxiety and depression, quarantine can exacerbate pre-existing mental health challenges. But taking care of mental health is going to look different for everyone.
Some days, you may be able to do more active self-care, such as coloring in a coloring book, doing a facial, or taking a bubble bath. Other days, it can be a win just to put on fresh clothes and shower. Come up with a self-care plan which works for you.
I have been doing self-care in the following ways:
I am finding creative ways to express myself. For instance, I watercolored a sketch of Hogwarts. Is it a masterpiece? NO! But I am proud of it and have it displayed on my fridge. I also have been baking far more than any human should reasonably consume. Baking is an excellent mental health project since it forces me to focus specifically on ingredients and a process.
I am focusing on skin-care. I struggle with skin-picking (also known as dermatillomania or excoriation), which is exacerbated when I am anxious. I have been using this time to hone in on my skin-care routine, doing facials, washing my face twice per day, and spot treating my acne. I also keep a fidget spinner next to me while I work to keep my hands busy so I don't pick my skin.
I am reading and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. For me, fantasy novels are great for escapism and take you into a whole new world without ever having to leave the apartment.
Physical Health Matters Too
In addition to mental health, don’t forget about your physical health. Virtual workouts are great for working off extra stress and getting the endorphins going. Also, now is a time to focus on mindful cooking. In our regular lives, my partner and I tend to have about 5 different meals we rotate cooking because they are easy to make and delicious. Now, we have been taking time to experiment and cook a ton of new recipes. We have also enjoyed being able to do more mindful eating (as opposed to multitasking). Finally, get some vitamin D. While the trails are closed, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside for a walk (as long as you stay 6ft or more away from others). A little sunshine will do you some food.
To Be Productive or Not Be Productive
People are going to handle being in quarantine in different ways, and that is entirely okay.
For me, I have thrown myself into productivity: cleaning, working on projects, writing, planning, etc. On a personal level, this gives me a sense of control during an otherwise uncertain time.
However, that does NOT mean you have to follow that same approach.
It is okay to do absolutely nothing. While you are likely being inundated with people on your feed organizing their closet or learning a new language, that doesn’t mean it is the “right” way to handle quarantine. Our world is going through a trauma right now, and it is okay to give yourself time to heal.
How are you maintaining your mental health while in quarantine?