Yes, self-isolation is a wild ride. There are ups and downs: way less wear and tear on vehicles and extremely low fuel costs (even without the cost of fuel plummeting at the beginning of the pandemic). More quality time with family…too much quality time with family…it can go both ways. Fewer obligations… Exceptionally short commutes for meetings.
Of course, there’s also the part with limited social activities, limited people to spend time with, and, for many, limited funds. There seems to be a general tension among many.
One nice thing is that many people are getting used to wearing masks and seeing others with them on, reducing tensions about safety while out.
We are coming up with digital ways of socializing. In warmer climates and summer months, there has even been playing games or socializing across balconies, alleyways, streets, and bonfires. I’ve heard of block parties where each house hangs out at the end of their driveways and chats across the street or yard to the other participants. When faced with problems, we can come up with an abundance of solutions. People are surviving and even thriving in the face of something most of us have not experienced before.
So how does one stay positive?
One way is to keep informed by reading the data and scientific research. Being aware of where things are going and what is known currently can be a big help for some. There are a lot of good resources for data out there. I like worldometers.info/coronavirus, the WHO and the CDC. If you need more info, check their sources and links to original data.
Some people are trying to find ways of assisting in a solution by sewing masks, revamping technology, offering free solutions to learning and socializing, printing face shields, donating food to the needy…. For some offering what assistance they can gives a powerfully positive feeling.
Take time for yourself.
Be aware of your mental health needs.
Let yourself feel whatever it is you need to feel.
If you’re happy, sad, frustrated, whatever. Find a safe environment for yourself and let it out. Go into a room by yourself, take a walk in the forest, step outside, head to your workshop… Then sing, cry, scream, yell at the world, punch a pillow, whatever you need to do to safely experience and release your emotions that you don’t feel comfortable (for whatever reason) letting out in the normal course of your day.
If you can talk to someone about how you feel, the simple act of sharing and letting feelings go that way can be quite beneficial.
Another way to deal with emotions…write. Write what you’re feeling. Even if it’s something that you don’t want anyone else to see. You can shred it, burn it, keep it in a book, throw it away when you finish, or delete it. All acceptable.
Tip: If you are writing about someone who you often email or in a response to an email, make sure you do your writing in another program. Use programs like Word, Pages, Notes, or even go old school and write it on paper. If you intend to send it to the person, give yourself a few hours or even overnight and make sure what you wrote still fits your needs and is well written before you hit the send button.
Digital ideas:
Digital trivia night, meetings, digital concerts (you can give them or watch them), create your own show, meetup with friends over digital mediums, take a digital museum tour or walk through a national park. Learn something new. Take a class. Teach a class if you have something to share.
Analog Ideas:
Take up a hobby you always wanted to. Try your hand at painting, drawing, photography, grow something, sew something. Learn to cook some new dishes. Finish something you haven’t had time for. Build something.
Meditate, Take some quiet time for yourself. Exercise, spend time outdoors.
Maybe a strange comment for a generally isolated time, but if you are with your family, each family member needs some time completely alone. Even if you are completely alone, taking time to meditate or whatever you need to do to truly hear yourself, be truly in touch with your needs, to ground yourself. Find a way to take a few minutes out to slow down and center yourself.
Read a favorite book. Read a new book. Write a new book.
Clean your entire house top to bottom. Get rid of your clutter you’ve been meaning to get to. Or at least box it up and label it if it’s meant to be donated or recycled at locations that are not accepting donations currently.
Some places still are accepting donations. Especially food pantries.
Take a hike, ride a bike, try new things, delve deep and find things that make you happy.
Share your accomplishments and brilliant ideas.
You can always call up your family and friends or see them on a digital medium to share and maybe even party! BYOB, and no issues with drinking and driving.
Bonus: When you’re tired, you can just sign off and walk the ten feet to go to bed.