How to Prioritize Your Mental Health While Self-Isolating

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

https://onemedical.com/blog/live-well/mental-health-self-isolation

By Christine Celio
One Medical Group
Mar 26, 2020

As local governments and health authorities look to curb the spread of 
COVID-19, more and more people throughout the U.S. are being told to stay home 
and practice social distancing. Likewise, those who are sick or have tested 
positive for COVID-19 are further limiting their social contact through 
self-isolation. While such measures may protect our physical health, it’s 
important to also consider the impact of isolation on our mental health. Being 
separated from friends, family, and colleagues may trigger feelings of 
loneliness, anxiety, anger, restlessness, stress, and even depression. But just 
as we are protecting our immune system, it’s equally important to prioritize 
self-care at this time. Here’s how you can take care of your mental health 
while in social isolation:

1. Keep busy — Have a household project you’ve been putting off or been too 
busy to get around to? Now’s your chance! Organize your closet or put together 
that bookshelf that’s been sitting in the corner. You might even consider 
learning a new language or trying a new hobby, like cooking or knitting. We 
recommend checking out sites like Skillshare, where you can easily learn how to 
write a memoir, chop like a professional cook, do graphic design, or create 
electronic music! Many sites, like MasterClass, Class Central and Scholastic 
are even offering free or discounted virtual classes during this time.

2. Go on a digital detox — While it’s important to stay up to date on the 
latest public health announcements, too much news consumption can increase 
feelings of stress and anxiety. If endless scrolling leaves you feeling 
overwhelmed, try setting aside regular time in the morning or afternoon to 
check your newsfeed and give yourself a time limit. Many social media platforms 
even allow you to set such parameters with their apps.

3. Pick up a book — Although watching TV can be an easy way to pass the time, 
reading or listening to audiobooks can stimulate your imagination and give your 
anxious brain a nice reprieve from reality. Research shows that reading for 
just six minutes can lower your blood pressure and ease tension in the muscles. 
Can’t find a bookstore open near you? Try audiobook sites like Audible or the 
app for your local library (this app is the one for San Francisco).

4. Communicate with others as much as possible — While physical contact may be 
limited right now, there are several ways to stay in touch with friends and 
family. Try to still connect with your friends and family through video chat or 
phone calls. Host a virtual “happy hour” or “coffee break” with one of your 
co-workers. We recommend even setting up recurring calendar invites for 
FaceTime check-ins with friends and family, as it can be hard to connect around 
everyone’s busy schedules. You don’t need to talk about the quarantine or 
COVID-19, and in fact it might be a good idea to keep that part of the 
conversation to 5-10 minutes and the rest of the time talk about other things.

[...]

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