6 Isolation Tips from A Consummate Shut-In
Itâs now⌠week five? Six? Seven-hundred? Of of Covid-19 social isolation. And in just this short period of time, I have watched as friends, acquaintances, and strangers- how do I put this delicately- lose it. Apparently, upending peopleâs lives and removing them from communities can have adverse effects. Who knew?
Having âlost itâ a long time ago, I came prepared.⯠Because the habits I developed while learning to live with my own particular brands of mental illness have made it pretty easy for me to not only survive social isolation, but thrive. And even though our communities are beginning to open up, it does not mean everything is business as usual yet. Allow this shut-in to share with you some tips and tricks for your life both in and out of social isolation.
A Home Worth Spending Time In
Not everyone has access to their own home, their own room, or their own space. But if you do, itâs worth making your space a place worth being in. If itâs a pleasant space, that means youâll be willing to spend more time in it. Making a space can also create a sense of stability, a touchstone for when the rest of the world gets a little chaotic.âŻ
This is not to say that everyone has to get an interior decorator (although I do suggest looking up fun decorating ideas online), but putting things you love in your space can make a huge difference in how you feel about it. Putting up pictures or posters, a soft blanket, or memorabilia in a space can go a long way into making it enjoyable to be there.âŻ
Likewise, a routine for maintaining cleanliness is also good for your space. We put work into the things we value, likewise, if we put work into something, we will value it more. Making a cleaning routine for your space can reinforce its importance to you.âŻ
Cultivate Solitary Hobbies
Once upon a time, I was a lonely weirdo child who liked to read. I grew up into the weirdo adult that still likes to read. Itâs a habit that has served me well through illness and many a hurricane-induced power outage. I have friends that knit and crochet. I have other friends that swear by video games. Others that do yoga, and other friends that bake.âŻ
Find something enjoyable that you can do alone. Something that gives you joy and that you can readily do in your space without a lot of investment. It doesnât have to be popular and it can be as unique as you are. I know at least two different people that like to search out rare movies and write reviews on letterboxd, and one that alters miniature toys, for instance. It has to be something that isnât going to put additional pressure, that you can do at your own pace.
And after that, find something else to engage in. Building a variety of hobbies and joys will help you maintain wellness when one fails. If you become disinterested, you could have one or two other back-ups.âŻ
Having solitary hobbies for when youâre alone can also distract you from negative-self talk. Itâs a way to keep busy and discover your personal value beyond what you provide for others.âŻ
No person is an island, no matter how badly we might want to cut away from the continent from time to time. People need people, and even us loners are going to need someone else in our orbit every once in a while. The WRAP plan suggests at least 5 close people in your life. Though that is a good start, I would suggest ensuring that you make it a goal to cultivate many relationships at differing levels of intimacy. And a variety of ways to talk to people.âŻ
I have a couple of groups where we talk to each other regularly on discord. A couple of friends that we just message each other funny memes. Other friends that I can talk books and politics with. Variety is the spice of life, but itâs also necessary to cultivate a variety of types of relationships. And a variety of formats to do it in. Whether its phone calls, chats, or zoom happy hours, making an effort of connect with others will help each of you weather isolation.âŻ
I once had a colleague who went by the motto âABL: Always Be Learningâ. For people who are always learning, the world holds a certain amount of curiosity, and that can help keep your mind sharp and active. Like a hobby, picking up a skill requires some discipline, and it should be something you are âactivelyâ trying to improve.âŻ
Maybe itâs something that might give you an edge in your career, something youâve always been curious about, or something completely out of left field, picking up a skill can be extremely gratifying experience. While having a hobby can give your life personal joy and value, picking up a skill can give you dimension. Building on a skill or learning a new skill can do wonders for your sense of accomplishment. Itâs a goal-oriented way to spend your free time.âŻ
It really is easier than ever to learn a skill. There are paid programs like Skillshare, and the free and personalized classes, like 9Muses Virtual Art and Wellness classes. Unlike traditional schooling, building a skill as an adult is all in how much time you are able to devote to it. Plus, no grades!
I am an unrepentant couch potato, but even this spud knows that you have to get off your keister. Making some movement part of a daily routine is asâŻnecessary for your mental health as your physical health. It doesnât have to be big, but doing something with intention for a little bit of time can be extremely beneficial. Maybe consider a fitness routine from a Youtuber, or even just pacing around your home for ten minutes. As long as youâre keeping a social distance, why not consider a walk outside?
In this case, moving isnât necessarily about fitness, itâs about taking yourself out of the situation. Doing something, anything, even the smallest of walks around the room can bring oxygen to the brain and make you feel better.âŻ
At least once a day, give yourself something to be joyful for, something to enjoyâŻor love. It might be a TV show, a compilations of funny animal videos, a literal treat like chocolate or ice cream, and so on. Finding happiness in little things helps us be grateful for what we have, rather than what we might not have. You might not be able to hang with your close friends, but you can text them or call them. You might not be able to watch a live basketball game, but you can rewatch highlights of the 1997 Bullâs season. Create a versatile list of things that make you happy, because happiness is a necessary human condition.
Do you have tricks dealing with social isolation of your own? Share them with us!
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