CAPE TOWN - The pandemic has brought a lot of stress and anxiety to us all especially those feeling alone. Here are a couple of tips on how to get through loneliness or living alone in self-isolation.
One of the biggest concerns, during these uncertain times, has been mental health. Although it has affected us all with the rapid changes and restrictions put in place across the world in efforts to curb the spread of the virus, it is easy to feel alone during isolation.
If you are feeling alone or living alone, just know that because you are physically isolated does not mean your mind should be too. Here is a couple of ways to help you get through:
1.
Decorate your living space
Rather than going out to with friends or visiting your favourite restaurant, try using whatever money you are saving to change things up in your living space. Whether it is painting, DIY crafts or rearranging furniture, now with some time on your hands it is a perfect opportunity. Something new always helps lift spirits.
2. Learn new skills
Use this time to go through YouTube or Pinterest and try learning new things. Finally being able to fix the little things around the house like that leaking sink, new accomplishments and learning new skills is a great mental booster. Helping yourself become self-reliant is extremely rewarding.
3. New hobbies
From learning how to cook something new or growing your first plant from seeds, finding new hobbies is a great way to pass time and expand your knowledge as mastering something new can keep you entertained for a lot longer than you can imagine.
4. Keeping in touch
During such times, although we all are physically distancing and self-isolating, don’t allow your mind to do the same. Keep in touch with friends or family, whether it is via a quick phone call, video call or WhatsApp message, social interaction is important and it will remind you that we are all in this together.
5. Break old habits
The pandemic has come with many new challenges and lockdown has been around for quite some time now. Try to find the little bad habits you may find in your subconscious routines. Whether you tend to fall asleep in front of the TV or make the bed later in the day, changing things up helps break bad habits that form a daily routine that may be contributing to those difficult emotions. Doing things different brings a fresh state of mind.
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