10 top tips to survive social isolation

Having to self-isolate due to the coronavirus will put a strain on your day to day life if you don’t try to stick to your regular daily activities, so here are 10 top tips to surviving social isolation.

1. Don’t panic!

   It is important to stay calm, which can be hard.  With all we are hearing on the news at the moment.  But it is important we think about the people around us and how they might react, especially children and older relatives.  Different people will find different ways of surviving social isolation.  There is no need to panic buy, as the supermarkets are NOT closing.  Buy panicking and clearing the supermarket shelves, all we achieve is shortages for more vulnerable people.  Not everyone has the same budget, so please think of others when you go out shopping.

2. Support each other

   When you are preparing to self-isolate, remember to check on friends and relatives who might not be able to get out and about.  Maybe they need help getting their shopping, or just need someone to walk their dog.  Remember to check on friends who live alone, they might be by themselves for 3-12 weeks.  Given them a call or send them a message just so they know you are there for them.

3. Keep to a routine

   Don’t get into bad habits with late nights and long lay in’s, try and keep to your normal working day routines.  Keep that alarm programmed, take that shower and make sure you get dressed.  Also, stick to your regular mealtimes, as this will help keep your energy levels up.

4. Eat well

   Now, this does not mean stockpile your kitchen cupboards, just make sure you have a varied diet and don’t just go for the biscuit tin just because your home.  Make sure you have plenty of healthy options available and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (water is best).

5. Keep fit

   Find that work out DVD from the back of the cupboard or find your favourite fitness guru online.  Many have been creating new work out routines especially for social isolation, so you can take part in easy routines using items around your home to keep fit.  (I am sure we all have a few extra tins in the cupboard that would make a good set of weights).

6. Take time out

   When did you last pick up a book? It is surprising how much time can pass when you get lost in a good book. Or maybe get around to reading those magazines or journals you just never find the time for.  Spend some time on that hobby you forgot you had, or maybe start that hobby you have never had the time for before.  You might have a busy household with all the family home, so make sure you give each other some space as well as spending time together.

7. Catch up with friends

   Just because you are isolated in your home, does not mean you cannot enjoy your social life.  Take advantage of social media, messaging, video chats, or maybe just pick up the phone. You could also create a group chat so you feel like you are out socialising with friends, whilst enjoying a cup of tea and slice of cake.  But try to limit your time on social media, it’s good to keep up to date with things and chat with friends, but be careful of fake news and scams.  It is also very easy to waste a lot of time on social media platforms, so try and limit yourself to short duration at certain times of the day.

8. Play some games

   Find that board game that only comes out at Christmas and get the family to join in.  This could also work on a group video chat, where you could create your own quiz games or silly challenges. Nothing passes the time better than fun with friends and some good laughter.

9. Go for a walk

   There is nothing stopping you going out to enjoy a long walk, as long as you are healthy and not showing symptoms of the virus.  Maybe offer to walk the neighbour’s dog, or just taking a long country walk.  Just don’t forget to follow the social distancing rules and stay two metres apart from anyone else and only out in two’s (unless you are all family members of the same household).  If you see others while you are out walking, be respectful and give each other space.

10. Create your own entertainment

    Find your favourite film from your DVD collection or online and enjoy that home cinema experience.  Sit back and relax with your favourite treats, have a good laugh, good cry or even hide behind the sofa.

    Or have fun dancing around the house by creating your own music mix.  Ask Alexia to play your favourite radio station, or get a free Spotify account to create your own playlists.

Finally..

Don’t forget we are all in this together, so remember to check up on friends & family and make sure we support each other through this.

Next week we will be looking at 8 ways to support your wellbeing at home.

Photo credit by Olga Filonenko on Unsplash