If you are following social isolation procedures, the chances are that you will end up feeling quite lonely. Here is what you can do
How to ensure you are not disconnected socially in lockdown
The disease caused by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a challenge for everyone. We are being asked to keep our distance in order to minimize the spread of the virus. Even if you are healthy and keeping up, you may spend your time playing online blackjack blackjackdoc.com or just watching your favourite Netflix show on repeat. But what can you do to stay connected, and why does it matter?
We, humans, are social beings
For most people, self-isolation and social distancing will be a challenge. This is because as humans, we are innately social. We have always lived in groups, whether these be family units, communities or villages. Even though we know that social isolation is bad for our health, we do not yet know the impact of prolonged social isolation.
Ensuring your personal safety
The first thing to point out, above all else, is personal safety. This should be your top priority, regardless of what you do. If you intend to stay connected with others or incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, you must make sure that you follow the local circumstances. Being outside and being active may feel great, but if your local advisory does not allow for it, it is better to avoid it. There are plenty of indoor options available.
How can we stay connected?
If you are in quarantine or practising social distancing, here we have a few tips that are going to help you remain connected with others.
- How can you interact with other people without putting their or your own health at risk? Perhaps we can take a page out of Italy’s book and speak to our neighbours across balconies or over a fence. This is a great way to stay connected while actually seeing someone.
- Use technology to keep in touch if you have access to it. Use the video capabilities of your smartphone (provided that you have one). Seeing someone instead of just hearing them is going to strengthen the bond and increase the connection.
- Make sure to check in with neighbours, friends and family regularly. If you have the ability, make sure that you assist more vulnerable people. Perhaps there are those in your life that cannot use the internet to shop online or who cannot easily navigate the web.
- If you are not living alone, now is a great time to improve your existing relationships. This is going to help you connect with someone on a different level. Especially in a lockdown situation.
- Make sure that you manage your stress levels. Keep to your daily routine as much as you can. Meditate, exercise, make sure that you stay active.
What can you do (besides watching Netflix?)
Staying physically active, as just mentioned, is essential. You don’t need much to get a little exercise in your life. This is going to help you feel much better and relaxed. These are a few things you can do:
- Yoga – Make some space on the floor or grab your yoga mat. There are several free yoga videos on YouTube. Select your preferred intensity and make sure that you select one that suits your skill level. This is a workout for both your mind and body.
- Bodyweight exercises – Contrary to what people may think, you don’t need a home gym to work out. A select list of activities will be enough to get or keep you in shape. You can try tricep dips, push-ups, burpees, sit-ups/crunches, bodyweight squats, or squat thrusts. Especially if you have never done these exercises before (or much exercising at all) make sure that you take it easy and preferably try to work out with someone in the room with you to suit your current fitness level.
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