How you survive the period of self-isolation, largely depends on what kind of person you are.
If you are an extrovert who needs social contacts, it will be more difficult for you to be locked up than an introvert. He just conveniently curled up on the couch in an embrace with a book.
But in any case, it’s worth trying to reduce the effects of forced social distance.
1. Do not lose touch with other people
Today it is easier than ever because there are social networks, instant messengers, services and applications for video communication. It is very important to use this window to the world: at least once a day, chat or call up friends and relatives.
Regular social contacts will become your support and help you not to get to the symptoms of a mental disorder.
2. Move
WHO recommends that adults devote at least 30 minutes a day to exercise and children at least an hour.
If possible, try at least once a day to briefly go outside to walk or go for a run. The main thing is to do it alone and stay at a distance of at least 1.5–2 meters from other people.
If you cannot leave the house, dance, do yoga, or go up and down the stairs.
Find a way to move. Your well-being and how easily you can quarantine depend on this.
3. Eat healthy foods
This will help your immune system work properly, says Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. The normal functioning of the immune system will reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
In addition, Tedros Adan Gebreisus recommends limiting alcohol and high-sugar drinks (such as sweet soda). Although it seems that alcohol helps to calm down, in the long run, alcohol exacerbates the effects of stress — makes a person more anxious and irritable.
As for sugary drinks, abuse of them causes jumps in blood sugar, and this increases the production of the stress hormone cortisol.
4. Learn to relieve stress
Take it for granted that your psyche in conditions of self-isolation is unbalanced — even if it seems to you that you are calm and keep yourself in control. Mental exhaustion accumulates gradually, so we must learn to resist it.
Turn on soothing music or recording sounds of nature. Make a habit of devoting yourself several times a day to one specific business, fully concentrating on it. For example, wash dishes thoroughly, clean up shelves in a cupboard, or have a tea ceremony. If something bothers you, breathe in slowly and deeply for a few minutes.
There are dozens of ways to relieve stress. Choose yours.
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