Coping Strategies During Times of Isolation

The recent global health crisis has placed many people in an unprecedented situation: consistent isolation. Even those who live with family members or roommates often find the current “new normal” to be overwhelming. The inability to turn to traditional options for social connection can lead to feelings of stress, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there are ways you can cope during times of isolation and still enjoy a fulfilling life.

Turn to Your Faith

Whether you are already involved with a local religious group or connect online through resources like The Way International, turning to your faith is a powerful option when you’re forced to spend much of your time alone at home. Research has shown that spiritual beliefs can help anchor people during times of distress. Exploring and fostering your personal spirituality can help provide a hopeful and positive perspective in the midst of tragedy and fear. Even though you may not be able to connect with a community of believers in some of the traditional ways, faith has a way of bringing people together while they’re apart. Participating in your traditional rituals, such as prayer and studying sacred writings can also help you feel grounded during periods of major change.

Talk With a Professional Therapist

With current technology and the widespread use of mobile devices, it’s easier than ever to attend a talk therapy session on virtual platforms. This means there’s no excuse for ignoring your mental health, even if you have to stay at home. Having someone to talk to who is also trained in helping people cope with these feelings and worries can help you get the tools you need to make day-to-day life more manageable and even enjoyable. Whether you’re just feeling a little down or you’re too overwhelmed to function, talking with a professional therapist can be incredibly helpful.

Take the Time to Tackle Your To-Do List

Being stuck at home can actually be a great opportunity to check several things off of your list that you typically can’t make time for. Have you been putting off organizing your basement or cleaning out the attic? Is it well past time to sort through some old paperwork or de-clutter your closet? Now is a great time to tackle your to-do list. The activity can help take your mind off of your loneliness while giving you a great sense of accomplishment at the same time.

Checking off a long-term list doesn’t have to be a drudgery. Be sure to add projects that are fun too! Try an online art class, catch up on that TV series everyone has been talking about, or read a book you’ve been meaning to get to for months now.

Transform Your Mindset

While it may seem like the current public health restrictions will never end, remind yourself that this is not a permanent situation. Every phase of life, good and bad, will only last for a season. If you can tell yourself that while you’re lonely now, you won’t be lonely forever, it can have a powerful effect on your overall mindset.

Isolation can be crippling for even those with the healthiest minds and bodies. However, with the right approach, you can utilize effective coping strategies to stay positive during these and other hard times.

Carlos Wagner