Millions of people across the world are struggling with social isolation during this time. As a social species, humans need interaction with others. Even the most introverted individuals are having a hard time not being able to see friends, family, and colleagues while they try to stay safe and socially distance from those outside their households.
Despite the health benefits of quarantining, the adverse effects of prolonged isolation have impacted so many of us. With the approval and roll-out of various vaccines, we now know there is an end in sight. However, there are still some months to wait before we can return to ‘normal.’
A research study has shown that loneliness can be as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, so it should not be taken lightly.If you or anybody you know is struggling with social isolation, no matter how small the struggle may seem, it’s time to act. Use the guide below to keep yourself feeling grounded and prevent further mental health issues.
Make Use Of Technology
Smartphones and tablets are a common aspect of our lives and can help with so many personal and business-related tasks. It’s no different when it comes to our mental health. One study showed that increasing numbers of people are now turning to the use of mental wellbeing apps.
While these should never be considered an alternative to mental health treatment, such as therapy, they can be a great supplement alongside it or a temporary measure until professional help is available.
Even those who aren’t experiencing mental health issues can benefit from these apps. They can help with mindfulness, meditation, and finding a way of maintaining a routine, something many are having trouble with at this time.
Connect With Loved Ones
We know nothing will replace face-to-face conversations and our friends’ and family’s physical touch, but using video calling software can help us feel connected with those we care about.
These don’t have to be lengthy or deep conversations. Even a quick 5-minute call can lift spirits and do a world of good for those who are feeling isolated. While texting and instant messaging can seem like you are still connecting with others, you’ll feel a real difference having a ‘face-to-face’ conversation with someone.
Join A New Group Online
Find a group online that shares a common interest with you and join it. This could be anything from a virtual book club, online exercise classes, or simply discussion groups that hold virtual meetings.
A hobby can help you cope with social isolation and keep your brain active during this time. Adding others who share the same passion into the mix can really help with loneliness. It will also provide a sense of routine if group meetings are held at regular intervals.
Connecting with people in online groups can also help others who are having a hard time and might lead to friendships that can continue far longer than this pandemic.
Keep Active
Regular exercise not only helps with your physical health but your mental health, too. This doesn’t have to be anything excessive. Even a quick 5-minute walk can give great benefits.
Learn Something New
An active mind can help prevent your mental health from deteriorating. Learning something new can keep you busy in these difficult times. It could be something challenging, such as learning a new language, or something simple like finding a new dish to cook.
Any accomplishment, no matter how small, should be seen as a success. Celebrating the small wins can promote a positive mental attitude.
Don’t Compare Yourselves To Others
With social media presence high for many of us nowadays, it can be easy to compare ourselves with others to judge how they are ‘coping’ now. Don’t compare your own experience to that of what you see online.
In truth, an online presence is far different from reality. Strengths vary within each person, and there is no such thing as ‘winning’ during this pandemic. Measure your success against yourself and no one else. Comparing lives with others will only increase your mental anguish.
Volunteer Your Time
You don’t have to be physically present to volunteer your time to help others. The ‘feel-good’ factor from this can be tremendous, and it is another way to connect with others and help overcome social isolation.
Many organizations need volunteers to help with the effects of the pandemic – from lonely elderly citizens who just need someone to talk with, to animal shelters that need a remote secretary.
The most important thing to remember is that this will pass. We will be able to hug our loved ones again. If your mental health deteriorates to a point where you cannot cope, and daily life is becoming a huge struggle, please, reach out to a loved one or a professional and don’t suffer in silence.
About the Author: Chloe Louise is the founder of Tech Business News and a professional content writer for 6 years. She has competence in creating high-quality audience driving content and has written some great content for her clients. She likes to explore new creative ideas for writing, generating relevant audiences, and other inspirational subjects
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
Resources to Recover and Our Sponsor Laurel House, Inc. Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time for celebrating the outstanding achievements of Blacks and African Americans and their central role in US history. It is also a time to recognize the struggles Black people have faced throughout the history of this nation and give tribute to the strength and resilience of generations of Black Americans who have risen above adversity.
Black History Month originated from an idea by Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson, who wrote the Journal of Negro History in 1916 to herald the achievements of overlooked African Americans in US history and culture. In 1926 he led an effort by the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) to officially declare the second week of February as “Negro History Week.” These dates align with the birthdays of two crucial figures in Black American history: Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809), who signed the Emancipation Proclamation officially ending slavery in the United States, and the Black American abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass (February 14, 1818), an escaped slave who is widely considered the most influential civil and human rights advocate of the 19th century. In 1976, President Gerald Ford gave official governmental recognition to the observance by declaring February “Black History Month.”
Without the contributions of Blacks and African Americans to more than 500 years of US history, culture, entertainment and the arts, science, athletics, industry and the economy, public service, and the Armed Forces, we would not be the country we are today.
The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios only.
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