How To Cope With Common Quarantine Struggles
Living under a lockdown is bad for our mental health. Quarantines can cause a waterfall of negative emotions that can be difficult to handle. But the pandemic has brought many battles we had to fight this year.
Quarantine and Finances
Many people had to fight another battle along with COVID-19 this year as their finances struggled to make ends meet. Unemployment levels have reached all-time highs this year with official figures only telling one part of the story.
Some were wise enough to look for a more affordable electricity provider by comparing electricity rates and possibly saving several hundreds of dollars of their yearly energy bill, whereas others have cut back on subscriptions and canceled their gym memberships. Like any crisis, this was a year to get creative such as by making meals at home to save money. Some very enthusiastic and wise individuals even started growing their food along with becoming Chefs of their household, with women turning their homes into self-care SPAs. People across the globe were forced to dramatically change their consumer behavior and reduce their spending.
In times of uncertainty, getting control over one’s finances gives a person a peace of mind.
Quarantine and Mental Health
Living under lockdown can increase the risk of depression or at the very least, worsen existing symptoms. In a China, a study revealed that almost 35% of respondents reported having psychological issues due to the pandemic, whereas US cases of depression have tripled during the pandemic, according to Medical News Today. There is evidence that isolation and disconnectedness worsen depression, along with causing a decline in mood and cognition.
The pandemic has triggered many negative thoughts and fears regarding:
- Getting infected or infecting others
- Worries about personal health and health of loved ones
- Uncertainty about the future
- Existential fears about one’s job and resources
- Feeling frustrated by being in lockdown
- Fear of crowded places
- Feeling frustrated and not in control
Yet, simple things such as adopting a healthy daily routine can give you structure and make a difference for the better. Although it is important to stay informed of what is happening in the world, it is just as important not to focus too much on the negative stuff. Moreover, times of crisis are a great opportunity to bond with others. Paradoxically, by helping out someone, we get to feel better, more worthy and connected. Most importantly, if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Quarantine and Boredom
It is normal for a global pandemic to cause all kinds of anxiety and negative feelings. But there are plenty of things we can do to boost our mood.
Exercise
Release those endorphins so they can make you feel better. Make your own Jane Fonda aerobic routine or tune in to a Yoga session on Zoom or YouTube that will benefit your body, while also soothing your mind.
Become an artist
Paint, draw, write or just create something as simple as a meal. We all have an inner artist within that is just waiting for his or her time to shine.
Watch movies or plays
Although it did not qualify as an essential business, culture is a necessity of the humankind. With so many new movies being released via streaming channels and theatres who are streaming their plays, this is a unique opportunity for some culture time.
Learn something
A new language, a craft, a hobby – you name it! Master a new recipe and turn your house into a Michelin star restaurant.
DIY away
Start your own projects, you can even entertain your children in the DIY universe and get them to help you fix something in the house or simply build something new like a doll house.
Takeaway – Now is the time to do anything that you once never had time to do. Take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of it because no one wants this year to repeat itself. Although no one knows when or if life will return to normal, 2020 has hopefully taught us to see any difficulty as an opportunity in disguise.
