Dealing With Isolation by Sharele Hatfield

Dealing With Isolation

COVID-19 is the topic of every conversation as is the resulting quarantine. Schools have been closed, churches have closed there buildings and important events have been cancelled. Our daughter's very first dance competition was cancelled. She is devastated as I'm sure so many are also with the cancellation of events that you have been looking forward to attending . Important family events, such as baptisms, weddings, and graduations have been postponed indefinitely for many families. Sporting events, plays, concerts, and other events being cancelled have left millions of school kids disappointed. Finally, the closure of many community centers, libraries, restaurants, and museums have left people with nowhere to go and no way to connect. So how do we deal with isolation during this time? Read on to find ways to keep connected and keep sane, even when we can’t see people in person. 

Get Outside

As long as we leave some distance between people, there is no reason why we can’t get outside and get some exercise! Go for a hike, walk your dog, go for a bike ride, or go geocaching. Getting outside is a proven way to boost your mood, and everyone can benefit from a little extra Vitamin D! 

Hang Out Online

Even if you can’t see your friends or family in person, you can utilize Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, or another type of video service to see and talk to your loved ones. Take your book club online, reconnect with an old friend on Facebook, or Facetime with a relative. Technology can help us stay connected even while we are social distancing. 

Virtually Visit 

Many museums and zoos have virtually opened their doors, even when they are closed to the public. Take a virtual tour of a great museum that you might not get to visit otherwise, or watch animals on camera. Many zoos have cameras on their cutest animals, such as the pandas or penguins. Several aquariums also have video set up, and there are dozens of eagle cams set up around the country. Watch a baby eaglet hatch or check out some great paintings online! 

Learn Something New 

Your local library often has free courses that you can take on a wide variety of topics, such as languages, business, crafts, cooking, and more. Additionally, many online learning providers are waiving fees during this time, so you can get on and try a new skill that you’ve always wanted to learn. This may be the perfect time to learn to knit, speak another language, decorate a cake, or start your own business. 

Look For Ways to Support Someone Else

If you are reading this, I imagine you are in a better position than so many others. Take time to send a card to a nursing home or send an encouraging message to a new mother. Two minutes of your time encouraging and supporting someone else can make dealing with this isolation more bearable for someone else and in turn help you feel better about yourself.

This time in our world can be scary and isolating, but if you look at it as an opportunity to try something new, get outside, reconnect with loved ones, support someone else, it will change your mindset and help you deal with the isolation we are experiencing!