Healthy Coping Strategies for People in Isolation.

COVID 19 has hit the world hard, dividing the world into 2 major groups. One, still not infected group and the other infected or may be infected group. This second group has been sent to isolation. Isolation has not only brought extreme loneliness, teething anxiety, depression but also trauma in people who are going through it.

Needless to say, these people need constant socio-emotional support apart from the medical treatment. Counseling is also important to help them deal better with their conditions. Though this may be one of the most difficult moments in one’s life, research says that the resilient ones are more likely to cope better than others.

There are a number of coping strategies that can help people in isolation deal better with their psychological distresses.

1. Have a dream- think about what you would want to do when you are out of this situation. This thought of new possibilities will help you glide through the negative thoughts that will come in the way.
2. Have small achievable goals – take small manageble task and complete them, only how much your health permits. Completing task help feeling successful, like reading a small page from a book, this will help in keeping up the much needed fighter spirit.
3. Maintain social contact- Call people, text them to remain connected. Social and emotional support is much needed in times of difficulty and helps in developing resilience.
4. Duck from negative- if you find any of your family member, relative or even friends are talking about things that make you feel worse, tell them to change the topic, if they can’t, AVOID them, nothing is more important than your own mental peace.
5. Mindfulness techniques- meditation, belly breathing, mindful meals are some ways you bring calmness into yourself. Research shows that mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
6. Rest as much as possible. This will help you heal your body and mind.
7. Watch movies, listen to music or read books that were long pending in your to do list. Recreation and relaxation helps in recovery.
8. Make peace with your condition. Accept the uncertainties of life. The more you fight about it the more exhausted you will become.
9. Cooperate with the medical staff as much as possible- everyone is trying to help, the advices that are being given try to follow ardently. The more sincere you are, the more you will reap the benefits of the treatment.

Remember, this is a very responsible thing you are doing. This action will save so many people from suffering, so be proud of yourself.