5 Ways to pick yourself up on isolation

When the fog sets in

As some people head into their third or fourth week in isolation the novelty is no doubt wearing off. Challenges as intricate and individual as a fingerprint. From those who have taken up the mantle of a school teacher, others settling into a home office that may or may not be their sofa, families and separated, to those attempting to work with really young ones trying to ‘help’ to name but a few. 

It is inevitable some days will be tough mentally, productively and creatively. In this post, we will explore some ways that you can pick yourself up, and push through the fog building resilience in these unprecedented times. Arm yourself ready for those tough days.

Five ways to push through the fog

Try and embrace it

Sounds stupid of course. On the other hand, if it is stupid, but, it works… It’s not stupid. Allowing yourself to feel will help to mitigate digging deeper into a struggle by ruminating. Our attention is the most valuable resource we have, spending it wisely is vital for resilience. 

Thoughts connect to feelings, emotions, behaviour and actions. By attempting to fight these feelings you merely give them more presence in your life. It is normal to feel strained at the moment.

Making preparations today to have a better day tomorrow a way to do this. Tomorrow is a new day, it can and will be better.

Keep score

Embracing it, on the other hand, doesn’t come for free. Its requires the self-discipline to know a few days slip can spiral into an abyss. Try this –

Think of every week as a new ‘game’ – You gain points for looking after yourself, the water you drink, getting sufficient sleep, engaging in physical activity, meditating etc. You lose them for making poor food choices/portion control, lack of activity and unfortunately drinking alcohol. Just because you have a bad day doesn’t mean it has to be anything more than a bad day. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself or others

It is natural to have down days at the best of times, even more so now. We are seeing extremes of human behaviour at the moment.

Many people have not lived a life anywhere near as restricted as this. Being forced to play different roles to their norm – people are operating in ‘survival’ mode. Thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all heightened. We are not our behaviour, try not to judge yourself and those around you too harshly.

We are social beings, the lack of human connection can cause our brains to feel as if we are under threat, triggering an anxiety response.

Try and not judge yourself and others too harshly, most people will be doing their best.

Have a morale store

Break glass in an emergency

On days when getting out of bed is a chore, you cannot be bothered doing anything, and want to do nothing but eat junk. It is a good idea to have a little store of something special you can draw upon. This could be a stash of special coffee, your favourite film/ music, an extract from a book you love, or even just a quote. You may have to break out the friend’s box set! This item needs to be something you won’t need or use daily and it won’t potentially add to the problem. For instance, your favourite spirit or junk food, not helpful for a morale store. It should enrich bit isn’t a treat per se. Treats are of course allowed in moderation too!

Communicate with those around you

The adjustment is tough for us all, don’t undervalue your support network. You have the sounding board you need at the end of your fingers and maybe in your hand right now (if reading this on a mobile phone). Conversely, check in on others and let them know they are in your thoughts. We may be physically disconnected, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected.

Final thought

Whether we like it or not the current conditions could be with us for weeks and even months, we will have bad days, its important to manage wellbeing proactively. Take a look at our other blogs for more useful content on mental robustness, resilience, and wellness.