Shelter-in-Place: Combating Loneliness, Isolation & Idleness!

By Rev. Michael Robinson, M.S. Counseling

Loneliness. Feeling sad, alone and unhappy about being socially isolated. The shelter-in place quarantine directive from mayors, governors and the White House, initiated to flatten the exponential spread of the COVID-19/Coronavirus, is causing many to experience a deep sense of isolation resulting from the physical separation of others. Loneliness. 

This deep sense of loneliness is tied to our long confinement and isolation indoors, and for some people it's producing boredom, irritability, increased eating, frequent naps, lack of focus, lethargy, restlessness, and idle unproductive time. 

In the movie "The Shining" such extreme social isolation and irritability resulted in a husband (actor Jack Nicholson's character) going so stir-crazy that he attempts to kill his own son and wife. This extreme madness is sometimes referred to as cabin fever.

The shelter-in place quarantine may not produce homicidal tendencies as portrayed by Nicholson in The Shining, but it is taking a stressful toll on some households. Some stressful examples include...

• Working parents that are not use to being around their kids all day are anxiously on edge trying to keep their kids productively occupied.
• Active professionals are fidgety because their normal work routine has been radically altered. 
• Highly socialized teens are missing the personal engagement with their friends and classmates. 
• Workaholics are missing the companionship of their co-workers.
• Unemployed workers are desperately trying to figure out how they are going to pay their bills and eat. 
• And relationships of estranged couples are being further exasperated because of proximity constraints of shelter-in place.

If you are an extreme extrovert "and not used to being at home, you're probably more prone to feeling (stir crazy/cabin fever)," cites Dr. Vaile Wright, psychologist and director of clinical research and quality at the American Psychological Association, in an interview by CNN reporter Kristen Rogers. 

Whether you're an extrovert or introvert, humans were created to be social beings. In the Holy Bible, Genesis 2:18, Moses wrote "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

"Generally, loneliness is a negative condition resulting from a state of aloneness. People who desire more interpersonal relationships than they actually have can develop feelings of loneliness. How much social connectedness a person needs influences how much aloneness they can tolerate," wrote Shoba Sreenivasan, Ph.D., and Linda E. Weinberger, Ph.D. in their article 'Why We Need Each Other' (Psychology Today).

So, how do we combat the stir-crazy/cabin fever feelings of loneliness and isolation derived from shelter-in place quarantine?

In an article entitled "Cabin Fever Symptoms and Coping Skills," Lisa Fritscher and Dr. Carly Snyder. MD, provide some practical coping tips. I've summarized a few best practice tips from their list:

EXERCISE YOUR BODY

Exercising releases endorphins in the body. Endorphins are peptides which activate the body's opiate receptors in the brain that contribute to us mentally feeling good. Also Relax. Meditate. Take advantage of this time at home to decompress. 

EAT HEALTHY 

Avoid binge eating, it's unhealthy. According to Fritscher and Snyder, for some people, being "stuck at home is an excuse to overindulge in junk food. Others skip meals altogether." Eat balanced healthy meals and healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables. And drink plenty of water.

SET DAILY GOALS

If you're working from home, it's important to create a schedule of objectives for the day. "Set daily and weekly goals, and track your progress toward completion. Make sure that your goals are reasonable, and reward yourself for meeting each milestone." Plot out your job search plans. Revise your resume. Write your will. Write your book. Learn a new language. Catch up on reading your favorite novels, journals, and industry trade publications. Start a new work related project. Learn new computer software. Be productive! 

EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN 

During shelter-in place isolation, the television can become an easy outlet to pass time via mind numbing entertainment. "Work crossword puzzles, read books or play board games. Stimulating your mind can help keep you moving forward and reduce feelings of isolation and helplessness."

Finally, it's important to stay productive during shelter-in place isolation. Maintaining your mental focus and acuity are especially important during this current era of isolated quarantine and social distancing. 

Don't let your loneliness morph into idleness. Idleness breeds inactivity, unproductive results, and emotional stress.

BE PRODUCTIVE! 

Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes once said, "Diligence is the mother of good fortune, and idleness, its opposite, never brought a man to the goal of any of his best wishes."

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