So You're Self-isolating? Here Are 5 Ways To Combat Your Cabin Fever

Here you are, stuck at home reading this article... it can only mean one thing, you are stuck in self-isolation. Nevertheless, you can make the best of this situation and we would love to help you along this process with five tips we have found extremely useful ourselves over the past twelve months.

1. HOBBIES

We know you must have heard a million times to pick up a new hobby, and we are sure every time you have shrugged off the suggestion. But there are aspects to picking up a hobby that do provide mental stability. They can also assist those who are suffering from mental health issues in the pandemic. For example, I picked up the guitar during the first stages of lockdown and almost twelve months later, I'm still learning and still playing, albeit if I can only play Wonderwall...

However, the skill comes almost secondary in many ways. What is more important, is the effect it has on you. Picking up a hobby, can, clear your mind, provide a sense of routine in your day to day trudge around the house, in many ways hobbies ca be theraputic, especially musical hobbies, if you are angry at everything, go and learn a Black Sabbath song, or if you are feeling down and out, go and learn 'Fix You' by Coldplay. Lastly, one thing about hobbies that many websites do not tell you is that, if nothing else comes from your hobby, it has passed time in your day, and as blunt and ugly as it may sound, a key part of isolation for many of us, is getting through the day as easily and as painlessly as possible.

Why not try multiple hobbies? Dip your toe into the waters of three or four hobbies, that way you have a higher chance of discovering a passion that you wish to commit to even after your ten days of solitude end. Creative outlets have endless benefits and can help you channel your emotions and say things you otherwise would not wish to say, or shy away from. 

Whatever you decide to pick up, it will help you in one way or another, even if you are skeptical, even if it is hard at first, stick at it because everyone was skeptical and awful at first, but they stick with it and it becomes enjoyable, it becomes fun, and it becomes that bit easier.

2.SELF-CARE

This one is a rule for everyone. Self-care is absolutely crucial to keeping your spirits high and keeping your body in a good state. More specifically, I would like to talk about skincare routines. Skincare is highly popularised trend over the last few months and it is one I would like to jump on, because it is a gem. Skincare routines are easily discoverable on social media and youtube to help you get started, they can help you once again, create a sense of routine in your life, they obviously help keep your skin in great condition to keep you glowing, and also they are enjoyable part of the day for many, its a calming, theraputic and nourishing way to start your day.

Take care of yourself and take care of your skin. Whilst healthy body, healthy mind is not always true, it is always good to keep them both in tip-top shape.

3.SOCIAL MEDIA AND PHONES

If there is one thing we have all learnt over the course of these uncertain times, it is that our phones have become our best friends. However, they have actually become our enemies in many ways. Studies from the National Institute of Health, concluded that in ages 20-24, phone usage correlated with poor sleeping and symptoms of depression for those analysed. So for us to constantly be glued to screens all day is only serving one purpose, and that purpose is to destroy our mental health. Now I am not suggesting to throw your phone in the bin and set in on fire, but we should strive to restrict our phone usage, even if it is just putting it aside an hour before going to bed. A task easier said that done admitedlly but a habit that could pay out ten-fold in the subsequent days.

Another aspect of social media that has affected many of us is the way we treat it. Many of us approach social media as a way to say, here I am, this is me, and this puts us in a position where we believe that the likes and interactions we get somehow correlates to our self-worth. And with more and more of us posting to social media whilst stuck in isolation the negative effects of this are only going to be amplified. So while you are stuck in your home, holding back from posting every update of your life may pay dividends as you seperate your self-worth from the amount of likes your post recieved.

4.MOVIES AND SHOWS

It may seem counterproductive for us to say, go watch a new series or that film you have been planning to watch, but also we cannot just sit and stare at walls for ten hours, our brains need stimulation. Have you got a new series that your friends have talked about and you have not watched yet, go binge it and lose yourself in it, see what they hype is about. What about that new Netflix special that is on the top ten list? Switch it on, grab some food and enjoy it. Finding something to distract yourself with ,is sometimes the best way to cope with the mundane nature of self isolation, escapism is a necessity that we do not like to admit to.  But while we are stuck indoors and have nothing to do, it is a nice feeling to drift away for a few hours and get lost into another world or another story, unless you have decided to watch Contagion, which I would not recommend given the current circumstances...

5. BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Cliche I know... But also it has never rung more true than now. Think about it, you are stuck in your home, you have contracted COVID-19 and cannot do anything about it. The least you can do is show yourself a bit of love. So whilst all the above advice is true and would benefit us all if we choose to follow it, dont worry if you do not. They are not rules, they are suggestions. So order a takeaway, lie in bed all day with your laptop and phone watching shows, you know what is best for you. You know what your body needs and more importantly right now, what your mind needs. You have nothing to prove to anyone, you have no where to be or people to meet, so embrace this period of self isolation to reset,recharge and find yourself again devoid of workplace stress or any other issues plaguing your day to day life.

So, they are the five tips that we would suggest to anyone who has had to self-isolate or is beginning their self-isolation journey. Embrace them and embrace yourself, follow them but also follow what your body wants, this is not the time to follow a strict regime it is the time to care for yourself and cope with your situation the best ways you know how to.