With new demands for social distancing, lots of us are feeling lonely and stressed. But there are people who already feel this way every time they enter their house. It’s not just about killing boredom. For them, it’s a constant fight against “cabin fever” that’s become worse because they have literal cabin fever to worry about. Families are now forced to stay together, no matter what. There’s no real way to leave without compromising your health and the rest of your family but the constant draining of not being able to leave is stressful! Unfortunately, because it’s a difficult time, your partner or family member maybe even more difficult. If it’s a tough family situation you can’t get out of or you’re stuck in a difficult romantic relationship, there are ways to help!
Find Sources of Comfort and Privacy
Take a shower/bath
With this, you can pay attention to yourself and destress after an uncomfortable situation or as a way to prevent an uncomfortable situation.
Create a music playlist
Create a playlist with the most calming, joyful songs you know. This can take you out of whatever situation is bothering you and live in a more joyful one.
Talking with friends
If you don’t have the privacy to openly talk, text! It might not be as relieving as a verbal conversation, but it all works to get a connection between someone you’ve been missing. Talking with friends increases your sense of belonging and boosts your self-confidence!
Check-in With How You Feel
Journal in a book or in the notes app
Check-in with how you’re really feeling. Ask yourself “What am I thinking?” “Why am I thinking this?” Decluttering your mind help assess your feelings and why you’re feeling this. All of this explaining expels the stress you have and it actually boosts your mood!
Breathing techniques
Deep breathing can release all the tense muscle groups in your body. Your body relaxing allows your mind to relax.
Boundaries
When dealing with tough relationships, you can start with small boundaries like “I’m talking to a friend right now. I’ll be right there.” Starting off small can lead to creating bigger boundaries like “I’ll be spending holidays in a friend’s house.” It may be uncomfortable at first but creating these external boundaries will help you feel safer inside.
Virtual support groups
New York-based therapist, Rachel Wright, is getting lots of attention for her free virtual support groups centered on anxiety, social distancing, and mental health. https://rachelwrightnyc.lpages.co/popup-support/ Here’s a link to dates and more info on the support group meetings.
Self-Hug
It sounds weird but one way to handle isolation and the crave of affection is by doing a self-hug. Essentially, you cross your arms over your chest and hold for as long as you need. Because physical touch releases oxytocin, it helps soothe yourself during stressful times.
Reminding ourselves that we are all going through the same thing can make us feel a bit better about what’s happening. Returning to therapist Rachel Wright, her response to social distancing is something that I’ve been thinking about lately, which is “DISTANCED, NOT ALONE.”
Comments