Dealing With the Stress of Self-Isolation

Overview

A virus is spreading in the community. You've been told to avoid others. You're staying home, but you feel lonely, stressed and anxious. Let's look at some simple ways to manage self-isolation.

Take care of your body

First, take care of your body. Try to eat healthy meals and snacks. Make sure you're getting enough sleep. Get some exercise every day. And throughout the day, stand up, stretch and take deep breaths to get your body moving.

Take breaks from bad news

Next, if bad news is overwhelming you, take a mental break. Don't read articles that upset you. Turn off the tv news. Unplug from social media if it helps. It's OK to focus on things other than pandemic news if that helps you.

Do things you enjoy

If you're feeling bored or restless, make an effort to do activities you enjoy. Learn to cook a new recipe. Put together a puzzle. Take a virtual art class. Spend some time learning a new skill. Even though you're isolated, think of this as an opportunity to do some things you might normally not have time to do.

Connect with others

And finally, try to connect with others regularly. Talk on the phone. Communicate on social media. Have a video chat. You may not have friends around, but you are not alone. Connecting is a great way for all of us to support each other. Together, we'll get through this.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.