How to keep yourself busy and happy in self-isolation

Getting restless in self-isolation? Here is how you can keep yourself busy and happy

If you are not working from home and each day in self-isolation is becoming dreadful, then here is how you can keep yourself occupied

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Team Health Shots Published: 20 Mar 2020, 13:56 pm IST

By now certain basics of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic are being practiced the world over. One such tenant is the advisory which says that anyone who is showing symptoms of coronavirus should stay at home for at least two weeks. Also that people who have been exposed to the new coronavirus and are at risk of coming down with COVID-19 should also practice self-quarantine.

The quarantine period gives us enough time to assess whether we will become ill and/or infect others.

However, isolation can be a tedious time. Away from society, it can affect your mental health and also make you feel lethargic and depressed.

A study by King’s College London found that quarantine is linked with symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger, and confusion–with the effects sometimes lingering for a long time.

Here are ways to keep yourself busy while in self-isolation, if you are not working from home:

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1. Maintain self care
Even while in isolation, you should eat well, take proper rest, and exercise. It is important to keep busy and active within the confines of the house. Sitting idle could only lead to emotional distress and physical tension.

Also read: Quarantine Diaries: I am in self-isolation and working from home. And it’s tougher than I thought it would be

2. Reach out to people
Staying at home does not mean that you cannot reach out to near and dear ones. While living in self-isolation, use social networks to talk to people when in stress. Anxiety gets overwhelming, and talking about our fears with others, within the constraints of the given situation could help maintain mental health and help recover from the disease faster.

3. Do things that help you relax
Self isolation can be a stressful situation to be in. Engaging in things that allow you to de-stress is important. Reading a book, listening to music, or painting or even having a cup of tea or some comfort food could go a long way in relaxing the mind. Carrying out mindfulness or meditation techniques can also help.

4. Keep yourself physically active in isolation
You do not need to go to a gym to remain physically fit. Push-ups, squats, abdominal exercises, planks, and so on all work on different muscles in the body sans equipment.

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Staying in isolation does not mean you need to stay away from your regular fitness regime. There are a number of exercises you can undertake in the confines of your home.

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5. Do not feel embarrassed
Yes, you are in self-quarantine, but so are millions of others around the world. There is no need to feel embarrassed or stigmatised.

6. Limit your screen time
Even in isolation, you should limit your screen time. There is a tendency when staying at home of being glued to your television screen. As per a study by the UB School of Public Health, binge-watchers exhibit higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression.