Making The Most Out Of Social Isolation

This has been quite the interesting year for everyone! With a global pandemic that is being updated every hour, it can be a stressful time for all. While I'm currently not practicing for the safety of myself, my clients and my loved ones, I have been reviewing some articles on how to make the most out of social isolation. In the coming weeks, I am planning on posting a few different articles on what you can do to manage working from home during the isolation, with the hopes of an easier transition back to the workplace once the world is safe to reopen. Take Breaks. If you're working from home, it can be difficult to have that separate work/home space or mindset. Taking a small break from this can help clear your mind and reset your focus. Same goes for household chores that you might have put off for a while. Breaking them up can help it go by smoothly. Similarly, if you have children it can also be a challenge to have some time for yourself. Set a timer and do a brief meditation, watch some videos on Youtube or social media. This mental reset can give you a boost in focus. Move Your Body. The body was designed to move. If you are stationary (for example while working at a computer ), your body will adapt by stiffening to structures. By taking time through the day to move your body will help the muscles to loosen up and ease some stress. If you're able to get outside for a small walk around your house/neighbourhood to get some fresh air, or just move around your house. Maybe put on some tunes and practice some new sick dance moves!! Exercise can come in many forms so find something that you enjoy doing and your stress will significantly lowered.

Call A Friend. These times have proven to be very difficult for some people. Being isolated can make you feel more alone the ever. By picking up the phone and having a chat with a loved one can defiantly help boost your spirits! Sharing a laugh or two and reminiscing about times spent together can help both of you to feel better, and show that you care. There are many different portals that are available too! By using a Zoom meeting or utilizing FaceTime you can actually see the people you're having a conversation with which bring these "calls" to a whole new level! And with the addition of things like virtual game nights, you and your friends can share many new memories. That being said, if you or someone you know are having a hard time coping with this isolation, please seek help immediately. Ottawa Distress Website: https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/24-7-distress-line/

Ottawa Distress Centre Phone: 613-238-3311 Give Yourself Some Slack. This is a challenging time for everyone. With things constantly changing, it is hard to settle into a "normal" routine as we are all used to. This in itself can be very stressful. Being mindful of that is important so that you can allow yourself to feel the stress without letting it overpower you. You may not be as productive as you were before, but just know that that is okay. We're all in this together and by staying strong and resilient we will make it through this! I hope this post gave you some new ideas to help manage social isolation to make it easier for you! Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I look forward to seeing you all again soon :) Reference:

Prossack, A. (2020, April 29). 5 Ways To Reduce Stress Working From Home And Self-Isolating. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2020/04/28/5-ways-to-reduce-stress-working-from-home-and-self-isolating/?fbclid=IwAR2JcD_ihlotcYq5q9CkQxdxewdB65W0w66FBA-LRFgFWQZrVffVyk64SF4#22321caf7883