Chances are at some point in the next few months you may need to isolate for a period of time. Social isolation can have a range of negative impacts on mental and physical health as humans need social contact. When you are isolated it can feel more difficult to deal with stressful situations as your ability to process information can be reduced, you may feel more depressed, you may experience an increased inflammatory response and you can become more susceptible to illnesses. You may also find there are changes in your sleep and eating. Keeping yourself in good mental health during isolation is important and there are many ways to do this by focusing on enjoyable activities. You and your family may not be unwell during this time so here are some ideas to keep occupied:
Kids
Explain to your kids about the virus but discuss the isolation phase as a holiday/staycation where you all get to relax and reconnect as a family. Remaining calm during isolation will mean this time is less stressful for everyone.
• Build pillow forts
• Baths (kids will play in a bath for hours)
• Teach them a new skill (making bread or knitting)
• Boardgames
• Dance to music
• Soft toy tea parties
• Teach them songs or nursery rhymes
• Set up little worlds with their toys
• Make a mud pit for them to play in
• Lego
• Have a picnic at home
• Go camping in the yard
• Build a fairy garden
• Colouring
Teens
• Practice an instrument or start a family band
• Let them take apart an old computer or appliance
• Then get them to put it back together
• Get them to rearrange their room
• Pay them for looking after younger kids
• Let them sleep in
• Get them thought provoking books to read
• If you have a home business get them involved
• This is a great time to give teens added responsibilities
• Help them write their resume
• Get them to write a book or poetry
• Paint or draw
• Let them run a family beauty spa (eyebrows, hair, nails)
• Help them build a website
• Practice your TikTok dancing
• Gaming – get involved with your teens. Try to see if you can beat them.
Adults
• Sex (Yes, there will be a large number of babies born 9 months after isolation)
• Start an online course
• Video call family and friends
• Write letters or a book
• Garden
• Build or fix things around the house
• Bake bread
• Make your parents or grandparents recipes
• Have long meals talking with loved ones
• Romantic candle lit dinners
• Complete a household budget
• Exercise (Check out online workouts)
• Clean (Get those cupboards cleaned out)
• Write a will
• Nap
• Meditate
• Yoga
• If you are studying, get ahead in all your coursework
• Apply for a new job
Older adults
While older adults can do all the things adults will be doing there are some additional ideas for this age group too.
• Sort old photos
• Help out with childcare
• Write down or record stories of your life (These will be treasured by your family for generations to come)
This may be a time to bring family and friends together in one house. If you isolate together you can look after each other if you do get sick and spend time together. If you feel isolated realise this is a temporary measure and a couple of weeks will pass quickly. Many people base their lives around their jobs so this is a good chance to reconnect with family and friends.
Remember many health professionals will be on the frontline during the pandemic so be extra kind to them. They will be juggling kids off school, sick family members, increased responsibilities at work and extended shifts.
Small business owners will be impacted by this virus but there are things you can do to help
1. Buy gift vouchers now that you can use after the isolation period
2. Order goods or food to be delivered
3. Book in for events later this year or next year
We have the best structures in place we have ever had in history to cope with this virus. Government and Health Services have a plan in place for this type of situation so ensure you follow public health advice. There are now a range of Telehealth medical and mental health services available to vulnerable and isolated Australians so you will be able to see a health professional even during periods of isolation.
Written by Mary Gregory Clinical Psychologist @ PsychHelp
