Being isolated and overthinking things is a significant issue right now.
The Covid-19 pandemic has everyone in an uneasy state because they don’t know what to expect next. What started as a flu-like virus has quickly developed into a deadly infection that has taken the lives of many.
It’s easy to overthink the situation and panic because the future is still so uncertain. Testing kits are sparse in the United States, and there could be hundreds of people infected with the coronavirus that don’t know they have it.
The Governor of Florida stated that his biggest worry with shutting down the state was the increase in mental health issues. During hurricane preparation, they see an influx of people trying to commit suicide and having problems with anxiety and depression.
Still, the best course of action is to isolate and attempt to thwart the spread of this deadly virus. However, staying cooped up inside your home is easier said than done. Children and adults alike find being behind four walls a significant challenge.
Add to the isolation the fact that paranoia has caused people to wipe out grocery store shelves putting more strain on the supermarkets and their suppliers. How does a person stay mentally healthy when the whole world is in turmoil?
10 Ways to Stop Overthinking While You Are Isolated
Though it’s hard to see the positive in the situation at hand, it’s imperative for your mental health that you keep on the sunny side. While thousands of people have lost their lives, there have been far more than have made a full recovery.
China has officially closed its Covid-19 treatment centers as there is no longer a need beyond their traditional hospital settings. While thinking positive is a start, here are ten other ways that you can stop overthinking the situation with the coronavirus when you’re stuck at home.
1. Use Distractions
A distraction is anything that gets your mind off the current problem and focused on something else. You can use books, conversations, art, or anything that you enjoy. Redirect your mind from the negative when it starts to think about all the things that could go wrong.
2. Turn Off Social Media
It’s easy to overthink when you are isolated. If you scroll social media like the newspaper, then you may need to take a break. Turn off your notifications and take a social media fast.
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are notorious for giving you updates about current world events, whether you want to hear them or not. When you silence these apps, then you are taking power over what you ingest. You can block the negativity by taking a much-needed break.
3. Count Your Blessings
No matter how hard you might have it, there is always someone with a worse situation. The recent mobs at the grocery stores looking for toilet paper showed an unpleasant side of humanity. Being isolated without food or essential needs is scary.
You need to focus on all the things you have and not those you don’t. The grocery stores will refill the shelves, and people will stop stockpiling once the threat is gone. Remind yourself you’re doing the best you can with what you do have.
4. Don’t Rob Yourself of Now
When you’re isolated, you should take some time to work on projects you’ve been neglecting. Having time off is a welcomed break for those who work long hours and don’t get enough time with their family.
You are responsible for making your children and other family members feel safe. You can focus on the negative, or you can use this time to make memories. Play games with your children or make crafts, but whatever you do, don’t let this time go to waste.
5. Allow Yourself A Set Time for Anxiety and Fear
It’s impossible never to have a negative thought or be worried. You’re human, and it’s part of your nature. Officials recommend that you set a timer and allow yourself a specific period to worry.
During this time, you can think about all the negativity you want. Get out all those pent-up fears that are gnawing away at you. Ask your spouse or a friend to participate in this activity with you. Once the timer goes off, then you must go back to positive thinking.
You will be able to process the situation with Covid-19 better if you allow yourself only a specific time to ruminate about the current and future issues.
6. Put Things into Perspective
Since you are dealing with uncharted territories in the United States, it’s important to put things into perspective. When 9/11 occurred, the entire world was stunned and shocked for many years later. However, the key is that the nation did recover.
It’s easy to continue overthinking the Covid-19 situation. However, you must realize that you must keep things in perspective. The nation has suffered things like The Great Depression, WWI, WWII, and several other battles, yet we’ve always risen bigger and better than before.
When fear tries to take ahold of you and send your anxiety soaring from isolation, remember that this country will recover. Even if you experience panic attacks, just remind yourself that we have leaders that are working hard to ensure that things get back to normal.
7. Meditate
While you’re isolated from the outside world, it’s a great time to meditate. Meditation has many benefits for the mind, body, and soul. You can release all your frustrations and gain clarity.
Use a guided meditation online to help relax you and ease your worries. If you find it hard to sleep at night because your mind is racing in 100 directions, then some meditations can help you fall to sleep fast. You can meditate as often as you need each day to help keep your sanity.
8. Talk To A Counselor or Mentor
When you are isolated and afraid, sometimes, you need to talk to someone who can bring you back to reality. If you can’t go out of your home due to restrictions from your state to shelter-at-home, then you can use telehealth to talk with someone experienced.
You may not need a counselor to help you out, but having someone to talk to that can give you tips or tricks to help you from overthinking is helpful. Thankfully, the internet makes it easy to reach out and connect with people both near and far. During this time of uncertainty in our country, you need someone to help you stay grounded.
9. Exercise
It’s easy to turn to food when you feel isolated. Becoming a couch potato won’t solve anything, and it will only make your problems worse. You must get up and get moving.
Experts show that exercise can enhance your mental health by raising the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Your serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are essential chemicals your mind needs to function.
These chemicals can become unbalanced during times of isolation and worry. However, exercise can be as effective as taking an antidepressant medication without the nasty side-effects.
10. Journal Your Thoughts and Feelings
Lastly, journaling is one of the best ways for you to process what’s going on in the world. If you are isolated and tend to overthink, then why not write down all your feelings?
One day, you will share the stories of your time with your children or grandchildren. Do you remember your loved ones talking about wars or the Great Depression? It’s hard for you to fathom what these people went through and survived.
Your journal will be a lasting memory of the struggles this nation seen in 2020. Those who come behind you will see your strength and tenacity in the face of significant opposition. Journaling is a healthy activity to keep you mentally intact when things around you are uncertain.
Final Thoughts: You’re feeling isolated, but you must stop the overthinking!
It’s challenging to process everything that is happened or will happen in the next few months in the world. Isolating makes any problem worse, especially when you can’t mingle among others who make things better.
Use all the tools at your disposal to improve the situation. Check-in with friends and loved ones on social media, spend quality time with loved ones, and get some well-deserved rest.
Additionally, this downtime may be a blessing in disguise. Use your days off to spend quality time with your family. Turn off social media, and make positive memories with your children. Never let one day go by that they worry about things out of their control.
While you are worried about the world and this pandemic, to your children, you are their world. They will remain calm and collective if their parents do the same. If you become anxious and worried, then they will feed off your fears.
It’s okay if you feel that you cannot cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, if you feel depressed, anxious, suicidal, or like you are going to have a mental breakdown, then get help.
There is no shame in asking for help during such a troubling time. Everyone must work together to get over this significant hurdle so that this country can learn from this tragedy and grow from it.
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