During these unprecedented times, I thought some tips for those of us who live alone would be helpful. Physical distancing is extremely important during this time, but that does not mean you need to socially isolate. Living alone can be a plus or a minus during quarantine, it depends on how you look at it. Working in both regular healthcare and mental healthcare, gives me a unique perspective during this time. I know that if I get called into the hospital, I don’t have to worry about possibly passing covid germs to my loved ones. But conversely if I get sick there is no one to help take care of me. I have no one at home to build puzzles with or share my feelings with in the moment. Here are some tips for staying physically distant but socially and mentally healthy.
Tips for singles during covid:
- Stay in contact with others via phone, text, FaceTime, Zoom, etc. Everyday ask yourself “Who will I reach out to today?” This will not only help you but others on your contact list.
- Stay physically active. Take a walk, do some upper body exercises using soup cans, march in place, stream a exercise class such as yoga, chair exercises, etc
- Work on a home project you’ve been trying to get to
- Do something creative: write a story, poem or journal your experiences, draw, paint, or craft.
- Create a daily schedule, but allow for flexibility
- Meditate: Oprah and Deepak Chopra are offering a free 21 day meditation course, as are many other meditation sites
- Say out loud the things you have appreciated and been grateful for each day
- Remember to physically distance and wash your hands thoroughly
I hope these tips have been helpful. If you feel the need to speak with a therapist such as myself, please contact me through the website, via email or text me at 737-241-9599. I am currently offering telehealth sessions during our shelter in place orders. We will get through this together.