During the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re probably having to stay home and practice social distancing. This can make you feel all sorts of things!
Some people might be cheering at the thought of cancelled plans and being able to stay home (we’re looking at you, introverts!)
Others (ahem, extroverts) might be dreading the long hours of housebound boredom.
There will likely be both positives and negatives of more time at home for most people (regardless of if they are introverts or extroverts).
Limited socialising opportunities
Missing family and friends
Feeling lonely
Some people might have increased conflict at home
Cancelled events and plans, e.g. soccer training or your friend’s birthday
Let’s explore a bit about each challenge and some ideas to help you turn it into an opportunity instead.
Being at home is great when it's a choice we make freely!
But our brain needs stimulation and variety. Limitations on travel, events and even our ability to eat out at restaurants makes it more difficult to seek new sensations.
Being able to have new experiences, like new foods, new travel destinations, new events, etc. is linked to wellbeing.
‘Sensation seeking’ is a personality trait that exists on a scale, which means everyone seeks new sensations at a different level of intensity.
When it came to our ancestors’ survival, familiar things were safe, and anything new or different could be dangerous.
Changes to routine and dealing with the unknown can still really raise our anxiety levels!
This can be harder to address than other anxiety triggers because there’s so much we don’t know about how long this pandemic might last and what will happen.
In many other anxiety provoking situations, there are clear expectations around severity and duration, e.g. if you are anxious on planes, you know your flight will take 1.5 hours and that you can relax once you have landed.
There can be a lot of feelings of grief around change. It is normal and natural to grieve for the things you’re missing, or how life used to be.
Social isolation and loneliness are different things, but both can be harmful to your physical health and mental wellbeing.
People who feel lonely are more likely to experience more negative emotions, have lower levels of happiness and have a poorer quality of life.
You may not be able to physically connect with others, but you can still connect in deep and meaningful ways virtually. Check out this Instagram post for some ideas.
"Are you finding it kind of tricky to chat with friends right now?"
It’s understandable that you miss things that fill you with excitement, energy and passion.
In one study, people left alone in a room with their thoughts preferred to give themselves an electric shock than sit there and think!
This shows how difficult boredom can be that people would choose a negative stimulation (pain) rather than have no stimulation at all.
Still bored? Why not check out our Insta page for something to do.
If you are worried about novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or want to learn more about anxiety and how to deal with it, give us a call, start a WebChat or send us an email today.
If you need more information for other digital services and resources, check out Head to Health.
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