HOW TO Embrace SELF-ISOLATION

If self-isolation means protecting ourselves and others, I will gladly oblige. After all, when will we get the time to ever experience a national vacation that forces us to care for one another like this again. The elderly are being cared for by their loved ones, families are forced to reconnect with one another by spending time together and there are those key workers who selflessly keep the nation going. Whatever the case, we didn’t choose this situation and we have no control over it. The only thing we can do, is to remember we are all in this together and we might as well make the best use of this opportunity.

The one thing I must admit that I discovered from this experience, is that the world momentarily regained its compassion and went back to being loving again. Why? Because we are fighting a common enemy and this somehow reunited us.  I don’t know how long this would last, but for now, let’s drink-up the lemonade that came our way when life dropped us this lemon!

On that note, here are some personal things I thought of, that may help you adapt to this self-isolation period. Hope you find it useful.

Tip 1: Pray, Read The Bible And Mediate on God’s Word
As a Christian, this is the most important thing to me. It’s how I like to start the day. It’s basically fueling my mind for the day ahead. It’s also important to pray for our nation and the world at large for things to go back to normal.

Tip 2: Maintain a daily routine
If you were going to work, you would have a routine in place and this period should be no different. This could mean, waking up the same time you go to work, changing from your pyjamas into comfortable clothing, having breakfast at your usual time and having a list of things you want to do. By doing these things you experience a shift in your thinking that would prepare you for the day ahead and prevent boredom!

Tip 3: Excercise
Do what works for you! This can be strolling (which gives you time to stop and notice things along the way), excercise indoors or go jogging in your local area. Remember to adhere to the lockdown rules in your area!

Tip 4: Eat Healthy Foods
The reason why we’re self-isolating is to protect ourselves from the elements. So, it makes sense to eat foods that would fuel our bodies and build up our immunity against those elements.

Tip 5: Have Fun
Do something you enjoy. The key word here is ‘enjoy’. You could:

• Learn something new such as learning a new language, learning to play an instrument or learning a new craft.
• Spend quality time with family if stuck indoors together. This could range from playing board games, to having dinner together and catching-up on each other’s lives. It could even be a time to reconnect with each other and get to know one another again.
• Read books
• Watch movies
• Journal your thoughts. This can be a therapeutic way to deal with the current situation you’re facing.
• Create a music playlist, listen to podcasts or audio books to help motivate you during this time.
• Dance. Nothing is more liberating than dancing life’s troubles away!
• Sing Karaoke songs. Who cares if you're out of tune; it's the fun that counts!
• Write a blog and share your knowledge with others.

The list is endless. The important thing is to find what brings you joy and spend time doing them.

Tip 6: Stay digitally connected with others
Just because you are self-isolating doesn’t mean you should lose contact with others. You can stay connected through video calling via Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime or use any Digital application of your choice to keep you connected with the outside world.  You can also stay connected by phone or text.

Tip 7: Take care of yourself
Nothing is more important than nurturing yourself. So use this time or shall I say, this opportunity to pamper yourself.

Hope this spurs you on to find creative ways to embrace self-isolation. Here's hoping we all stay safe and keep healthy!