Whether you are an avid world traveler or not, the onset of Covid-19 (or novel coronavirus) has already had a huge impact on your day-to-day life both at home & abroad.
With new information being released so quickly & an overwhelming number of media outlets reporting the “facts” it can feel nearly impossible to keep up. In order to flatten the curve & protect those most at risk, local governments & health officials worldwide are now legally enforcing mandatory quarantines, social distancing & encouraging self-isolation.
Now don’t get me wrong, as a travel enthusiast I have been following the spread closely & understand how important this isolation period is. Not only will self-isolation slow the spread of Covid-19, but it will prevent overwhelming the health care systems needed to treat our loved ones.
That said though, as a self proclaimed “travel addict” I also understand that long periods of isolation can be difficult & may take a serious toll on people’s mental health. So, if you are a world traveler (or even if you aren’t) here are just a few ways that you can practice self-care & manage your mental health at home.
Please Note: I am not a mental health professional & the content below is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers & never disregard professional medical advice because of anything you read here. The tips below are from my personal experiences only.
FOLLOW A ROUTINE
When the self-isolation period was first announced as a two week time out, many (mostly those without kids to care for) took it as an opportunity to relax, reset, or even learn a fun new hobby. Spirits were still high & the idea of a Netflix break felt much needed after all of the back & forth wondering if & when Covid-19 would cross our borders. Short term, a Netflix binge & extra snacks can feel good, but as days turn to weeks & weeks turn to months, that lifestyle can begin to ware on your mental health.
Whether or not you are working from home, try to stick to a regular routine as much as possible. Wake up & get ready for your day (shower, dress, eat etc.) as you would on any other work day & give yourself some daily tasks to stay productive. This sense of normalcy will not only be beneficial for you in the long run, but if you live with a partner, roommate, or other family members, this consistency will be helpful for them as well. Remember - we are all in this together!
LESS SOCIAL MEDIA + MORE SOCIAL NETWORKING
As I mentioned earlier, updates & media reports on the spread of Covid-19 are constant & ever-changing. From hour to hour the numbers increase worldwide & it seems that every second post on social media is somehow related to the pandemic. And as important as it is to stay informed, following the spread consistently is not healthy & will impact your mental health in a negative way.
Limit yourself to one or two reliable sources (for myself that’s the World Health Organization & Government of Canada website) and check for updates only when necessary.
Trade social media time for social networking time & use apps like Messenger, Skype & Zoom to stay connected to family & friends via video chat. As alone (or simply bored) as you may be feeling, so many others are feeling the same way, so reaching out will not only be beneficial to you but to others as well.
STAY ACTIVE
We all know how easy it can be to hop onto TikTok for “5 minutes” and look up 6 hours later wondering where that time went … right? … just me? With social media apps at our fingertips (literally) filling time from the sofa can be easy, but now more than ever it is so important to keep your body moving!
Unless you are in a mandatory quarantine, self-isolation does not mean that you can never leave your home. Maintain social distancing & go out for a walk in the woods, or stay in & try joining a class online (personally, I have been enjoying Yoga with Adriene on YouTube … and it’s free!)
Physical activity is not only good for the body but for the mind as well, so get out or stay in, but make sure you stay moving!
ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT
There are so many little things that you can do from home to help keep yourself healthy, happy & occupied, but let’s face it - we all have our moments. We have heard from so many fellow travelers over the past couple of months regarding the anxiety that comes from feeling stuck.
When you are the type of person who hops from country to country & is rarely even bound by borders, staying at home can feel both claustrophobic & overwhelming. Although you may be physically alone, understanding that you are not alone in your feelings is an important step to maintaining a positive outlook. If you find that you are suffering from anxiety, depression, or simply need someone to talk to, never hesitate to reach out to a friend or family member, or make use of the resources below.
Crisis Services Canada (search by province)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266
I know as much as anyone that it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We hear conflicting reports in the media & dwell on numbers because there’s seemingly nothing else to do, but using the coping mechanisms above & starting each day with a positive affirmation (as hippy-dippy as that may sound) has made a huge difference in my anxiety levels already.
As world travelers, we are all missing the adventure & excitement of exploring new cultures. We miss the food & the beaches, the freedom & the fresh air, but we also need to recognize that one day we will look back on these months as merely a blip in time. Tragic (of course), but we will add the Covid-19 pandemic to a list of experiences that shaped our appreciation for how delicate life can be & how lucky we are to be able to travel the world. And the “best” part of it all (for lack of a better word) is that we are finally seeing the world come together, and work together, and soon we will be able to say that we succeeded together.
Don’t let yourself be defeated by what’s in front of you now, but get inspired to explore the world again in the years to come. The world is still yours to enjoy - just not right now.
#StayHome #StayHealthy