Getting Tired of Doing Nothing: A Check-In With Your Mental State

During these times of uncertainty, our feelings of helplessness are stronger than ever. Interactions with people outside of our families are few and far between. The prospect of being isolated in your own home for an uncertain period of time can be disconcerting. Being amidst a global pandemic, especially one of this magnitude, is a new experience for all of us—and it’s okay to feel like you are losing control.

There are instances where time doesn’t feel real. Like these past few months have been an endless cycle of futility, lacking purpose. Past studies have shown that some symptoms of being quarantined include poor sleep, weak cardiovascular health, a depressive state, and feelings of fear, numbness, insomnia, and stress. Our executive functions may also be impaired. Difficulty focusing and retaining information, being easily irritable… sound familiar to you? Mental distress can even last beyond the period of isolation, possibly going on to create a perception in one’s head of being stigmatized and avoided on the streets.

Why does being forced to obey social distancing guidelines feel so constricting, yet choosing to stay home instead of making plans with friends give us relief? While we are so focused on flattening the curve, our anxiety levels are spiking. Given the situation, it is completely normal to have these reactions. But there are healthy mechanisms you can use to take care of your mental health. Everyone copes differently, so it may take some experimentation to find what works best for your wellbeing.

Source: WBFO

Creating a routine will help you re-establish a sense of autonomy. Without the structure of a 7-hour school schedule, finding means to be productive can be hard, but planning out your day can help (Verywell Mind).

Stay active with at-home workouts. Being physically inactive can have detrimental effects on your muscle mass and metabolism. Even without equipment, staying in shape is easy with the number of free exercise programs available online (Verywell Mind).

Get busy to relieve some boredom. Even completing mundane tasks, like cleaning your room or doing the laundry can feel gratifying. Set goals/priorities to work towards; it will make waking up everyday that much more bearable (Verywell Mind).

Connect with friends and loved ones. Check up on them, ask how they’re feeling. Make sure they are safe and well. Everyone could use a little company during these times.

Find a creative outlet. One of the best ways to voice your thoughts and emotions is through self-expression! There are an infinite number of art forms out there to choose from, some of which are pretty unorthodox (I’m looking at you, cheese sculptors).

Avoid over-consuming media. Often, news outlets will try to heighten the tension by picking and choosing what they report on. Social media only shows snippets of the bigger picture. Sometimes the best choice is to step away, log off, and limit the time you spend reading headlines (ADAA).

Talk to a professional for additional support. There are many accessible online telehealth options where you can get in touch with a licensed therapist or psychologist. If you feel your emotions are becoming unmanageable, consider reaching out (Verywell Mind).

Remember that you are not alone in this battle. Try viewing the situation through a different lens; instead of thinking “I am trapped”, rephrase it to “I can finally focus on myself”. Now is the time to finally start that task you’ve been putting off or pursue a new hobby. Being in isolation isn’t easy, but reconcile with the fact that you are doing your part abiding by the rules. Don’t neglect your mental health and take care of yourself!

By Nicole Situ