5 Ways to Avoid Going Stir Crazy When You’re Isolated

Is this real life? Things are changing by the hour – the world looks totally different than it did just a week ago. Many of us went from being around coworkers in an office every day to being 100% remote at the drop of a hat. And to top it off, we can’t get out of the house to enjoy a meal at a restaurant or an adult beverage at a local pub after the workday’s over. If you feel like you’ll go stir crazy while working from home — and being stuck there — for the foreseeable future, you’re not alone. Many people have a hard time dealing with the feelings of loss of freedom and helplessness when their routine is disrupted.

Here are five ways to help you get through this time:

1. Maintain your schedule. Get up when you normally would, get dressed like you’re going somewhere and make sure to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner like usual. Keeping structure in your day will make you feel like you’ve got some control — plus, it’ll likely make you a bit more productive. Staying in your pajamas all day might be fun for the first week, but after that you’ll probably feel more sluggish and less motivated.
   
   
2. Remain logical. It’s easy to feel like this is never going to end and things won’t go back to normal. The reality is that at some point, you’ll be back in the office and able to go out and about like you did before. Sure, things might be different, but this is not forever. Remind yourself that this too shall pass.
   
   
3. Check on others. Take this as an opportunity to practice your communications skills. Message friends you haven’t spoken with in a while to see how they’re doing. Ask them how they’re managing – they may have an idea that you can use as well. And be sure to call mom, dad, grandma, grandpa or other relatives to check in — they’ll probably appreciate the extra attention.
   
   
4. Stay active. Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Search online for workout videos, whether it’s yoga, stretching or a cardio routine, you can get your body moving every day. And exercise isn’t just great for the body — it releases endorphins in your brain which are natural stress relievers!
   
   
5. Make yourself a honey “do” list. You know all those little pesky projects around the house you never have time to do? Take advantage of being at home and check some of them off your list! Even if it’s something small, like getting rid of those dust bunnies (and their dust bunny babies) around your place, you’ll feel accomplished if you tackle something every day.

Remember, the reason we’re all staying home is to help those who are vulnerable not get sick. And to stop the COVID-19 virus from continuing to spread. If you remember that you could literally be saving a life just by doing the simple task of staying home, it might change your perspective. We’re all in this together and we’ll pull through — even if we have to adapt to a new normal for a period of time.