How to Survive Social Distancing During Covid-19 Outbreak

Coronavirus is driving everyone crazy. Schools, offices and shops are closed, events are canceled, traveling has stopped, gatherings are banned, and adding to this is social distancing and shelter-in-place, a directive that contradicts the natural human tendency to socialize.

On being forced to observe social distancing, everyone's natural reaction is anxiety. If this continues for longer spans, the anxiety may lead to depression.

Social interaction releases oxytocin, a pleasure hormone that reduces stress and increases kindness. Isolation deprives you of oxytocin, which can make you feel low and lonely. Actions like shaking hands, patting backs, hugging or even eye contact are known to release this pleasure hormone which makes one feel positive.

Loss of interaction and a sudden hault or change in our daily routine leads to a disrupted sense of self. We experience ourselves through interactions and the situations we deal with. A routine gives continuity to our lives. Different activities give different experiences and it is through these daily activities that we know and experience our real selves.

Social isolation brought about by the Coronavirus threat is an example of a sudden and forced change imposed on everyone's lives. Since it is not a choice, everyone is feeling at a loss of control over their own lives. And because this change has come suddenly, we have not got the time to cope with it, unlike a slow change that's relatively easier to adopt.

If you feel an intense boredom or get a feeling of being caged, first accept that it is okay to feel that way. It is a stressful situation that has to be dealth with.

You are losing control over many things at the same time; and that's building your anger and frustration. You may be feeling irritable. There are restrictions on your travel, work, shopping and entertainment. You can't go out and you don't want to stay in, but you have to find a way.

Social distancing and shelter in place are a necessary evil that will help us drive a devil away. The devil in disguise of the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.

Use technology to communicate with your loved ones. Set some time and schedule different hours to call your family staying away or your colleagues, friends and relatives. This way, you will be able to maintain your connect with near ones and you may even revive some old friendships.

Read a book you had been wanting to. Watch a movie you haven't had the time for. You and your friends can watch the same movie at the same time from different places, for a watching-together feel. Play an online multiplayer game with friends. Share something good online; inspiring words, funny videos or cute pictures for your family and friends to see.

Think of the things you couldn't do because of your busy schedule and make time for them. Meditate. Exercise. Read. Write.

Pursue your hobbies, indulge in something creative like cooking, baking, gardening, singing, playing an instrument, painting. Learn something new. Know you have the time to. Upgrade your skills. There are so many online sources to help you.

Seeing human faces and hearing human voices is always soothing. Due to distancing, you would be missing this. So talk to people over phone, through video calls, conferences or online meetings. Use the electronic media to stay in touch with those you are not meeting in person. Even if you are physically isolated, stay socially connected.

Take this span of isolation as an opportunity to make more time for yourself. There's less pressure, there's no running. This is the time when everyone has slowed down and so have you. So be guilt-free and experience the calm within.

Avoid loading yourself with unnecessary and excess information. Don't believe in rumors; refer to authentic sources of information. Don't panic or create panic. Do things that make you feel good. Be calm, stay healthy.