7 Support Steps for Social Isolation
We spoke to our Project Coordinator Anastasia Voutsa who is also a HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist to give us her top tips on tackling social isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak. checkout anastasia’s 7 hacks on distancing during Covid ’19 (but in life in general)
💤 1. Take off those pyjamas!
Whenever I am ill and stay all day in my pyjamas I feel defeated and uninspired to move away from my bed. Wear colours, patterns, nice textures and jewellery that make you feel beautiful - obviously if total black is your go-to fashion choice please do wear whatever you feel confident in! Be your own spectacle & performer !
🏆 2. Create a daily reward system
On our unobstructed daily lives we come across many small challenges from catching the bus, arriving at work on time to acing a project! We complete them, succeed in them and develop a sense of mastery and achievement. Since being in immobility and isolation, the amount of these tasks are limited. I personally try out new recipes, play brain games, Marie Kondoed my house and make to - do lists to find this reward-award gratification.
💆 3. Treat every task however menial with rhythm and meditation
Put on a playlist with no lyrics or in a language you are not familiar with , hence no need for conscious analysing and carry on with your day. Having this music in the background will make you feel you live in a sitcom or that you are carrying out a choreography even when washing the dishes. I personally use kasetophono that has playlists for every mood! Meditation and mindfulness is not a physical exercise but a way of living, thinking and processing information.
That every activity as a ceremony - it will immediately give them special meaning.
🏋️♂️ 4. Physical exercise
There are so many up and coming online yoga streaming classes to join like zoom, the a platform of socialising people are able now to sign in and connect. The only essentials to be a part of this is a yoga mat, internet connection and willingness to join. If yoga is not your thing you will be surprised how many different online classes are now out there: from kick boxing to dance to vogueing. Tune in!
🏠 5. Dedicate a space in your house / room for creativity and art making.
If you haven't already its really important to have a space to be able to create mess, and engage with arts and crafts! Especially in the current world state its important to have a space with no media and news interference to channel our creativity and calmness.
If you haven't picked up a brush, crayon or any artistic tools in a while and free creation seems intimidating there are solutions! You could get pre-prepared arts and crafts kits ( I got a Kintsugi repair kit, a scarf knitting kit and a macrame pot plant making one). There is one for every taste, it has everything you would ever need and clear directions to be guided ! Also this table in which you can find links for various creative links such as art games, art webinars, museum art collections ea.! Start exploring !
📱 6. Virtually Socialise & Communicate
Community and a sense of belonging is crucial to those isolating, secluding times. Be in contact with your loved ones and join online communities. I have joined : “I’m stuck at home but still want to have fun” Facebook group in which a lot of supportive, humorous and resourceful content is being posted all day long.
🤲 7. (and most important one) Forgive yourself !
If you are a busy bee and are used to always be on the move forgive yourself for feeling blue about this new reality. Forgive yourself for eating more than usually, for having difficulty some days to find determination. Forgive yourself for not picking up that book you intended to read or for not exercising when you were meant to. Its an unnerving time and respect your own unique way and rhythm of processing life events.