Posted By 
By Michael Jacobs
Special to the Financial Independence Hub
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, states, and cities across the globe have been recommending self-isolation. Many states in the U.S. have recommended that people shelter in place and only go out for necessities. However, lack of social interaction and fresh air and sunlight can have a negative effect on anyone’s mental health and wellbeing.
Separation from family, friends, and colleagues can often trigger feelings of anxiety, anger, restlessness, stress, and depression. However, when you are on lockdown and cannot seek out the obvious remedy, what can you do? Prioritizing self-care while in self-isolation is crucial to coming out of this time happy and adjusted and ready to face renewed social interaction.
Here are a few ways to cope with the anxiety and depression that can accompany being isolated:
Keep busy
Keeping to a regular schedule, including a regular wake up time and bedtime, can help you battle the emotions that creep up when you’re unable to make connections. Another thing that can really help you is to keep busy. Get to work on that household project you’ve been putting off. Learn a new language or begin a new hobby through tutorials on YouTube. Consider broadening your education by taking free courses offered online.
Hang out with your pets
If you have a pet, now is an ideal time to reinforce those bonds. Petting your furry companion releases dopamine and serotonin and both chemicals help to reduce stress and stabilize mood. Taking them for walks, for a playdate in the park, or look into how to teach them new tricks online. Spending time with a companion animal is an ideal way to take care of your mental wellbeing.
Limit News and Social Media
Images of the number of coronavirus cases, empty grocery store shelves, and companies laying off workers can cause just about anyone stress. While you do need to stay informed, you might want to stop watching the news 24/7 and might want to limit your time on social media. Being reminded constantly of the pandemic can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. If you have a friend constantly posting about the pandemic, consider muting them or unfollowing them for the time being.
Read
Watching television or browsing YouTube for cute cat videos can seem like an escape, but reading can stimulate your imagination. It can also give your brain a reprieve from reality. Reading for just six minutes can lower blood pressure and ease muscle tension. Even listening to an audiobook can help relieve anxiety. If your local bookstore isn’t open, many libraries have apps and you can also download books to your iPhone or Android through the Kindle app.
Try CBD Oil
There are several studies that show that CBD oil can help ease anxiety. In a double-blind study conducted in Japan in 2019, 37 teenagers were given either 300mg of CBD oil or a placebo daily for four weeks. The CBD-oil recipients noticed a similar decrease in symptoms to that of Paroxetine, a drug commonly used to treat social anxiety disorder.
Another study conducted in Colorado sampled 47 patients who had concerns about anxiety. Most of the patients were given 25mg of CBD in addition to treatment. After the first monthly assessment, 79.2% of patients reported improvement. After two months, 78.1% reported continued improvement. CBD oil can be used as a tincture or taken in capsules. For immediate relief, however, consider a CBD oil in one of your favorite vaporizers.
Be mindful
If you see self-isolation or shelter in place orders as more of a punishment, it may help to practice mindfulness. Focus on the fact that by staying at home, you are not exposing yourself or any of your loved ones to the virus. You are also helping to flatten the curve, so that hopefully, the virus can stop being spread and we can all get back to normal that much faster. Focus on the fact that you are doing the right thing.
Keep active
The gyms and some outdoor parks are closed amid the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop exercising. Go for a walk in your immediate area. You can pump up your playlist and dance in your home. YouTube has several workout videos available for all skill levels. Search online for free online fitness classes that are available.
Eat well
While it might be more difficult than it was during the pandemic, making sure that you are still eating well. Eating regularly and keeping your blood sugar stable can improve mood and energy levels. If you want to maintain a good immune system, opt for fresh, whole, unprocessed foods whenever available.
Michael Jacobs is a marketing and creative content specialist at GotVape.com with primary focus on customer satisfaction. Technology and fitness combined with a healthy lifestyle obsession are his main talking points.
