I know it’s a cliched idea that these times of social isolation have given us time to reflect and meditate (though I realise this isn’t true for everyone) but I’m finding that as a result of this time, I really am reflecting and meditating more.
If I look for the positives in a bad situation then I’ll say that not being able to continue attending social engagements or work commitments is proving to be an enlightening time.
I understand though that social isolation can also lead to loneliness, and both can be harmful to our mental and physical health in the long term.
In the short term though, during a crisis like now, I’ve found there are certain things to be learnt from a change of routine and life perspective and we need to focus on purposeful living.
In that respect I’m embracing the positives.
Table of Contents
What is Social Isolation?
“Social isolation is a state of complete or near-complete lack of contact between an individual and society. It differs from loneliness, which reflects temporary and involuntary lack of contact with other humans in the world.”
“All types of social isolation can include staying home for lengthy periods of time, having no communication with family, acquaintances or friends.”
Wikipedia
If you are having negative feelings about social distancing and social isolation is affecting your health or wellbeing then do consider seeking professional help, won’t you?
For the most part though, I’ve been fine with social distancing and self isolating during the pandemic, although I definitely wouldn’t want social isolating to go on forever.
How about you?
7 things I’ve learnt
- There’s time to create more, and consume less.
- There’s more time to think, to stop and stare, or just be grateful for the world around you.
- You can develop a better routine for exercising.
- I’ve thought more about the food we eat, and cooked healthier meals.
- You don’t need to be with other people all of the time. FOMO (fear of missing out is real during ordinary times).
- Time alone doesn’t necessarily mean time spent feeling lonely.
- I’ve learnt to embrace new technology and found that I enjoy chatting with friends via online chat rooms like Zoom, and although this won’t replace real life contact, it is a great way to stay connected to people you can’t see often.
In our corner of the world, Dave and I’ve been getting out of bed quite early each morning and going for a daily walk or bicycle ride.
We are lucky to be able to walk through our suburb, along some leafy walkways to a beach.
Not only are we really enjoying each others company but we feel less stressed, less compelled to be fitting in what might be considered a non-essential walk in amongst a thousand other daily commitments.
When we get to the beach we stop, and stare – at the waves, at the sky and give thanks for that moment, and for the beauty around us.
We’re reminded to be thankful for our health, for our families, and for each other. It’s such an energising and positive way to start the day.
Another plus is that I’m only shopping about once every 9 days. How about you? It frees up so much time.
I used to shop almost daily, but now I plan our meals and go with a list, and I’m in and out of the supermarket much quicker. It’s been a real eye opener for me, and something that I’ll definitely carry on doing when all this is over.
I realise that we are in a fortunate position, and I know many others are in really tough situations, but I hope that someway, somehow you are learning to find ways to get through this time with positivity.
“If we can discover that our minds are bigger than our problems, we’ll see that deep down we all have the potential to be truly happy.”
Gelong Thubten, A Monks Guide To Happiness
Have you developed any daily rituals that help you?
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I think there was a lot we learned from lockdown last year But have we remembered? I hope so!
I hope so too Jill! I wonder if the world will remember. Personally we have learned to slow down and smell the roses, that’s for sure.
Greetings from Philadelphia in the Mid-Atlantic east coast region of the United States. Living in a big city (about 1,500,000 souls) means we’ve been on the strictest “Stay at Home” rules in the state.
Our Covid 19 restrictions coincided with a major and painful health problem for me, multiple vertebral compression fractures (I think we’re now up to 11 on my latest MRI). Fortunately, my physician-scientist husband was assigned to work from home. As a pulmonologist, he would have been on the front line if he had to work in the hospital, but at age 66, he is also in a high risk Covid group, so his clinical chief asked him to check in with his critical care colleagues to see how they were holding up. His research laboratory was closed, but he had plenty of what would have been referred to as “paperwork” in the olden days. So, between zoom meetings and paperwork, he became my home health aide and transportation to medical appointments. He also has had to take over my usual home duties: shopping, cooking,, laundry, and walking the dog. He insisted he doesn’t mind even though I’ve felt like a significant burden. June 6th will be our 38th wedding anniversary. I’m grateful every day that he obviously meant that ” in sickness and in health”, part of our wedding vows.
As you know, even though I had already experienced a back issue 2 and a half weeks before we left on a 5 week around the world trip on September 20th that included a stop off in Perth and a chance to meet you IRL (!), I had no back issues at all during our trip. However, in January, we had to cancel a trip to visit our son in Mexico City because of my back. As a travel blogger, you can imagine that my FOMO was quite high. And then, all of a sudden, by mid-March, no one could else could travel either.
It’s essentially summertime here now, and in addition to our Philadelphia condo, we own a house in Brigantine, a New Jersey beach town, only about a 75 minute drive. We’ll spend as much time as possible here in Brigantine now. I’ll have to return to Philly whenever my husband has to go for a few days because unlike every other summer, now I can’t manage here alone.
I consider myself an extroverted introvert. I usually enjoy being with other people, but I also enjoy and sometimes need to be alone. I’m sad that I can’t walk on the beach, but I’m relieved that my mobility has improved even if it’s not to a functional level. I also no longer recognize my body. I’ve lost almost 3 inches in my torso and I can’t really stand up straight, so I feel kind of troll-like, not that I’ve ever been a troll before, so I’m not sure if that’s an accurate descriptor, but it will do for now.
You didn’t ask for a treatise, and I didn’t set out to write one (with my thumbs, no less), but here you have it. Be happy I didn’t get into the country-wide demonstrations, and some violent behavior that is of historic proportion in the US. Then, there is the completely unhinged behavior of our President. As one meme says, “I can’t believe it’s riot season already; I still have my Covid 19 decorations up.”
Peace. Out.
Suzanne, I’m so glad you did pen a treatise. It was lovely to hear from you, but I am so so sorry that you have been in such pain and had such health issues. Thank you for sharing your current life situation with us. Although it sounds dire in so many respects, there is hope and I’m so glad your mobility is improving. I really hope it gets back to functional level soon. You will never be troll-like, by the way, for me you are and always will be beautiful inside and out. I look forward to meeting up in real life again, and talking about these crazy times. They too shall pass. The meme you mentioned is absolutely spot on and I had to give a wry smile. Take care of yourself. I’ll write a more private message via email soon. Much love xxx
I’ve been loving your autumn colours on Instagram – one thing we miss up here on the Sunny Coast. I work fulltime from home (my job is in Sydney) so things on the surface haven’t changed, yet at the same time they have. It’s one time where I’m glad I’m an introvert as my husband has definitely struggled more than me. #MLSTL
Hi Jo, Thank you. This year our SWA autumn colours just seem to have been sublime and I can’t help but keep snapping! Yes, introverts definitely fare better when it comes to this kind of isolation.
This was all very relatable Jo, I get the feeling you’ve been coping quite well, all things considered. The lack of pressure is real and will be hard to let go in some ways. Your quotes are perfect! I’ve pinned this for #mlstl
Hi Debbie, thank you, and yes hanging in there in a good way. Thanks so much for sharing and pinning 🙂
I’ve lived life in isolation, Jo. I do know that I’m fortunate not to be negatively impacted by covid-19. The positive with the pandemic for me is that it’s given me time to “try out” retirement. So far I’m loving it.
So glad that you’re loving new found retirement Jennifer! Yes, for those of us who haven’t been negatively impacted – we are very fortunate.
A good reminder here Jo of how we look at things has such an impact on how we will come through. I am grateful to be well, have secure shelter, a loving husband and a regular income. I have missed daily interactions going out for a coffee but this is being eased back in so I am relishing that.
Thank you for sharing.
Denyse #mlstl
Hi Denyse, thank you. And yes absolutely, we are so so fortunate to have the basics and more. As we ease back into normality I think we’ll all appreciate the little things more (I hope so).
I’ve also found that I have more time for reflection. I enjoy the slower pace. I also don’t mind being home most of the time since I am generally a homebody anyway. We’ve been walking and riding bikes too- your water view is gorgeous!
Thanks Michele, I think homebodies like us have rather enjoyed not having the pressure on them to go out and make plans and do things!
Hi Johanna, Isolation has been a mixed bag for me, part blessing and part stress. I am a retired pastor but serving 2 churches part time. It is not work that is generally done from home. With the encouragement of some friends, I have been pushing through tech phobias to do online services and other opportunities to reach those who are not online.
I started blogging the end of December and I think I posted my first post just before Christmas.I am really enjoying and appreciating the contacts I have made through #MLSTL. I shared your post on my Pinterest page. Michele
Hi Michele, thank you for reading and sharing my post 🙂 Yes, I can imagine that it’s been part blessing and part stress when it comes to serving two churches part time, and having to come to grips with technical options for online services. I know my brother in law has had to do the same and is doing a remarkable job with the music recordings – something which he has come to enjoy I believe. I hope your blogging journey continues, and that it is enriching and enlightening, and wish you all the best 🙂
Hi Jo, I am fortunate that isolation has not been too disruptive to my life. The downside was not being able to hug my grandsons and see my almost 94 year old MIL. However, technology such as Facetime and Zoom have certainly enabled me and many others to maintain some sense of contact with family and friends. I’ve felt less pressured because everyone is home so I don’t have to be anywhere at any particular time. I’ve just completed a 30 day Yoga challenge and found that after a week I was looking forward to it like a drug. I do feel for those who have been affected though with job losses, strained finances and also parents coping with working from home and homeschooling at the same time. Thank you for giving us your perspective and sharing at #MLSTL. Enjoy the rest of your week. xx
Hi Sue, I agree we have been very fortunate. I love that you’ve enjoyed and stuck to a 30 day yoga challenge and started really looking forward to it. My hubby has been working from home and I have to admit that I have used that as an excuse not to do online exercise, but on the plus side we’ve been walking and cycling together. I must get onto doing yoga – thanks for the nudge! Enjoy your week and have a happy weekend too 🙂
I think social-isolation has been worst for those who are on their own ¬
Having a partner or a companion makes all the difference 😉
The biggest pressure release from #stayathome has been not ‘having’ to be at certain places at certain times – being able to fit the day in as it best suits us without those time commitments has been magic –
And the shopping – Isn’t it amazing how long ‘a’ shop can really last – time saving and I think money saving too 🙂
Hi Linda, absolutely agree. I can’t imagine being alone at this time, it must be sooo lonely and worrying. Although I’m also cognisant that having someone at home who is not well is hard too, except that self isolation is also good at such a time too – as long as support is at hand. Yes, not having to be at a certain place at a certain time is a relief – I wonder if I’ll ever get back into being au fait with that! Just the thought of packing for a few days away is sending my old staid iso heart racing! And gosh – yes, a ‘shop’ can last forever (or at least a month) – who knew!
Hi Jo – I’ve found this time of isolation much easier to handle than I expected too. Not a lot has changed for us and I’ve appreciated stepping back from everything and being able to decide what I want to recommence when this is over, and what I will let go. I must admit to missing the visits to and from family, but that’s back on again now, so it’s really been quite a pleasant “time outside of time” for me. I am also hugely grateful that my family has been spared sickness, job loss, and distress – and that makes it a lot easier to sit back and wait this out.
Hi Leanne, I think this situation has definitely been easier for those amongst us who are introverts. I can also attest to not an awful lot changing for me, as I work from home. Yes, not being able to see our children has been the worst part for me, but unlike you we don’t have a large family here in Australia, so most of my connections with family have been remote a lot of the time. That our family is healthy and still able to earn a living has been a saving grace for me too. The worst part has been worrying about the world at large, and how awful this time must have been for people already in awful situations.
Hi Jo – just back again for MLSTL and to note that they’ve let another shipload of sick people moor in Fremantle – I hope they keep the situation under control and it doesn’t mark the beginning of another lot of restrictions for the rest of us. I’m definitely ready for things to stay more normal like they are currently!
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM
Hi Leanne, I know, so frustrating, and yet what to do? They seem to be handling the outbreak well at this stage and as you say, let’s hope it can be contained and we can move forward with lessening of restrictions in WA. Thanks so much for sharing on SM x