How do you maintain social distancing without feeling depressed?
Social distancing: A term as ubiquitous as our own names, in this current context, whose application can save lives and ease the burden on healthcare facilities.
Covid-19 has suddenly forced the world to turn upside down- isolating humans into the innermost chambers of one’s emotional and physical catacomb. Whilst the benefit of social distancing is life-saving and indisputable, there are ‘side-effects’ of it that have to be considered. ‘Social recession’ is one of them, as put forward by sociologist, Ezra Klein, from NYU.
Humans are social beings. We have evolved to feel safe in groups and the need to seek human connection has become ingrained in our neurochemistry. It determines our well-being and happiness. A collapse in social contact is thus experienced as a ‘physical state of emergency’.
Research has proven this results in reduced levels of oxytocin (Zak, 2012) and an activation of the same neural centres in the brain that process physical pain ‘social pain’, leading to low moods and a heightened stress response (Eisenberger, 2014). Increased social fragmentation, loneliness and an inability to experience physical contact impacts our collective sense of well-being negatively.
We are uncertain of the longevity of this state and research points towards social distancing impacting our physical health positively but our mental health negatively.
The question, then, is: how can you maintain social distancing whilst looking after your well-being?
Here are some pointers towards maintaining mental health equilibrium:
Social distancing is not emotional distancing- thanks to technology, connecting has never been easier. Schedule video calls with friends and family and reconnect with people you have been meaning to do so. Spend time with family playing board games, watching movies, discussing books and generally, deepening connections with each other.
Engage in a routine and meaningful activities- Follow your regular routine to have a semblance of normalcy in your daily life. If you are working from home- getting ready for the day at the same time as you would regularly, helps get you mentally ready to start your day and stick to your schedule. Other activities could be painting, creating music, learning a language that has been on your to-do list, to name a few skill-based ones.
Move- Research has shown a direct correlation between movement and the release of endorphins (i.e. the ‘happy’ chemicals) that boost your mood. This could be yoga, body weight exercises or even dancing it out to your favourite song!
Cultivate empathy- To be able to socially distance oneself and stay home is a product of privilege. Think about people who cannot because their next meal depends on their livelihood or may be struggling a little more than usual, in such times of uncertainty.
Consider how you can be a sensitive and responsible employer and help individuals who work for you around the house or at work by giving them leave with pay, groceries, medicines and sanitation kits. Check in with your elderly neighbours to see if they need help getting groceries, cooking or doing chores around the house. If you know someone whose mental health concerns are exacerbated because of social distancing, connect with them and offer help.
For some, it is easier to take social distancing in their stride. For others who struggle with complex family dynamics at home or with mental health concerns, It’s important to create an emotionally safe environment. Ensure that you set boundaries, step away from the situation when you feel triggered and carve out some time to reach out for online counselling.
Social distancing gives us an opportunity to understand the importance of choice and personal power on collective well-being. Our ability to choose our perspective and take small steps to impact our lives has never been more important, on an individual and a larger, community level.
