The effects of the pandemic are still being felt with the new restrictions put in place on October 1, 2020, which particularly affect the social aspect of our lives. Thus, this period will push some people to a form of social isolation, which can in the long run prove to be quite annoying.
We therefore invite you to read this article, which contains tips to put into practice on a daily basis to counter boredom and manage social isolation. Also discover how the intervention of a social worker, through teleconsultation, could help you during this period.
The consequences of social isolation
We are accustomed to living at a hectic pace and to having multiple social contacts. However, when the pace calms down and contact becomes limited, it is not without consequences in terms of mental and psychological health.
Indeed, social isolation can exacerbate anxiety and the occurrence of negative thoughts, since we spend more time alone with our thoughts. For some people, sudden changes in daily life can lead to irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, etc. Moreover, when we stop social activities that are meaningful to us, we risk facing boredom, sadness, or even a depressive state exacerbated by frustration and lack of control over the situation. In this sense, we must know how to tame isolation and put strategies in place to counter boredom.
How to deal with boredom?
Here are a few tips, fairly easy to implement in everyday life, that can help to cope with this period of social isolation, to avoid boredom and the consequences that it can engender.
- Maintain social relationships, at a distance: we all agree that evenings with friends made through video calls will never replace real social gatherings. Nevertheless, we must learn how to maintain social relationships despite the restrictions in place, and it must be said that technology helps us in this regard. For example, it can be a good idea to take advantage of this lull to check in with a friend you’ve grown apart from, a former co-worker or family member.
- Be active: The benefits of physical activity are many for both physical and mental health. For example, during periods of isolation, it is very important to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity per day. This can be through various activities such as walking, outdoor activities, jogging, etc. In addition, since gyms and training studios remain open, this is a good opportunity to resume good sports habits. However, be careful to respect your level so as not to overwork yourself!
- Keeping busy: In addition to sports, a host of activities can help us fill our days off and free time. Video games, reading, visual arts, cooking… It’s a good opportunity to re-explore hobbies that we may have left aside. Keeping your hands busy also helps to keep your mind busy!
- Avoid consuming too much “news”: it is important to stay informed about current events and the evolution of the pandemic, but we must be careful not to consume too much “news” in all its forms: television, radio, newspapers, the web. Overexposure can indeed exacerbate the level of anxiety.
- Helping a relative or neighbor: the elderly or sick are the most vulnerable to the pandemic and its consequences. Do not hesitate to offer your help to a family member or neighbor. In addition to offering valuable assistance to this person, you can help counter the social isolation that seniors sometimes face.
- Monitor your use of alcohol and drugs: Boredom can lead some people to increase their alcohol or drug use. However, you must remain vigilant about the harmful effects that overuse can have in the medium or long term.
Support from the social worker in times of isolation
A social worker is a professional who can help a person deal with personal difficulties (stress, anxiety, managing emotions, etc.), particularly in relation to difficulties in adapting to a social environment. The pandemic has strongly modified our social habits, which can lead to personal difficulties. In this sense, the intervention of the social worker can help us take a step back from the situation and put in place, in a healthy way, strategies to better adapt to it. The social worker can prove to be a very valuable support to better manage the anxiety resulting from the current situation.
With regard to alcohol and drug use, social workers can stimulate reflection and possibly bring to light a problematic use and help their clients manage it.
At this particular time, the social workers at Clinique GO™ offer their services through online consultation. To deal with the lack of social contact, boredom and possible isolation that the current situation may cause, do not hesitate to call upon their services. You will get the help of a professional who will listen to you and propose efficient and coherent solutions.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
