Though social distancing is one of the best ways to stay safe from COVID-19, it can easily lead to isolation, loneliness, and emotional distress. This burden is especially difficult for housebound adults or seniors living in a care community – especially without family and friends being able to visit. To help out, Serenity Home Care® offers a few COVID-19 safety tips that you can use to combat the stress of isolation while maintaining a safe distance from others.
Long-Distance Connections
Thankfully, the Internet, cell phones, and digital media make it easier than ever to maintain long-distance connections. Take advantage of this technology to communicate with your loved ones as often as possible. FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype, for example, all let you see your family member or friend’s face while talking, which can go along way toward making you feel more connected. You can also look into joining some online groups of people who share your interests.
While calling long-distance, get creative! Some people are using Zoom to have long-distance dinner parties, happy hours, or book clubs. You can even watch a movie together using a streaming program and discuss it afterward. By thinking outside the box, there are plenty of ways you can utilize a media platform to keep your social life as active and engaging as in normal times.
Love a Pet
We all love our furry, feathery, or scaly friends. Though a pet isn’t a substitute for human interaction, it can still provide some meaningful interaction and company that will reduce feelings of depression. If you already own a pet, now is a great time to spend more time with it. Play games, go for a walk, or get online and look up some tricks you can learn together.
If you don’t have a pet, consider adopting one from a local shelter. These animals are just as affected by COVID-19 as humans are, with some shelters experiencing unexpected financial burdens. Saving them from this environment will contribute to feeling more positive about social distancing from humans.
Go Outside and Get Active
If you can, it’s also a good idea to get outside. The change of scenery gives your mind some variety beyond the sameness of your home, which can do a lot to alleviate the mental health issues that come with loneliness. Depending on where you are, going outdoors might also come with opportunities to see other people. Even simple interactions, like a wave and a smile, can break the feeling of isolation.
Going outside is also a chance to get some exercise, which is an excellent way to keep both your body and mind healthy – especially during a global pandemic. It’s proven to lift spirits and combat mental illness, and though the gyms might be closed, it’s more important now than ever to stay active. Go for a walk, rent a kayak, or take a bike ride – there are plenty of possibilities.
Get Help with At-Home Care
If you’re having trouble staying connected and caring for yourself during COVID-19, consider looking for a home care service. Serenity Home Care® offers support for personal care and housekeeping tasks to keep you comfortable and make sure your needs are met. Contact us today for more COVID-19 safety advice or to learn more about how we can assist you or your loved one.
