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Katie Lunn
Occupational Therapy.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialist
Combating Boredom and Social Isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Seek out variety and novel ways to pass the time. Play games, spring clean, get out in the garden/yard, batch cook, follow exercise classes on YouTube, have movie nights / get into a good box set. There are so many ideas on the internet at the moment such as a group called ‘family lockdown tips and ideas’ on Facebook – this often has links into live classes such as art/sketch classes for example as well as activities you can do with items most people have in their homes.
• Whether you are quarantined, working remotely or just being cautious, now is the perfect time to practice using technology in socially healthy ways. Be mindful that occupation is a mechanism for social interaction – make sure you keep in touch with people by phone, Skype, Facetime, Zoom, House Party etc.
The next best thing to in-person interaction is video chat, because facial cues, body language and other nonverbal forms of communication are important for bonding. When possible, opt for video over messaging or calling and play around with doing what you would normally do with others. For example, try having a digital dinner with someone you met on a dating app, a virtual happy hour with friends or a remote book club meeting. Maybe you could all engage in a similar craft project and link up to share what you’ve created.
Take it in turns to prepare quizzes and then use these apps to link up and do them. You could cook the same recipe or read the same book then all meet online to share and discuss. Then of course there is the world of gaming…..!
• Make regular contact with family – especially any elderly people you know so reduce their risk of social isolation and loneliness too. Support them by offering to do an online shop for them for example. If they have the technology – use Skype or Facetime too.
• There are two ways to overcome loneliness: nurture your existing relationships or form new ones. Use this time as an opportunity to get in touch with a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, or reach out to someone you’d like to get to know.
• Find an activity to engage in which provides a sense of purpose – this will give you a great sense of well-being! When you find yourself scrolling through people’s posts, stop and send one of them a few kind words. After all, we need a little extra kindness to counter the stress and uncertainty at this time.
• The basis of connection is having something in common. Whatever your interest is, there is bound to be an online community of people who share your passion and can’t wait to talk with you about it. Get searching for them!
• Try to maintain balance. Stick to your usual routine as much as you are able. Don’t be tempted to stay in bed any longer than you would on a ‘normal day’! Get up, get showered and dressed, make the bed and get active!
• If you are working /studying from home, do so for the same hours of the day you’d be at work. Liaise during this time with colleagues / fellow students / tutors to keep in touch and abreast of work-related issues.
• Take a break from news stories and social media; hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting, and it's important to talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
• Don’t forget that you can go out for a walk, jog or bike ride in your local area once a day. This is of vital importance to maintain good well-being, but do follow the government’s recommendations on this and always stay at least 2 metres away from someone. You can still smile and say "hi" to people while maintaining a safe distance.
For further information, there is lots of useful advice on the MIND website:
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