How we can use social distancing to enhance our mental wellbeing

Michelle Richards, drama therapist with The Art Clinic Liverpool project, explains how we can use social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak to enhance our mental wellbeing.

CHANGE is constant and something that we are used to. However, the coronavirus has brought about rapid and dramatic changes to our lives.

Suddenly we are faced with challenges that we hadn’t anticipated and the future prospect of working out how to accommodate the impact of these changes.

It may feel as though we are being tested on every level. For many of us, our sense of security is being shaken and this can put a strain on our sense of wellbeing. Fortunately, tests of our resolve can lead to personal growth.

I invite you to ‘Pollyanna-ise’ this experience (Pollyanna is a story about a girl who would only ever look on the bright side) and explore how you can find opportunities to enhance your wellbeing.

Whilst having to practice social distancing, we are forced to spend more time with our ‘self’ and be the focus of our own lives. In isolation, we are one hundred per cent responsible for how we use our time.

For some of us, especially those who have been part of workplace institutions with routines governed by external demands, this is a huge adjustment.

Let’s grab this new reality by the horns. This may be a perfect time to listen to yourself, remember who you are and decide what you want from your life. A time to ‘reset’ and think about what life is really supposed to be about. A time to create a template for a more meaningful future.

We are responsible for our mental stimulation, exercise, nutrition, work/task completion and leisure. The choices that we make have an immediate impact on how we feel mentally and physically.

During periods of isolation, you can choose between finding things that stimulate you e.g. reading, painting, writing, online learning or doing nothing of interest. You have a choice between being inert or exercising.

There are lots of online exercise classes including chair-based options. At the time of writing this, we are still allowed to go for walks whilst giving consideration to staying at a safe distance from others. There’s also always the option of revisiting your music collection and dancing as though there is no one watching.

You can spend the days snacking on crisps, sweets and biscuits and eating low nutritional meals or you could stick to set mealtimes and make sure that you are eating healthy meals and including fruit and vegetables in your diet to boost your immune system. You can plan a structure to your days to ensure that necessary tasks are fulfilled, or you can leave things to chance.

Your environment will also influence how you are feeling. You can choose to make the space that you will be spending your time in as pleasant as possible or to dwell in domestic chaos.

The choices that you make will determine how you feel. They are also an indication of how much you are willing to value yourself. Imagine for a moment that you were your own best friend, for whom you only want the best in life. As your own best friend, what choices will you support yourself to make?

What can you do about the choice between worrying or actively finding ways to reduce stress? There may be moments when you feel overcome by everything. That’s okay and completely normal. Sit with your feelings and take deep breaths.

Being positive doesn’t mean ignoring how you are feeling. Allow your feelings to come and go. Give them the space that they need.

It might not be possible to maintain your plans and goals on a daily basis. It’s okay to have ‘off days’ along with the good days. This isn’t a time for putting pressure on yourself or being disappointed in your efforts. It’s a time for giving yourself the best time that your situation allows and accepting that some days will be better than others.

Remember to make time to switch off and relax. Online guided meditations or mindfulness instructions can help with this if relaxing is something that you find hard to do.

Try to maintain communication with friends and family through social media and the telephone. If you don’t have social connections, reach out to volunteers in your community who are offering to help. Ask for what you need from them, even if it’s just a regular phone call to combat loneliness. They are likely to be as happy to help you, as you would be to receive their help.

Michelle, The Art Clinic Liverpool

Michelle is drama therapist with The Art Clinic Liverpool.

Mental wellbeing services provided by the project include ‘The Art of Emotions’, an online art therapy programme with one-to-one support, and private therapy sessions.

To book email theartclinic@gmail.com

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