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How to Re-Imagine Self-Isolation into a Positive Experience
By Dr Becky Spelman
For many self-isolation has been nothing short of a hindrance. There is no money coming in, no opportunity to spend time with friends or family, and many of the freedoms we take for granted are now firmly in the rear-view mirror. We still have no clear idea of how long self-isolating will go on. It could be months before we’re allowed to return to our normal routines. So how do you handle the situation in the interim? There’s only so much Netflix that can be binged upon before it becomes stale. We need more. And self-isolation doesn’t have to be a negative experience. In fact, it’s rare opportunity that few people will be afforded again. The responsibilities placed on us mean that to have three months off work is something that we can all but fanaticise about.
What’s really needed is to understand what you’re gaining… Time. It’s the most valuable commodity we have. You can spend it, save it and manage it appropriately. But you can’t buy it back once it’s gone. It’s the one thing that people complain that they don’t have enough of. Well, now you have all the time you need. The question is, what will you do with it? We give so much of ourselves to our work and social obligations that we may not necessarily want to be included in. Now, you can do whatever you want – within guidelines, of course. It presents a real opportunity to do something for yourself.
Many of us have hobbies and interests that fall by the wayside as we progress through life. It’s a sad truth that our passions become after-thoughts. But they don’t have to remain that way any longer. Now is the perfect time to revisit those things that inspire you. It will not only help ease the burden of spending so much time alone. But it gives you a chance to gain some perspective on what’s important to you. Life may be challenging at the moment. But losing yourself in a moment of creativity or intense fascination with a subject you’re interested in is just the antidote to relieve the stress of not being in your normal routine.
In doing this, if you may also find the space being in self-isolation brings allows you to make some positive mental shift that leads to a change of direction when this quarantine ends. By spending time away from your place of work, you may realise just how dissatisfied you felt. You may come to see that you weren’t happy and can now start making plans to make a better life for yourself. Things don’t have to go back to the way they were beforehand. In many ways, they won’t. Why not be the person on the driving seat, pushing those changes instead of being the one reacting to them? Self-isolation may have its difficulties, but it can represent the start of a new beginning if you’re willing to look within and question how much you really value your time.
About the author:
Dr Becky Spelman is a leading UK Psychologist who’s had great success helping her clients manage and overcome a multitude of mental illnesses.
***If you’re struggling with self-isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak and think you might benefit from speaking to someone, we offer a FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION with one of our specialists to help you find the best way to move forward. You can book yours here.
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