Anyone who is estranged from family or is without a partner may be feeling the impact of isolation more strongly than most.
Physical isolation is challenging enough. When accompanied by emotional isolation it can become unbearable.
Taking the edge off
It can be tempting to take the edge off by drinking, smoking or other forms of self-medicating. Within safe limits this is not necessarily a problem, but if you can’t do without or your amounts are increasing then it may be a slippery slope.
From a healing perspective, these issues are located within the Sacral Chakra. This is the area of emotional security. When nurturing and support are lacking, it drives unhealthy compulsions and addictions. If there is a gap where love should be, we usually find another way to fill it.
We all need a way to feed our soul. The good news is there are ways to do this which won’t get you into trouble.
The Sacral Chakra also governs creativity, desire and passion. This exists on many levels – from relationships and creating life to simple pleasures such as a love of sport, cooking, films, fashion, music ….. anything that fires you up or calms you down. It doesn’t matter whether you acitvely take part or sit back and admire the skill of others. Either way, it’s good to get more of the things that give you happiness and strength.
Even better, connect with people who enjoy the same things. For instance, Meetup.com has groups for all interests, and you can connect with people anywhere in the world https://www.meetup.com/blog/how-to-host-an-online-event-on-meetup/
Physical grounding
Under stress, the adrenaline starts to flow and it is a problem when you can’t get the space to work it out of your system.
If you feel physical tension rising in your body, here are some ways to get the unwanted energy out of your system:
- Try to get some movement into your day. It will help to balance your energy levels, hormone levels, help you sleep, reduce anxiety and keep you grounded.
- Physical tasks like cleaning or DIY can help, as a way to let off steam and get something constructive out of a frustrating situation.
- If you have limited mobility or are not into breaking a sweat, a few stretches will Again, guided videos and groups can be found online.
- For those who are energetic and find the four walls constraining, there are many home workouts available on YouTube, whether you’re into weights, yoga, running or other activities. You might find some new methods that actually enhance your usual training regime.
- Better still, you can buddy up with someone else to keep you motivated and connected https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a18094761/long-distance-workout-buddies/ https://workoutbuddies.com/
What about connections to people you’ve lost touch with?
Be selective.
When you are alone with time on your hands it is a great opportunity to reconnect to long lost family and friends who you have had good times with in the past.
Or after a falling-out with someone, it could be an opportunity to make peace.
But choose wisely.
If you have separated from someone because they mistreated you, do not let loneliness push you back into a harmful situation.
If you’re not sure whether a certain relationship is good or bad for you, this checklist might help you work it out https://coda.org/meeting-materials/patterns-and-characteristics-2011/
But what if you are still overwhelmed by unwanted thoughts or feelings and find yourself turning to unhealthy options in order to cope?
Many groups that provide support are now meeting online. You can get help to manage your thoughts and habits, and also connect to strong communities.
Sometimes it helps to link to somebody who is going through the same type of thing as you. This project is for teens and adults http://www.buddy-project.org/about
If talking things through one to one is more your thing, there are counsellors online to assist you. Here are some resources:
For Young people
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/anxiety-uk-national-infoline-service/live-chat/
For Adults
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/anxiety-uk-national-infoline-service/live-chat/
https://www.onlinecounsellingservice.co.uk/
https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/talk-someone/live-chat-counsellor
https://www.2talkcounselling.com/online-counselling
https://www.therapycentreservices.com/selfreferral
For your unhealthy habits
Even if you don’t consider yourself to have an addiction, if you feel that something is starting to get out of hand you can benefit from attending meetings
https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/AA-Meetings/Online-_-Telephonic-Meetings
If things get desperate
If all else fails and you may be in danger of harming yourself, please call the Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ or contact NHS mental health services for urgent support https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/urgent-support/
There is no shame in asking for help. In fact this is a brave thing to do.
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