Coronavirus: How To Cope With Self Isolation Tips

As protocols evolve in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, there will be a great number of people who will be asked to remain home if they are suspected to have the virus or if they have travelled overseas.

At an event last week for Australian Oil & Gas week, I was posed an interesting question...

"How do I help my employees handle their mental health during self-isolation."

The problem stemmed from a number of their employees in Hong Kong who were reporting problems at home with their families during isolation.

Many of these families live in small apartments with very little personal space. Their kids (who don't understand why they can't leave the home) need entertained and looked after. When you add sickness into the equation you can imagine how stressful this situation can become.

Lets turn this into a positive experience and an opportunity to connect with your self and your family

Before you do anything, you should take measures to reduce the risk of any family member becoming infected. You don't want your entire family becoming unwell. If that ship has sailed, here are my 5 tips on how to look after your families mental health during this period.

1) Structure your day

Treat each day like any other day. I would advise setting times aside for meals, work, play, discussion etc. Get up and go to bed at the same time as you would normally. Try and maintain the same routines as much as possible. All of these will add to a sense of 'normality' that our brains can process and will make the adjustment easier.

2) Make arrangements for EVERYTHING

Luckily in 2020 we can order almost everything straight to our door. Order your food online, understand how you will take out the garbage (including pet waste), ask for your kids homework to be posted or emailed as well as your own work. It's amazing how many daily tasks involve us coming into contact with people, so make a list and figure out who can help you and what you can organise yourself.

3) Don't rely on the TV for your entertainment

There is a temptation to binge watch all your favourite shows. Get the family together and mix up your entertainment by playing board games, reading, telling stories. This is also a great opportunity to work on hobbies or interests that you may of put to one side. Have you ever wanted to write a book? Learn photoshop? Study? This can be a positive experience. Remember that friend you have not spoken to in years? Maybe give them a call and reconnect.

4) Plan 'time out' from each other

Living in close quarters with other humans can bring out the best and worst in us. Many family issues are masked by our constant use of entertainment to distract us from addressing problems in the home. This is why it's important to give each other space. You could split the family into teams that occupy different areas of the house  for example, Dad with one child in the garage and Mum with the other child in the lounge room – then swap the following day. Once everyone knows the rules, it will be much easier to stay out of each others way.

5) Get some exercise

You wont have an opportunity to go for a walk or the gym during this period, so find a way to get your body moving. Find a good exercise routine that works for you and stick to it for the duration. This could be as simple as walking on the spot or doing a yoga session from a You Tube video. Get the kids involved by making it fun and interactive.

If you are worried or struggling with your mental health during this period, talk to your employer or a professional to see how they can help you during this time. Information on who to call can be found here https://www.lifeline.org.au/