Rylie Horrall |  Lifestyle Editor

COVID-19 has impacted the world significantly — certain restaurants have closed their doors for the time being or for good, and some businesses have to temporarily shut down and schools and universities have switched to remote learning. All of these things have been done for the safety of the public and people are left to self-isolate in their homes. However, as a result of trying to stay physically safe, some people may find themselves struggling mentally or emotionally. According to apa.org, “social isolation with adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life.”

Self-isolating has been highly advised during this pandemic — some states, such as Oregon and Washington, have even issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders to keep the populace from spreading and contracting COVID-19. Because of this, many people have had their daily routines disrupted; numerous students have left the dorms and are now having to adjust to online classes back at home; adults are struggling with paying bills and handling a household because they were laid off; and children cannot see their friends or play outside and may feel antsy about being cooped up in the house. Some people could be completely isolated from loved ones out of fear of transmitting sickness and are stuck at home alone. For each of these groups, their routine has been disrupted, and grief over losing that regular life can be tricky to adjust to. 

One thing that can make that process easier is to try sticking to certain time frames that were in their usual schedule. For instance, if a person normally works from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., get up and still get ready as normal — and this doesn’t have to involve jeans, try just swapping out pajama pants — and fill that time slot with something else. This could be cleaning the house, doing a load of laundry, meal-prepping for the week, whatever the person wants to get done.

For those who are missing the social interaction, know that many others are feeling the same way. I’m definitely one of those that is yearning to go out with my friends and have the option to go somewhere else other than the store and my living room. While meeting up in person probably isn’t the best idea, reaching out through calls, facetiming and social media are still valid ways of minimizing that feeling of being alone. As a plus, remote communication allows others to check in with each other and make sure people are healthy without jeopardizing one’s own health.

Beth Scroggins, director of the Student Health and Counseling Center on Western’s campus, stated in an email that “our mode of delivery services have changed to phone visits (video visits coming soon!),” and indicated that students can still set up appointments with the Student Health and Counseling Center in person, but that it was limited to certain consultations.

Even though we’re all supposed to stay in our homes, a person can still step outside for some fresh air to clear their head; spending a few moments on a patio or in the backyard can help with the frustration and stress of being cooped up in the house. Another method to help with stress is meditating or working out, as the former will relax the mind and the latter can relax the body.

This is a stressful time that we’ve all been thrown into. Worrying about oneself and loved ones takes its toll, and feeling vulnerable is something that will probably affect each of us. It’s going to be difficult getting through this, and it’ll take time — but we can all do it. Staying healthy applies not only to our physical health, but mentally as well. Remember to eat, get enough sleep, don’t sit for too long, wear a mask if going out is unavoidable and wash your hands.

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu