Stay Connected: Avoiding Loneliness in Self-Quarantine

It’s been a little more than two months since a wave of school and business closures swept the nation and most people began sheltering in place. And even as some cities and states are relaxing COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, many of us are remaining homebound as much as possible to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of contagion within our communities.

Though experts currently don’t have an estimate for when we’ll be able to resume our pre-pandemic lifestyles, we could be a year – or more – away from returning to normal. What can you do if you’re craving human contact and struggling with a touch of “quarantine fatigue,” but don’t want to loosen the measures you’ve put in place to stay safe?

Organize Virtual Get-Togethers

Some people have become more relaxed about social distancing by inviting people over to their homes or meeting them in newly reopened restaurants. However, epidemiologists caution that there are still too many unknowns to make even small in-person gatherings safe. Why? Many people who get COVID-19 have mild to no symptoms. That means you could feel perfectly healthy and still infect others with the virus.

Instead of jeopardizing public health by taking these risks, invite friends and family members to virtual meetups. Don’t be afraid to get creative – for example, you can coordinate an online game night, or mimic the experience of going out to eat together by arranging a shared meal on video chat. Start a quarantine movie or book club. You don’t need to be in the same room to feel a satisfying sense of connection.

Find Online Workout Buddies

Since coronavirus spreads via airborne droplets, heavy breathing in a shared space will likely do you more harm than good. However, if you’re having trouble staying motivated to work out without the extra accountability of a friend or two, the need for social distancing has probably affected your fitness routine. Many gyms and fitness studios are offering free streaming classes to create camaraderie, or you can agree on a time to meet up with real-life friends for an online sweat session.

Explore Opportunities for Growth

Following an effective routine can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy and control amid uncertain circumstances. However, if your days are starting to run together, begin to set aside time and space for things you want to accomplish. Perhaps there are new skills or hobbies you want to cultivate, or you thrive on intellectual challenges such as learning to code.

Intentionally making room for growth will give you something rewarding to look forward to and break up the monotony of spending every day at home. Just remember, if you’re not feeling up to your chosen pursuit every day, it’s OK to take mental health breaks whenever you need to.

Volunteer

Nonprofits still need willing and able volunteers, even during this significant crisis. Though you might not want to break quarantine to volunteer in person, you can still give back to others through opportunities such as manning a crisis hotline, tutoring underprivileged students online or donating extra money or household goods you may have.

Seek Help When You Need It

During quarantine, many of us have been struggling with a heightened sense of anxiety, but living in a constant crisis mode can take its toll on your mental, physical and spiritual well-being. At Complete Harmony, our caring recovery advisors are here to answer any of your questions about holistic addiction treatment and getting on a healthy track. Connect with us today.

Simple Steps for Soothing Self-Care

Some people say self-care is the foundation of addiction recovery. If you’ve completed rehab and/or an aftercare program, you’re likely familiar with the role self-care plays in your recovery and long-term sobriety.   

You may even know that self-care goes beyond just bathing, eating right, and exercising. It means nurturing your physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and financial health. And it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. 

Here are just a few self-care tips you can put into action today: 

• Snuggle up with your loved one.
• Sit down with a good book; perhaps one that inspires you to become a better person.
• Sip a warm cup of herbal tea.
• Begin your mornings with a few yoga poses to clear your mind and energize your body.
• Head outdoors and soak up the sun as you take a long, relaxing stroll.
• Sit in a bubble bath and tune out to your favorite tunes.
• Organize your desk and tackle one pile of paperwork or bills.
• Light a scented candle and get creative by coloring, drawing, painting, or writing poetry.
• Give yourself a facial or pedicure.
• Wake up early and watch the sunrise.
• Pop some popcorn and cue your favorite Netflix series.
• Pour yourself a tall glass of water infused with cucumber or lemon.
• Sit and focus on your breathing. Close your eyes and let go of your worries.
• Make a list of long-term recovery goals. 
• Jot down five things you’re grateful for. 
• Set the alarm a few minutes early and stay in bed and meditate.

A Healthier Lifestyle With Deeper Purpose

At Complete Harmony, our holistic relapse prevention plans provide the tools you or someone you love needs for lifelong sobriety. After recovery, our staff encourages you to continue holistic therapies and find groups and community resources that support your commitment to sobriety. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.

Self-Care for Loved Ones of Addicts

If you’re a loved one of an addict, we don’t have to tell you that caring for a family member with substance abuse disorder is heartbreaking and exhausting. Addiction is a family disease – and it takes a toll on everyone involved.

We do, however, need to remind you that to best care for your loved one, you need to make time to care for yourself. This means getting proper sleep, eating well, exercising, managing stress, socializing, and continuing to experience joy in your life.

Practicing self-care isn’t selfish; it's a matter of survival!

4 Ways to Care for Yourself


1. Ease into the day your way. Set your alarm just 15 minutes earlier than usual, and use those extra minutes just for you. Cook up a healthy breakfast, write in a journal, meditate—whatever helps you set a positive tone for the day ahead. 
2. Get support. Consider seeking help from a therapist or join one of the many support groups (either in-person or online) for loved ones of addicts. This will remind you that you’re not alone; it can also give you some much-needed hope as you hear experiences and advice from other family members just like you. 
3. Allow yourself to have fun. Whether you enjoy gardening or going to the movies with your friends or grandkids, carve out some time for the things you enjoy most. Engaging in such simple pleasures is just what you need to relax and recharge right now. 
4. Learn to say “no.” Don’t do things for your loved one that he or she can (or should) be doing for herself. The key is to set boundaries about what you will and will not do to help the addict in your life. 

Detox and Rehab 
Is someone you love physically and psychologically addicted to drugs or alcohol? We’re here to help. Our staff at Complete Harmony has helped hundreds of patients detox and restore their whole body using holistic therapies. To learn more about our alternative rehab program, call 866-930-4673.