How to stay home during a pandemic and not go crazy with the advice of psychologists

Our world is unimaginably fragile place, but to fully understand it only in a crisis situation. Who would have thought just a few months ago that to go outside would become so dangerous that many governments recommend, and some will forbid people to leave their homes? People around the world suffer CoVID-19, and those who are healthy, try not to leave home without urgent need. However, despite the effectiveness of strict quarantine measures for a large number of permanent people stay at home can be a real challenge. Social networks are filled with articles about what to do at home how not to fight with loved ones and to survive the quarantine. But unless the house is not the safest place, and with the fortress? And how do scientists explain the fact that many people today very hard?

self-Isolation, social distancing, quarantine and observation – what is the difference?

At the time of this writing, the streets of most cities in the world is almost empty. Don't know what convinced people that the situation is serious, but this awareness is good. Maybe it's the realization that anyone can become seriously ill and what will have to face not only with an invisible enemy SARS-CoV-2, but also with serious economic . However, the spread of a previously unknown virus does not mean the end of the world. First, humanity is fighting an invisible infectious agents throughout its history and until we win. Secondly, none can last forever. Thirdly, modern science allows us to devise a vaccine against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 than already engaged scientists around the world. Fourth, should pay attention to the experience of countries that successfully cope with the spread CoVID-19, for example South Korea and China.

By Adding all the factors together, there comes the realization that fear is normal and that always sit at home, we will not. And if some people self-isolation is not confused and does not cause significant problems, for others it's really a difficult time. As the experience of European countries, particularly Italy, the recommendation not to leave the house does not always work, because people do not follow social distancing. But before we go on to discuss the forced “house arrest”, let's deal with terminology. So, what is the quarantine, isolation and social distancing are different from each other? Despite the fact that all these terms have the same goal, they mean very different things.

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What is the quarantine

About quarantine question when the person had contact with the infected, and therefore could be exposed to the virus. Usually, in this situation it is recommended to stay at home or in government-granted institution within 14 days. Two weeks later, if the suspected coronavirus is not confirmed and the symptoms do not appear to comply with the quarantine is not necessary.

”don't leave your room; consider what you have lost. What is interesting in the light of the wall and the chair?” Quarantine is a good reason to read the poetry of Joseph Brodsky

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What: observation

Observation is the medical monitoring of people who suspect or who was in contact with sick people. It is important to understand that observation involves the isolation of the individual, but not his admission to the hospital. If a person is sick, but does not need ongoing medical care, the quarantine may be replaced by a visual observation. This means that the person is in isolation for 14 days (in the case of the novel coronavirus).

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What is self-isolation

Isolation is the measure to which a person uses themselves – that is, voluntarily decides to stay home so as not to contact with other people, not infect them or be infected yourself. Isolation implies a permanent stay at home and reduce contact with other people. In the case when food is brought by the courier – that is in conditions of a pandemic – all interactions between people are carried out contactless and at a distance. On isolation are also people who had contact with the infected, even if you feel well. Do not forget that the new and, in some cases, symptoms may not appear, but the person remains infectious to others.

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What is social distancing

In the context of a pandemic, doctors, police officers, firefighters and sellers of grocery stores continue putting themselves at risk. As all people anyway – in the shop or take out the trash, they should keep each other at a distance of 1.5 – 2 meters. the Social distancing today is an expression of respect, love and care to others, as it is impossible to know for sure who infected who could be infected and who has the disease will leak hard.

How many people have you seen on the street the last time I looked out of the window? Surely almost all the passers-by were in protective masks and gloves. Some of the most knowledgeable citizens before leaving the house wearing glasses, as the coronavirus is able to penetrate the human body through the mucous membranes of the eyes. In this case, despite the anxiety, worry, and fear of invisible dangers, every door of the house – it's a simple pleasure and the opportunity to get some fresh air. By the way, the pandemic CoVID-19 though for a short while, but made the air in ourthe planet cleaner. So much so that it is noticeable on satellite images. Read more .

Strict quarantine measures make the life of many people in a difficult situation even harder.

the Consequences of quarantine for the mind

Experts from the world health organization (who) and the Centers for disease control (CDC) , limiting physical contact with people to stay home, not go to parks, to playgrounds and – if possible – to the shops, wash hands at least 20 seconds to reduce the load on the health system. It turns out that all know what is to be done. So why is this hard?

According to leading experts, the main reason is that we just like to be around other people. Otherwise the loneliness would not be so international crisis. the bad People without other people. Communication allows you to maintain social connections that made possible the survival of Homo Sapiens as a species. No wonder that in such difficult moments, we want to unite, to be next to each other. However, this is one of the toughest turns of a pandemic of a novel coronavirus: experts say that people can be physically difficult for a long time in isolation. In addition, there is another reason to follow the recommendations so difficult to change your own behavior overnight. We are at least not prepared to do this.

According to , a psychiatrist from Imperial College London, we can enjoy staying at home when in control of the situation and can not afford to go to a party or to visit. But when stay in the room a requirement, it may be bad for the psyche. While for most people the unpleasant effects will go away by themselves. Although quarantine is frustrating and annoying for us, it usually does not cause long-term mental health problems.
And yet for some, prolonged isolation may have serious consequences. As Greenberg writes in a paper published , the researchers reviewed 24 scientific articles on the effects of quarantine. They found that this experience can cause post-traumatic stress, confusion, numbness of extremities, grief, anger and insomnia. Moreover, people are deprived of constant contact with the outside world, for financial support during the crisis, and information about , more at risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression.

Stay in isolation – albeit voluntary – is an ordeal for the mind and body. Being social creatures during the day, many of us actively interact with others. When the situation is changing rapidly, and office work we have to do at home and not go out, you can panic. As he writes in his work, Neil Greenberg, one of the most important things you can do when spending time at home is to establish a daily routine. So, if you work from home, set a clear timetable to complete the work at the end of the day. It is also important to maintain your workout and physical activity, and communication with friends, family and colleagues in a digital format.

of Course, live communication, there is no substitute, but to experience temporary isolation, especially in the Internet era

A Competent mode of work and recreation, and the environment shape our mental and physical health. We must not forget that all of us need access to natural light, comfortable indoor temperature and good air quality to feel active and healthy. Such seemingly insignificant things as houseplants or music work, can help not to lose motivation. However, personal space is not less important factor for good health. Each of us needs enough space to safely move around the house during the day and not feel discomfort. You do not need to be the owner of the 24-room mansion to feel good.

And yet there's no doubt that the transition from ordinary life to the quarantine, though not long, will be difficult. , Professor of natural resources and environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, explores a healthy human environment. Isolation is not easy, but comfort can still be found outside . Whether it's a small Avenue with a few trees or a Park, even a 10-minute stay outside of the four walls is good for health – during walking decreases heart rate, blood pressure and production of stress hormones. But the most important thing is that spending time outside, especially in nature, we feel more connected to the rest of the world. Agree, this is really good advice, so next time you are going to go out, as it should think over your route, even if it is impossible to go far from home.

What to do in quarantine?

Proper diet, meditation, exercise and communication with loved ones will help in the fight against anxiety and stress, and therefore strengthen the immune system

Perhaps it will surprise you, but experts whosuggest to play computer games during the quarantine. Together with video game developers who launched the initiative , in which people were encouraged to play video games to brighten up the regime of self-isolation during a pandemic CоVID-19. According to experts the who, the games will help people to communicate with each other and spend time together without contact in real life. Moreover, recently the who has released recommendations for comfortable observance of the quarantine, which including recommended less often read and watch news, as this may become a source of growing concern. We talked in detail about all the advice of experts from the world health organization on how to maintain health of mind and body in this difficult time .

In General, experts advise to apply to temporary isolation not as punishment. No need to be afraid to spend time alone, use quarantine as an opportunity to learn what you really want and what really interesting. Try keeping a diary – write down all the thoughts that come to mind. It is not excluded that over time you will find yourself with hidden talents that in the future can afford to change the type of activity and point to new horizons.

Needless to say that the quarantine can spend it – you can do the long-postponed chores. Start reading dust on the bookshelf or, if for some reason you missed a few seasons of your favorite series, don't deny yourself the pleasure and make yourself comfortable in front of the TV. Enjoy the simple things – listen to music, draw, play musical instruments, learn foreign languages. The pandemic will end, but only depend on us future memories of this difficult time.

Sitting at home was not as easy as everyone thought.