Hi Josh1245
I can completely relate to what you are saying. Since 2019 I have been in full time study online and it can be very difficult staying in one room, looking at a screen, no one around. For me, I also did not have many friends I felt I can call because I get anxiety when I talk on the phone and I am not on social media, so this didn't help with feeling completely isolated. I did end up a bit depressed and definitely fatigued and just lacking in any vitality, so I know what you are talking about.
What helped for me was to go on either a brisk walk or a stroll first thing in the morning and also, if I had enough time, in the afternoon. It did not have to be long - my morning walk is half an hour. During these walks I would meditate on what was around me, listened to calming music and stayed present. This really helped me feel a sense of space where I was feeling confined. Before I started this I didn't see much of a point in walking but it actually really turned things around for me.
Other things that can help:
- moving around in your house. When I felt sick sitting in the one room all day I would move the laptop to another location and work in a different room. I also would print out papers that I needed to read (even website pages) and sat in a different room, a comfy chair or couch, or somewhere outside (weather permitting) to read it. It gave me a break from the screen and a different setting to be in.
- calling a friend or family member even just to chat for 5 minutes. Little ways to stay connected with eachother.
- regular breaks from the screen - have you heard of the Pomodoro technique? It is a productivity tool that suggests we are most productive when we have twenty minute study and five minute breaks. During the 5 minutes think of a small activity you enjoy - that doesn't involve screens.
- looking after you diet - sugar crashes and unhealth eating unfortunately only makes us feel more sluggish. This also really turned things around for me as well.
I also agree with Petal22 that seeing a psychologist can also help with strategies that work for you.
Just so you know, you are not alone, there are so many people that feel isolated and disconnected at the moment. Hopefully some little strategies can get you feeling better.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I am here.
Love
Pumps.
