Humans begins are social animals, that rely on cooperation to survive and thrive, and isolation can be challenging for most. Cooperation and pro-social behaviour lie at the heart of human lives and society, from day-to-day interactions to some of our greatest endeavours.
As Indians living abroad at present, considering the intense upshot isolation has had on most of us, it is crucial for us to stay connected to the community and ourselves to ensure a healthy mental and physical state.
Chronic social isolation can have detrimental health effects with increased blood pressure, risk of being inactive, impaired cognitive functions, dementia, and motor decline.
Moreover, with quarantines and social distancing in general it has become a necessity to isolate yourself and prevent the spread of the virus.
Isolation is a feeling that can still be controlled. Here are a few ways you can save yourself from feeling lonely, connect back with the community, and engage in pro-social behavior:
1. Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Every aspect of our lives is organized around belonging to something. We’re part of groups, the Indian community in Australia, sports teams, hobbyists, cities, and so on. Social ties that accompany a sense of belonging help in managing stress.
Making an effort plays a significant role in increasing a sense of belonging. Participate in various activities, ones you are passionate about, rekindle old ones like pottery, Mehendi, Warli painting, and art on Desipedia. Share and post your work with family and friends. Join book clubs, meet new people and learn new skills. It’s crucial to keep an open mind while learning and teaching.
Avoid sedentary activities and look for opportunities to start activities you’ve been putting off and stay in control by setting goals you can directly control or influence. This could drastically increase your sense of belonging and also help with frustration, anxiety, and hostility.
2. Safely connect with the community
When we let our guards down, that’s when the virus strikes. It’s important to stay vigilant even as vaccines are being distributed.
But how do you continue to stay social and be involved?
Enjoy real-life activities gone virtual! Yoga classes, meditation sessions, trivia nights, and more. Go out with one friend instead of a group of friends and adhere to call the COVID protocols, it provides a great opportunity to really discover each other and strengthen your bond.
3. Avoid negative influences and emotions
Studies show that people remember more of how they feel rather than what was said, also that emotion substantially reinforces memory. Most people resort to using social media to compensate for the lack of physical social activities. This is a good thing, but only to an extent. Negative news, rumors, and biased opinions can dangerously affect the well-being of an individual.
People need to feel felt, have a deeper and more profound sensitivity towards the way you make them feel, be more aware, and learn to accept and validate their emotions as well as your own. Luckily for us, recognition studies show that positive emotional content was remembered more than negative emotional content. This is a great way to increase positive experiences and live healthier lives.
4. Involve in activities that give you a sense of ‘awe’
“Awe captures the spirit of the day”- David Keltner. According to David Keltner, a professor at the University of California Berkely, awe is an essential emotion. It’s important for us to experience shifts and change our perspective from time to time. It fascinates us and we feel small and humble in a good way. Engage in activities like mountain climbing, surfing, yoga, nature expeditions, with a small group of friends and family, and enhance the way you look at the world. Research findings show that a fifteen-minute ‘awe walk’ kills stress, loneliness and boosts happiness. And what better way to feel awe than to rediscover your Indian roots? Our culture is vast and extremely fascinating. Connect with the Desipedia family to know more about stirring Indian activities you can participate in.