Self-Isolation, Meditation & Mental Health in Times of COVID-19

Most of us have never before experienced enforced self-isolation and lockdown. What can we learn from people who have voluntarily gone into isolation for prolonged periods of time? A group of people who self-isolate regularly are meditators, be it monks spending years in caves or laypersons going to silent retreats. Although there are big differences between meditation retreats and lockdowns, we can learn much from linking the two. When people begin and end meditation retreats, they often have trouble adjusting. Many experience alienation from everyday life, and some struggle with their changed role or idea of self.1 Going into and out of isolation can create similar effects. In my research with meditators, I learned that many report that not talking to others, having no eye-contact, and being on one’s mobile can be deeply unsettling. In turn, social life during the coronavirus lockdown varies from person to person, depending on if we live with somebody (and how our relationship is), if we are prepared to communicate online and by phone, or if we are more extrovert or introvert. Some people now have increased online contact with people from long ago or further away, while others feel disconnected and become depressed, anxious, and fearful. Sometimes we can make changes by reaching out to others and trying to connect virtually, at other times we might be able to change our mind-set and use our alone-time in a positive way, but sometimes we are stuck in sadness, fear and ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety Coronavirus General Loneliness Relaxation and Meditation COVID-19 Mindfulness pandemic Source Type: news