Being holed up at home for a long period of time can negatively affect a person’s physical and mental health, according to experts.
Psychology professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD revealed “There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risk for premature mortality, and the magnitude of the risk exceeds that of many leading health indicators.”
Another psychologist, Louise Hawkley, PhD, said social isolation could lead to depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, impaired immunity, and more.
Like most Filipinos right now, Emirates airline purser (chief flight attendant) Maureen Bateson is currently staying at home to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
A native of Quezon City, Bateson dreamed of joining the commercial airline industry when she was young. She then pursued her dream and began her career as cabin crew member for Philippine Airlines, and then for Saudi Arabian Airlines, before joining Emirates in 2002, where she recently celebrated 18 years of service, and counting.
As someone who goes places for a living, Bateson has learned how to keep her well-being in check—both physically and mentally—while in quarantine at home.
Stay active and get adequate sleep
“As my husband is working from home, we start out exercise after 3:30 p.m. My husband and I believe that a healthy body equals a healthy mind,” shared Bateson.
Once her husband has finished work for the day, the two will bond over some exercise. “We have been enjoying the Les Mills Body Jam classes online. This is not only an opportunity to work out, but also let my hair down and have fun.”
“We have also started a daily yoga practice, something we fell out of a few years ago,” she related. “We are following a 30-day online course which has been a great reintroduction into the practice. Each day builds the intensity and it means we have been able to stay constant without suffering from the day before.”
Aside from an opportunity to stay active, Bateson said, “One of the best things about this time is having a regular sleeping pattern. I get to bed before 9:00 p.m. and read for about an hour before dozing off. Waking up well-rested and without an alarm each day has been wonderful.”
Learn new things, organize old things
In addition to exercising and getting adequate rest, Bateson said self-quarantine is a great time to work on one’s personal development, which includes learning new skills. “For example, I have started with LinkedIn Learning to develop my Excel skill along with refreshing my leadership training,” she shared.
While we learn new skills, Bateson said this time given to many can also be used to arrange what we currently have, material-wise. She said one way to help keep the mind at ease during home quarantine is by decluttering and organizing.
“I have been emptying out my cupboards and drawers, and have put aside items for donation to charity and repacked my clothes in a more logical manner.”
Stay connected
Distancing does not have to mean total isolation. “I have been in constant touch with family and friends regularly, letting them know how my husband and I are getting on and making sure they are doing well. I have also been asking my mum for the recipes for my favorite dishes from back home.”
Bateson added, “I have also used this time to reach out to old friends I haven’t heard from in a while. It has been great catching up and finding out what they have been up to.”
Enjoy the simple things
As an owner of cats, Bateson said even simple things like spending time with pets can make one’s self-isolation more bearable.
“Our cats love to sunbathe on the window ledge which is an ideal opportunity to give them a big scratch and hug. They will put up with this for a few minutes then run off and hide. I think they are looking forward to me going back to flying so they can have the house to themselves again.”
Most importantly, Bateson said that self-quarantine has allowed her to see all the things that she should be thankful for, and everyone should do the same. “Every morning I remind myself of all the things I am grateful for, a new day to share with my family, friends, and cats; my health, food on the table, and a roof over my head; a career I love, and the UAE for protecting its citizens and residents in this time,” she enthused.