If you find yourself feeling isolated, depressed, bored, or anxious because of self-isolation then give these ideas a go to maintain your connections, feel part of a community and improve your mood.

For those with a smartphone/computer and a good data plan

If you are comfortable using technology, there are numerous ways you can stay in touch.

• Organise a virtual dinner party. Invite a group of people to catch up via Skype or Zoom or any other free services, send out a simple but tasty recipe, and then all enjoy the same meal together online.
• Travel is off the cards but you can still take a virtual tour with many museums including the Louvre and Guggenheim offering digital access to their collections. Experience the tour with a friend by sharing your screen and being amazed together. Sign up for an online course and learn a new skill or language.
• Create your family tree using the genealogy websites.
• Keep fit and do an exercise session on YouTube with a friend. At a minimum this should provide a few laughs over video conference.
• Start a music club and support the local music industry by streaming some tunes via a free music service like Spotify. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has also made a commitment to keep the music going. They live stream their concerts for everyone to enjoy. Pass your recommendations along to friends and expand your musical horizons.
• Give back by volunteering online through the United Nations.
• Kick off a game of online scrabble or chess. 

For those with only a phone or small data plan

You don’t need to be great on a computer to stay connected.

• Make a list of all the people in your life, even those who you haven’t contacted for a while, and reach out by phone or email to make sure they are ok. Try to connect with someone every day and encourage them to stay in contact.
• Write a letter or a card to someone you haven’t been in touch with for a while and reconnect the old fashioned way.  
• Watch a tv series or movie with a friend over the phone or with comments via text message.
• You don’t need a fancy gym to exercise. You can do Yoga, sit-ups, run in place, and other exercises right at home. Getting your pulse rate up will get those endorphins going and improve your mood.
• Start a book club with a friend over the phone. Find out what stories you have in common on the bookshelf, start re-reading and get the discussion started.
• Ask friends and family who are not self-isolating to drop some new DVDs on your doorstep. Most people still have a DVD collection and if not ask them to visit the local op shop for a cheap selection.
• Head outside for a walk – follow the current Government rules around social distancing / isolation but enjoy the fresh air and vitamin D by walking in less populated areas. Some public areas like the Sydney Zoo remain open but are limiting the number of visitors. Check out your local spots to see if they are still operating and continue to enjoy them.   

For everyone

• One of the best ways to feel connected is to check on someone who might be having a difficult time. Maybe you know someone who lives alone and has self-isolated or someone who is prone to anxiety? Then give them a call to see how they’re doing. You will feel better doing it and they will appreciate the gesture.
• Is it someone’s birthday, anniversary or some other event that needs celebrating? Don’t let them feel forgotten. Give them a call, send them an email or even arrange for a cake to be delivered through Uber Eats and make their day.

Isolation and inactivity are the perfect storm for depression, so before this happens to you, or someone you love, take control and connect to your community. You may not be able to see each other physically but a friendly voice over video or the phone each day can make all the difference.

We’re also here if you need to have a conversation about your super. Give us a call on 1300 033 166 or online message us and we’ll get back to you.