How The Lockdown Is Affecting Family Life

Most Parents Are Having Headaches Adjusting To The Present Situation

Due to the prevailing situation, families need to adjust to a new way of life. Most parents are working from home and also guiding their children with homeschooling. That is putting a lot of pressure on parents across the globe.

As for the children, they have been living an isolated life away from friends for so long that it is making them irritable. Everyone’s daily routines have been affected.

Parents and children are dealing with a situation that is out of their control. Relationships are affected because of the pressure on parents as well as children.

Some Parents Feel That The Present Situation Has Been A Blessing In Disguise

While most parents have felt the pressure to cope with changing demands on them, some parents have felt that the lockdown has been a blessing in disguise. They think that it has given them time to be with their children and helped them all bond as a family. They think that the reduction in commuting time has given them more time to be together as a family and rediscover each other. They have been able to eat more family meals together and exercise as a family. It has given them time to talk to each other much more than they used to in the past.

The Psychological Impact On Families Due To The Lockdown

There has been a significant psychological impact on most families since they have had to adjust to a new situation overnight. They have felt isolated and lonely. Young people between the ages of 18-22 and most men have felt isolated. The use of social media has spiked, but social media usage cannot cure loneliness.

Social isolation (the absence of contact, relationships, and social interactions between family and friends) is growing. Social isolation can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Scientists have proven that a lack of social interaction can lead to poor health and possible addictions.

Evidence also shows that social isolation and loneliness can increase the mortality rate in the long run. A large amount of the population has been affected by social isolation in the past few months. Studies have indicated that social isolation is related to various health conditions like musculoskeletal disorders as one gets older. It leads to obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity.

An example of how social isolation affects people is the known case of Robert King, who spent 29 years in solitary confinement. When he got released from prison, he had difficulty recognizing faces and finding his way around. He had to train his mind all over again. For many prisoners, solitary confinement leads to hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety attacks, etc.

Ways To Combat Loneliness And Social Isolation

1. Firstly, do not perceive yourself as lonely and isolated.

2. Use social media to connect with people who make you happy.

3. Call friends who make you smile. Have long chats with them.

4. Join an exercise class online. Yoga and meditation can help.

5. Run errands.

6. Get a breath of fresh air. Do some gardening or outdoor work.

7. Do things you enjoy. Cultivate a hobby.