Surviving the Social Distance for MCO

Author’s Note: Seeing that we’re in the midst of the extended MCO, I figured that this would be an adequate filler post. Do note that this was an article that I previously pitched for.


Source: Wallpaper Access

As we all are aware of, the Prime Minister initially announced that a restricted movement order (RMO) or a movement control order (MCO) - depending on which term you’re comfortable with - would be in effect from 18th March until 31st March 2020. About a week before the end of the March, an extended MCO was placed in effect until 14th April 2020 with further updates on 10th April 2020. This calls for the importance of social distance to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 and hopefully flatten the curve, but it comes at a price. Humans are known to be communal creatures that need to be in contact with other people. Loneliness might creep in as a result, especially when we have to spend more time indoors. With that in mind, I’ll attempt to share a handful of tips that might assist in combat loneliness while we all ride out the duration of the RMO.

Maintaining Contact via Technology

One of the pertinent tips that I can recommend is reaching out. In this day and age, most people have access to a mobile device and Internet, if not a fixed line. Furthermore, there are a wide array of applications that you’re able to choose from, i.e. Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp. This accessibility makes it easier for you when you catch up with family and friends this way. By staying in frequent contact with them, you know that you have a support system that you can reach out to whenever you’re feeling lonely. There’s a chance that they share the same loneliness as you. You’ll feel much better emotionally and mentally after reaching out to family and friends and speaking to them.

Having a Pet

I understand that having a pet has its health benefits, especially in reducing loneliness amongst the lonely. But this tip would be of use if you are already owning a pet beforehand. You shouldn’t rush to the nearest shelter to adopt a pet just to survive the RMO. A pet is somewhat like a friend by your side at all times. Even though it’s unable to express itself with words, it certainly makes its presence and love for you known through its body language and antics. This is why spending time with your pet is one of the best methods possible. It eradicates loneliness and re-directs your focus to be on your pet with the assurance that you’re never alone.

Learning Something New


Source: Womenosophy.com

If you’re neither a fan of technology nor a pet owner, you could dabble in something that you’ve always wanted to learn, but either lacked the time or motivation to do so. Now would be the best time. It can be anything from knitting to baking, as long as you’ve the interest and patience to learn. The Internet is already the perfect place for you to start searching for tutorials with lots of it being uploaded to YouTube and forums. There are step-by-step guides for learners with different techniques for you to make a start. While it keeps your loneliness at bay, it can be a time-addictive interest where you’ll spend day and night fixated on honing your skill. You won’t feel so bored being stuck indoors for the duration of the RMO.

Catching Up on Your Favorite Series

Another tip would be to binge watch on your favorite series either through the TV or on YouTube. Since life previously took precedence with its responsibilities, you can take this opportunity to catch up on all of the missed episodes of your favorite show. If you’re up for the challenge or in the mood for a new show, you could even browse through Netflix’s library, provided that you have a registered account with them. Fret not if you don’t have access to any streaming services. There are a handful of older drama series that have been uploaded to YouTube.



This is a preview of the Kobo homepage on an Android. You can download the app and register for an account via Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Reading

If the small screen isn’t your forte, reading might be something that you can consider. It doesn’t matter whether you desire to read via a Kindle, a Kobo app, or the old school method of having a book in your hands. You should always procure a book with a plot that you can throw yourself into. The two examples that I can think at the top of my head would be Nicholas Sparks’s “The Best of Me” and Jojo Moyers’s “Me Before You”, where the bittersweet plot will tug at your heart. Have a mug of your favorite drink within reach and nestle at a quiet area and you’re ready to immerse yourself in the fictional world. Personally speaking, this particular tip has aided me in this testy time as it takes my mind off reality where news is accessible 24/7 and the continual exposure to it.

Praying

Last but not least, if you’re someone who practices religion, you may want to consider using this time to pray and connect with God in silence. It might be of assistance in the sense that you feel like someone’s there, keeping an eye out for your safety and ensuring that you won’t be alone.

With that being said, this is a never-ending list. You’re more than welcome to use some of these tips as a guide to come up with your own ways to combat loneliness during the partial lockdown.