Living in a world of social distancing with a generation of young people who primarily enjoyed socializing with their peers and discovering themselves through travel has certainly had an impact. Dating has even been affected and new couples who haven’t lived with each other had to social distance themselves at some point. Social distancing at all levels, from not seeing loved ones, not going into work, and neglecting self-care certainly affects mental health and how you feel about yourself.

Feeling balanced during uncertain times helps by living in the moment. Bianca Lapointe, a young woman with a budding career and busy social life, provides some insight on how she coped with quarantine and by respecting her needs. She provides some advice for those struggling for their need of personal space while living with others and those dealing with various emotions. “Staying positive is challenging at times but setting aside time for yourself (especially if you live with others) ensures your well-being,” she says. “Negotiate time with your family to have your alone time. Also, make a point to go outside and practice mindfulness. Noticing your surroundings with full presence and awareness can help reset and restore your energy.”

Connecting with people has never been easier through social media by engaging with people online. Social media is often used as a means of expression. People feel like they can express themselves easily and welcome engagement. Engaging with people sharing common interests, such as working out, baking or learning new skills can be especially beneficial. Amanda Zweig, a fitness instructor, adapted her business online since she could no longer be in the gym. She craved the connection with her clients and found a new way to connect with them through social media. Adapting to change helps as a coping method during quarantine and social distancing. “It is important that we avoid creating overly high expectations for ourselves right now,” says Zweig. “Things are not as we're used to, and I think at the beginning of this people were pushing themselves way too far, in terms of trying to stay motivated and keep productivity high. The last thing we want to experience right now is any kind of burnout. So I think it is super important to create realistic expectations for ourselves, whether it’s about work, healthy eating or our fitness routine. Most of us aren’t used to working from home, and not having the separation between your work space and living space creates a lack of balance. We should all be a little easier on ourselves at this time, because we all deserve it.”

Take this opportunity to learn more about who you are through self-care. Self-care is not only home workouts and doing home facials. It is essential to learn how to connect with what makes you happy and what you can control in your space.