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June 9, 2020
By: Larry Ginsberg
I'm getting used to being quarantined, and now I'm feeling stressed about going out again.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the term homebody was a quaint way of saying someone preferred the comforts of quiet evenings at home rather than being out and about. Since the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, many of us have become full-time homebodies.

According to Arunesh Mishra, M.D., "Our home represents a place of safety, security and emotional respite from the stress of our daily lives." He continues, "Over the extended period of quarantine, people may have adjusted to the stress of the pandemic and are now finding comfort in feeling safe from exposure to the virus by being home. What in the early weeks of quarantine may have been challenging is now a 'new normal' and people are finding routines at home."

This same pattern is sometimes seen in prisoners who may have found comfort in the familiarity of their cells over time and feel anxious at the prospect of freedom and uncertainty of being released back to a society. Many of us may have settled into a comfort zone with quarantine that could present challenges and anxiety as we begin to slowly return to an outside world that will be very different than we knew.

Why being quarantined may now feel more comfortable:

We have adjusted - Being under quarantine at first coincided with the surge of the pandemic and daily news of growing cases and deaths. As the "curve has flattened" we have seen the benefits of quarantine and have gotten used to it.

We know what to expect - Being home 24/7 may be boring and we may lose track of what day it is, but we do now know what to expect every day and there are mostly no surprises.

We feel safe - We have seen that quarantine may not be exciting, but it does work. We stay indoors with no contact with anyone else, and we are in a safe bubble where we have little or no known risk of contracting the virus.

Why going out again may make us feel anxious:

Is it truly safe? Right now, the safest place we know may feel like our home, and as businesses begin to open we may be feeling "Is it too soon?". As we watch the news we are seeing many different forms of re-opening. The lack of a consistent and proven approach may leave us feeling stressed about how safe it really is.

I can't control everything around me - This can be a stressful part of coming out of quarantine. The concept of social distancing involves a very high level of self-enforcement, awareness, and trust with complete strangers. If you have been out at all lately, different people may have a different interpretation of what six feet looks like.

Which information can I trust? - There are so many sources of news and information that it is difficult to know which information to truly trust, especially when the safety of yourself and your family is at stake.

What can I do when getting ready to return to a "new normal"

Dr. Mishra noted, "As businesses begin to open most people will face a new phase of anxiety, stress and fear about being out in public places. I recommend being aware of your stress level and using coping skills like deep breathing exercises to manage anxiety. You should also talk openly about your concerns and fears. If your anxiety is interfering with your daily functions or causing other physical or emotional symptoms it may be time to talk to someone or seek care."

Some tips for managing stress and anxiety as we move out of quarantine:

Stress can be useful - A certain level of stress is normal, and just like someone may feel some stress before speaking in front of a group, there will be a normal level of stress associated with returning to regular activities.

Have a plan - Visualizing stressful situations beforehand can be helpful to anticipate how you may feel and react. Create a plan for going out that will make you comfortable and stick to the plan.

Be aware of how you are feeling - Feeling some level of stress or anxiety as we begin to venture out will be normal for a short period. If this interrupts sleep, appetite or daily activities, it may be a sign of something more serious and time to talk to someone.

Don't delay routine well care visits with your primary care physician - Taking care of all your health needs is important for your overall wellness, so don't forget to schedule routine visits with your physician.

If stressful quarantine has now become comfortable quarantine you have done great job of managing anxiety and using coping skills to avoid depression. The next step forward may be an uncomfortable one, the step into a restaurant or retail store again.

Next Steps & Resources:
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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What If I Like Being Quarantined? - Behavioral Health, Cardiac / Heart Health, COVID-19, Health Topics - Hackensack Meridian Health

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By: Larry Ginsberg I'm getting used to being quarantined, and now I'm feeling stressed about going out again. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the term homebody was a quaint way of saying someone preferred the comforts of quiet evenings at home rather than being out and about.

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6 weird things you’re probably feeling right now that are perfectly normal

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Therapists weigh in on all those conflicting emotions we’re feeling right now — and why that’s OK.

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Hi!

How are you? I have many things to tell you, but I will tell you when we see each other next weekend, now I want us to talk about the quarantine of how you went through it and how you felt. I felt good in the first few months because I could spend time with my family and talk to my friends through the mobile phone, but when 2 or 3 months had passed I already wanted to leave my house, I couldn't tolerate it anymore.

One of the things that angered me the most was that we had been told that quarantine would be only 15 days, and it ended up being 7 months. I felt anxious and stressed. In my house, the coexistence was good. My dad, in mid-April, began to work because it was essential, and during the day, he was not at home, but we had a lot of fun anyway. In early April, my grandfather began to feel fearful because he thought that his granddaughters would not see him anymore, but we quickly called his psychologist and solved it. What made me feel best was that in September, I could see my friends in a square.

The advice I give you is not to stress. Try to talk a lot with your family and friends. Remember that everything is going to finish.

Bianca.

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When the quarantine started, I felt like I was in a movie. I guess I felt happy, excited, and nervous about everything I was going on. I was happy to spend more time with my family, not having to go to school, among other things.
While time passed, everything became more difficult, my anxiety got worse, the relationship with my family was wrong, and I lost contact with many people. My emotional stability had worsened a lot.
Over time, I started to organize my ideas, I also met a virtual friend that supported me a lot, my family started to help me so everything was improving. I think music also helped me a lot.
If I had to give a piece of advice it would be that never forget that everything has a solution. Ask for help when you feel that there is something wrong, and take good care of yourself.

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Hi
The positive things about the quarantine were that I was able to spend more time with my family and focus more on what I liked. I also learned to value things more.

One of the negative things about quarantine was that I couldn't share time with my friends. I also felt very sad and lonely when I was locked up, and unfortunately, I lost many people I loved very much.

Little by little, everything started to move forward. We didn't have to be afraid because all together would overcome this situation; being patient.

The advice that I would give is that learn to appreciate your loved ones and the moments you share with them because you do not know when they will leave your side.

Mía Cháves

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Hi,

I hope you are doing well!!

In my case, during the quarantine, I was bored since the days were repetitive, very long, and they did not say anything new on the TV so I spent it sleeping. Also, the online classes were always stuck, so It was difficult to do the homework.
Fortunately, not everything was terrible. Something positive about this pandemic was that I ended up learning a lot of things I couldn't ever do before. I also watched a lot of movies and series that were great!. Some of them even became my favourites.
I advise you not to watch the news 24/7 as you will be scared, so try seeking new things to do. And who knows!? Probably, you end up finding a new hobby.
See ya!

Lu

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Hi,
There has been a long time without writing you. I miss you a lot, so I'm here to tell you how I felt during confinement.
During the quarantine, the things that made me happy were, for example, that I joined discord to talk to my friends, and connected through Zoom to do video calls with my family.
During that time, a negative thing that I experienced was that I couldn't go out of my house or meet my friends. I think it's a serious problem if you are so sensitive.
My recommendation is to try to read, learn new languages and play video games. Always try to work on yourself.

I hope you're doing well!

Regards,
Lu.

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Hi,
I hope you are fine!

Quarantine wasn't only two weeks of vacation, but it was a lot of months at home. With time, It became bored as the online classes too. I missed my friends, my family and playing football a lot.
Some positive things I experienced were that I could take naps, play many video games and relax at home.
Try to do new things. Don't think about the things you are losing. Take into account the fact that other people are struggling with money and food problems. Don't forget to talk with your family. If you follow my recommendation, you will survive the quarantine.
Take care!
Julián

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Hello!

At the beginning of the pandemic, we were happy because it was only 15 days of "vacation" in which we did not go to school, and we could do whatever we wanted. For example, playing console games, cooking and doing video calls to pass the time and not get bored.
After several months, everything was returning to normal, and little by little, we were able to start getting together more with our friends and family.
Our advice to people who are about to go through a pandemic would be to get calm because everything will be fine.

Take care of yourself a lot.

Regards,
Lucio and Santino

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Hi,
Thanks for writing to me.
I'm happy about some things I experienced in quarantine, for example, my parents bought me a pc and also, when the quarantine started being more flexible, I met in the square with my friends many times.
Nevertheless, I sometimes felt sad because other kinds of things happened to me. In the beginning, I couldn't meet my friends, and I moved twice in a short time. That was stressful for me because adapting to a new house is complicated.
Although, these problems were solved.  Now I'm happy, and I can stay at home without fear and being calm; and without any problem. Fortunately, I can see my friends every day at school.
Remember! If you are sad, fearful or stressed, distract yourself with a game or sleep for a moment.

Bye, my friend,
I hope you have a great day,

Gonza.

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Hello,
My name is Sol!

At the beginning of quarantine, I felt pretty good because I thought it was going to be a very few days. By the middle of the year 2020, I was already feeling bad because I could not get together with friends or family. After a while, they opened the places, and I was able to meet them.
My advice to people who may experience a pandemic is to take care of themselves so that it ends as quickly as possible and that they never stop talking with their family and friends to make the quarantine more bearable.
Take good care of yourselves and take advantage of spending time with your families.

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Hi! my name is Milena. How are you?

As you already know, we've been locked up in our houses due to a pandemic. Fortunately, it was not as expected. I didn't have many mixed feelings; it depended on the day. I could feel more tired or more energic because I slept little and had a lot of zooms and homework, but I always felt the same.
Over time I could not bear to be at home, I felt down because I could not get together with family or friends, but then everything opened up. The quarantine turned more flexible, so I could get together and feel better.
If I had to give a message to a person who is going through a pandemic, I would tell him to calm down and not to be nervous, that at some point it will end.
I hope you're doing well!!
Kisses,
Mile

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Hi,
The first days of the pandemic I was happy because I thought there were only 15 days of holidays, to hang out ,making video calls with my friends, playing online, watching series and movies, cooking, exercising etc. Until then I was not so worried.
After so many months, so many deaths, more cases of covid, I felt sad and worried since I was afraid that something would happen to my family and friends.
As a personal advice I recommend you to take care of yourself since we are going through a very complicated and sad time.

Regards,
Mía

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Hi,
How are you? I want to tell you how I felt.

At the beginning of the quarantine, I felt so happy because I thought it was fifteen days of holidays and I saw a lot of movies and series; I really enojyed those days. I also had a lot of free time to do exercise with my family, cook, and connect to friends and family online. My family and I spent lot of time, playing videogames and board games too.
But while the time was going by, I started to felt so bored and stressed because I really wanted to go out and meet my family and friends. In addition to this, the covid cases and deaths were on the rise, so I knew this wasn't going to end anytime soon.
In the end, I began to meet people outdoors keeping distance, so I felt better.
If I had to give some advice, it would be that never forget everything has a solution and I hope you find a way to solve your problems and be very well.
All the best,

Tomás.

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Hi,
Thanks for having me. I feel better than the last time we spoke. In the last month, I went out more with my friends and it was a lot of fun. I also got good at swimming. I went down to the water many times!!
But not all was great in the last months, I felt very sad because I lost a loved one and my pet.

My social life in the quarantine started low, but with the passage of time was getting better, and with my family the coexistence was good, except for my sister, although it was nothing out of the ordinary in a brother battle.

Currently I feel nostalgia for the past, for example going out with my friends, going to school. It was strange but I missed it a lot too, and of course being without a mask.

As a suggestion, try to take care of yourselves and to remember  that everything is temporary.

Hope you are fine,
Regards,
Nico

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Hi,
During the quarantine, the things that made me happy were, for example, that I joined Discord to talk with the guys and connected through zoom to do video calls with my family.
The things that I did not like were that I was locked up and couldn´t go out home to see me with my family and friends or also that we had very early zoom meetings from school. But I knew that thanks to the new technology I could have fun.
My recommendation is if you are in quarantine, try not to get bored you can try doing, for example, what I mentioned before, and try to find fun with what you can.
All the best!
Santiago

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Hi, how are you?
I have several things to tell you, but we will talk about that when we meet. Now, I want us to talk about the pandemic and quarantine.
In quarantine, I felt stressed from school and homework, but I also felt quiet because I was all day long at home.
As for advice, you have to remember that everything happens, don't worry.
I would like you to tell me how you have felt.  I'll wait for your answer.
See you!
Dona.

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Hi,
My name is Alejo, and I want to tell you about my experience during quarantine.
In the first part, I didn't know what to do, I was disconcerted with the world situation but I felt pacified and happy for not going to school and being with my parents. In May, I started feeling nervous about not going to school, and not being able to go out with friends. Feeling that I could lose my parents or friends made me feel stressed but unbearable.
In June, I started to talk to my friends on discord and zoom. In the Summer I felt satisfied and accomplished for closing the school year, properly. I started to get together with my friends. Undoubtedly, the summer was the BEST part of that terrible year.  I went to the club every day, in it, I could play football and swim in the pool.
I advise you to stay relaxed, do exercise, and clean your mind.
Regards,
Ale.

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At the beginning of the pandemic, I felt good/stable because I thought I was going to be inside my house for fifteen days, nothing more. I also went out every Sunday to walk with my family to visit my grandparents from the door. I made video calls with my friends and family, started exercising, etc. But until then, it wasn't that surprised.
So, it wasn't fifteen days, it started to be a month, two months, three months ... and also my uncle got sick with covid, and we spent a few disgusting and intense months with my family because he was about to die. I also felt very distressed and worried about the world situation.
As for advice, I would tell you not to panic, everything happens. You are going to go through it perfectly. If you take care of yourself and others, nothing terrible will happen to you.
The best for you, take good care of yourself!
Juana

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Hi,
It was great to know from you! Here in Argentina, we are very happy that quarantine is over. However, we still have to wear masks when we go to school or get into a shop.
I sometimes feel a bit anxious when I go out taking into account that I’ve spent almost a year and a half at home... but I feel really happy that I can spend some time with my friends now.
Apart from that, we should feel lucky considering the situation in some other countries, for example, England where they are still struggling with the virus.
Another thing! You told me in your last message that you were considering coming to Argentina next month. Please remember that we are traveling to Mendoza so we won’t be here.
All the best!
Valentin.

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Subject: Pandemic and quarantine
Hi, hope you are doing well!
I am very happy that we are returning to our normal lives. We were in quarantine for a long time and I am excited by the fact that I can go back to my old life.
The truth is that I miss the quarantine a bit. Being at home all time brought me much closer to my family, but the reality is that the pandemic killed many people, so that makes me sad.
By the way, being back is much better. I am with my friends every day and I go to school as I normally did.
All the best.
Maia

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Hello,
Today I am going to tell you about my experience in quarantine. Several emotions I could feel this year was gratitude for not having any close person affected by the virus and sadness for the families who lost people valuable to them, experience anxiety about online classes, and also tranquility for the new routine since there were not so many things to do, after the first months I began to feel nostalgic for how it was before the pandemic and wanted to go out, living together in my house was not very bad but there were fights and stress about my studies, although the message that I would give to those who live a pandemic would be to be calm because sooner or later they will return to normality.