How does isolation affect mental health?

During the pandemic, being alone made me super anxious and I thought I was losing my mind. But later, I realized so many people felt the exact same way. It is completely normal for isolation to trigger overthinking, but once you start connecting with friends again, it gets much better.

Being cut off from others can create a lot of restless energy and sadness in the mind. In my experience, practicing daily pranayama and simple yoga helps center your thoughts when you are alone. It connects you back to your breath and brings inner peace.

Honestly, staying isolated for too long just makes me talk to my walls and ruins my sleep schedule completely. My brain refuses to shut down at night because I had zero social interaction during the day. Force yourself to meet at least one human daily, even if it is just the tea vendor!

Prolonged isolation increases cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone, and can lead to anxiety or sleep issues. Try to maintain a daily routine and reach out to family. If you feel overwhelmed or find yourself slipping into deep depression, please consult a mental health professional.