Coping with Virtual Life

For the most part these days, we're at home. Thanks to modern technology and a certain global pandemic, a huge amount of our lives have shifted to virtual interactions, calls, meetings and essentially everything else. Dealing with the virtual shift can be incredibly difficult, and outside of the realm of education and school, this issue is not widely talked about. It is a massive change, to go from your normal life to doing everything from your coffee dates to grocery shopping online, and for people who aren't that comfortable or used to technology, it can be incredibly daunting to have to adapt to such a novel lifestyle. Although in the UK, there is light at the end of the tunnel through our amazing vaccine program, it is unlikely life will ever go back to complete normal after having lived like this for a year doing everything online. 

So how are some ways you can help yourself adapt to a new lifestyle? The most important thing to do is not to fight it - the shift is happening, whether you enjoy it or not. Try and educate yourself on how to use platforms like zoom to meet with friends and family, discover new websites, forums and blogs for your hobbies and embrace the internet with all that is out there. One word of caution though - the internet can be consuming. In a time where most of our interaction with friends will inevitably be through social media, be aware of the dangers of doom-scrolling and the effect it has on your mental health.

Speaking of health, virtual life can also have a detrimental impact on your physical health. I have found myself regularly getting sore from sitting in one place for hours on end on my computer, and it is easy to forget to do basic tasks like cook a meal. Keeping a conscious eye on your health is important as it is too easy to forget to stay active. In pre-covid times, we would commute to and from work and school, go out for meals with friends and stay somewhat active, but in a time where restaurants and workplaces are simply closed and there is little reason to leave your house, staying active by going on walks or exercising is of the utmost importance. Sitting for hours on end staring at a screen can also affect your eyesight, sleep and many more things so try and take regular breaks and leave your phone in the other room before you go to bed. 

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced myself is staying grounded - as an adult living alone, I unfortunately have the freedom to do what I want and that has more than once meant watching TV until 2am. This, of course, is not a great habit to make, as I have learnt the hard way, so doing activities that keep you grounded is so important. Maintaining a daily schedule can help train your body to keep you in check, but also switching out activities like watching tv for perhaps reading or cooking can also be a great change of pace and help you relax. Of course, continue with your hobbies whatever they may be, but everything in moderation!

The pandemic has been an experience for all of us, and certainly nothing like we’ve ever known in our lives, but we have learned to adapt to it. Your mental and physical health takes priority over all else, so make sure to talk to friends and family and reach out if you need help. Keep in mind that things are looking up! We are past the worst of it and there is thankfully an end in sight - all we need to do is follow the rules and  be patient for a few more months.