Staff Therapist Dr. George James Featured on KYW NewsRadio: Therapist Has Advice for When the Days Blur Together Under COVID-19 Restrictions

May 2, 2020 | Under the lockdown restrictions, many people may be feeling disoriented as their days roll into each other. So what can you do about it?

Licensed therapist Dr. George James, with the Council for Relationships, said it can be difficult for a person’s psyche when all the days feel as though they’re the same.

“Between the days running into each other, the disorientation that comes from that, the additional screen time, maybe the lack of physical activity or decrease in physical activity, that can make us more disoriented, maybe more confused, or definitely at least more tired,” he explained.

James said when everything from work, to school, to meals all happen in the same place, people can have all kinds of feelings from restlessness to anxiety to depression.

“What would have been maybe eight hours with a lunch break or with a walk to touch base with a coworker has now become maybe seven hours of work, a small break and then another five hours,” he said. “There aren’t any clear distinctions or markers or breaks from day to night to weekend.”

James said while it’s easy to feel as though you should always be on call when no one has anywhere to go, it’s important to set time limits on work and make sure you carve out time for family, hobbies and safe leisure activities.

“Definitely having a schedule, boundaries and these clear markers can just help you to know ‘Okay, this part of the day is over and now I can switch to something else,'” he advised.

Listen to the full interview on KYW NewsRadio

George James, Jr., PsyD, LMFT is a Senior Staff Therapist at our University City and Blue Bell Offices. He currently sees clients via online therapy. To set up an appointment, you can reach him at gjames@councilforrelationships.org or 215-382-6680 ext. 4128.