Many of you will be preparing for, or may already be in, self-isolation. The recent guidance from the government has stated that anyone over the age of 70, anyone who has an underlying health condition or is immunocompromised in any way should be preparing to self-isolate for 12 weeks.
This guidance is designed to keep you safe, and free from contracting the coronavirus, but we understand how daunting the thought of self-isolation for 12 weeks is. It is an anxious time wrought with uncertainty.
We have put together a list of ideas that will hopefully help you from succumbing to the inevitable bouts of boredom, loneliness and anxiety.
Social media
Social media is going to become a bit of a lifeline over the coming weeks, so if you don’t already have accounts, consider setting up a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account to keep in touch with the outside world. We are already seeing communities coming together on platforms like Facebook to arrange local shopping deliveries for those who are in self-isolation, and phone lines being set up for people to call for a chat. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends, family and your local community.
Reading Time
You remember that book you always wanted to read? Well, now is that time. Look it out, dust off the cover and settle in to get lost in your chosen literary delight. Or if magazines are more your thing, we know a good one you can subscribe to right here posabilitymagazine.co.uk/subscribe! Aside from our blatant self-promotion, there are so many magazines out there for every interest and hobby so it could be a great way to encourage you to learn about something new.
Jigsaw Puzzles
You may not think that jigsaw puzzles are your bag, but they are a great way to pass the time. Choose your level of puzzling prowess from 300 pieces to 1000 pieces, depending on how much of a challenge you are looking for, and set to work. Always start with the edges and work your way through the picture, you will be amazed at how much time you can lose searching for one particular piece, but the sense of achievement you feel when you find it and when you complete your puzzle, is bizarrely euphoric. Check out the range of puzzles on offer at jigsawpuzzlesdirect.co.uk.
Adult Colouring
Similar to jigsaw puzzles, adult colouring books provide a very cathartic pastime. The process of colouring intricate patterns and pictures has been shown to improve mental wellbeing, to calm the mind and soothe the soul. The ideal distraction from what is going on in the outside world right now. All you need is some colouring pencils, a sharpener and a colouring book of your choice. Johanna Basford colouring books are a favourite of ours, check out the range at johannabasford.com. It is like they were designed for self-isolation.
Image by Juraj Varga from Pixabay
It’s good to talk
It’s time to rely on the old blower to keep in touch with friends and family. Set up regular times to have a check in with friends and family each day or two, and why not take the time to catch up with an old friend that you have been meaning to catch up with but simply never found the time. Everyone will be struggling with isolation, feelings of loneliness and anxiety, hearing an unexpected voice could be just the lift that someone needs.
Baking
At last check we still spotted some flour, sugar and eggs on the shelves, so what better time to take up baking? Whether you just fancy making some fairy cakes and decorating them with some delicious butter icing, or trying your hand at an adventurous tiered monstrosity, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. The best part is obviously getting to eat the fruits of your labour over the next few days – or in one sitting if you are really honest with yourself. Check out bakingmad.com or bbcgoodfood.com for some cakey inspiration.
Clear out
You know that wardrobe that is crammed with items that you probably don’t wear? It’s time to tackle it. If you have not worn an item for more than a year, it is destined for the charity bag. If you have forgotten about it for more than a year then you probably won’t miss it, and someone else can benefit from it. Not only will you have a magically spacious wardrobe, but you will have done a good thing by donating these items to charity.
Binge-watching
We are not necessarily promoting the act of binge-watching, but in times like this there may be no better option on some days. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and many more subscription channels could be a great investment for the next few months, and if you don’t already have a subscription to one, most do a free trial that you can utilise. There is nothing better than curling up on the sofa sometimes and watching 6 episodes back to back of your favourite show. If you would rather go old school, look out your DVDs and hit play on some nostalgic offerings from the back of the cupboard.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
Pampering
Now is the perfect time to plan a proper pamper session for yourself. Have a bath, soak your feet and look out a facemask, it’s time to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Maybe even eat the aforementioned cake while you are in the bath? Look out some nail polishes and get those nails and toes looking neat and tidy. Whatever makes you feel good and relaxes you, do it.
Writing
The lost art of writing letters or keeping a diary should be revived – not just because of coronavirus, but because it is a lovely thing to do. In times of anxiety and uncertainty, writing your feelings down on paper can be a very therapeutic exercise. Everyone loves receiving letters and while the postal service is still functioning, why not set about writing to friends and relatives. Keeping a journal or diary of this time of self-isolation will also be a very interesting read in years to come and could be really interesting to show the next generation what happened to you personally and to share the experiences with them.
If you have any advice or ideas to share that will help others make it through self-isolation please let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. We will be working away to keep you informed and amused over the coming weeks (most likely from the comfort of our homes) so please get in touch on our social feeds, even if it is just for a chat! Stay safe everyone.
Image by Jess Watters from Pixabay
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