Share your tips for coping with self-isolation!

With COVID-19 affecting our daily lives, some of us, especially vulnerable people are in self-isolation until further notice in order to stay safe.

If you are in that position, remember, self-isolating is not the end of the world. It could be an opportunity to get your creative juices going or just relax.

It’s important to you keep your mind and body occupied and  there are many ways you can do that. You could catch-up on some reading, develop a hobby, listen to music, exercise, experiment with your cooking or even do the tidying and decluttering that you’ve been meaning to do for years.

You might find the days pass sooner than you expected and we’ll be keeping you company too! 

Over the next few days we will be sharing opportunities and ideas to help you pass the time but we would love to hear from you about what you are doing and how you are making the most of the time. 

Stay safe everyone

  • Have you thought about knitting? There are many charities out there that rely on the generosity of knitters to help them raise funds and awareness of issues. If you are a whizz with the needles why not spend some time knitting for good causes. The following website lists a number of UK charities that need knitted goods and also the patterns you'll need to follow. www.ukhandknitting.com/knitting-for-charity

    If anyone knows of any other knitting ideas do let us know

  • If the weather is nice, I like to look after  the garden, plant some seeds and get some fresh air this way. Reading, watching films or series can also be a fantastic way of transporting you mentally and therefore safely to another place or another time. 

    But above all, self isolation doesn't mean that you can't actually see or talk to anyone - thanks to the power of technology, you can still keep in touch with your loved ones via social media, phone calls, video calls. Being myself a very sociable person, I do feel the need to connect with my friends in this way. And silver lining of this dreadful situation, we can get to have a quick chat with friends - during their lunch break for example  - who would normally be in an office at work. 

    Lucie

  • Well I am fortunate not to be in self isolation at present. Although obviously I am going out for exercise only and ensure I keep away from others. So most of my day is spent at home. 

    Initially it felt  a horrible prospect. I love my home but I enjoy it more when I return after a fulfilling day. 

     

    So what to do? 

    I have an unholy mess of clothes that needs sorting...  

    I have a hankering to start to use those weights I bought with the vague idea I might just try and get fitter one day....

    How about coming through this being a better French speaker?!! 

    I have a journal I always wanted to fill with my thoughts/ poems perhaps even short stories....

    I love  to read aloud on my own but have rarely had the time or the peace to be able to do that....

    I have many friends to catch up with on the phone....

    I have at least 2 months viewing of TV programmes recorded for when I have time to watch.....

    I MAY  learn to cook...

    Yes I am seeing there will be stuff to do! So much on the list has been ideas for when I am home. Well now I AM . 

    Better start doing!!

    Good luck  and stay as well as possible  

    Kebbs x 

     

     

     

     

  • My hubby (over 70) & myself (62) are not self isolating yet but we are practicing social distancing. We have cancelled all social engagements (School Governor meetings, Air Ambulance volunteer work, Choirs etc) and my hubby only goes out when we walk in the woods next to our home. Otherwise I only go out to do the shopping once a week for us & my 85 yr old dad & then I take to him but leave it on the step. I then retreat to the gate so he can open the door, retrieve his shopping & talk to me from the threshold. 

    Fortunately we have a garden that needs some love & attention so hubby will concentrate on that - he is also finishing off writing his book which can then go to publishing (his first book, really exciting). They say everyone has a book inside them so why not give it a try?

    Meanwhile I have doing Family Research for many years so I can commit more time to it - it's very addictive. If you like to sing, Gareth Malone is setting up The Great British Home Chorus where we can all sing online. So if you love to sing check this link www.classicfm.com/.../

    I will get out the jumper I started knitting 6 years ago & then never had to time to finish! I also have lots of books to read and lots of family & friends to keep in touch with more regularly. I've also ordered paint to be delivered so I can freshen up the kitchen and, as a treat, I've ordered some cakes to be delivered from our favourite cafe in York. Then I will dance around the room to music on the radio - to take off the pounds from the cake! Singing & dancing helps keep the spirits up!

    Don't be afraid to try something new - most things can be accessed online these days so give it go. 

    Angie

  • Great ideas everyone. I also found this fabulous resorource with all sorts of ideas chatterpack.net/.../list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home

    I've already watched feeding time in the penguin enclosure!