Ideas to help yourself and your community during COVID-19 self-isolation By Emily Lee
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t the time of going to print, everyone with a fever and/or persistent dry cough has been asked to self-isolate, with their household, for 14 days. Those in at-risk groups have also been advised to stay at home for 12 weeks. We are all being asked to start social distancing. This might have changed by the time you receive this magazine, so please check for updates at www.gov.uk In these strange and confusing times, there are suddenly a huge number of us with a lot of time on our hands. Many will be spending that time alone, which can be difficult and leave us feeling lonely. We wanted to give anyone in self-isolation a useful list of ideas to keep busy, creative, calm and connected in the weeks ahead.
Occupy the mind and body in self-isolation Whilst some of us are used to keeping occupied by ourselves, it can be hard to get used to. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite suggestions for solo activities at
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home. Follow our hashtag #positiveconnections on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and feel free to add your own suggestions!
Keep busy:
• If you have work you need to do, create a daily list and take regular breaks. • Do some gardening. • Remind yourself of some fun card or board games. • Learn a new skill like knitting or baking. • Read a book. Make sure you read our article on page 60 for ideas! • Binge watch a box set or watch a film. • Review your finances to keep a healthy budget . • Make a project of decluttering a room.
Feel calm:
• Practice mindfulness techniques. • Do some light exercise or yoga. You will be able to find useful YouTube videos to follow and you may be able to access online classes via your local gym. • Stick to a routine so you can relax in the evening and sleep well. • If you can access fresh fruit and veg, make sure you eat some daily. Get creative: • Keep a diary of your • Pamper yourself. Try a experience of the illness or time facemask, do your nails or take in isolation. a long bath. • Pick up a pencil, paintbrush Stay connected: or needle and create • Make regular phone or video something. • Take the extra time calls to relatives and friends, or to slow-cook meals. start a WhatsApp group. • Play or learn • Check in with elderly or a musical vulnerable relatives. instrument. • Play online games such as • Write a poem, blog, short story or Scrabble. start your memoirs. • Catch up on overdue correspondence.
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