We all face unprecedented social isolation as our usual structures and interpersonal relationships are taken away.
Although the government has eased the lockdown, social interaction is limited and the usual forms of entertainment from restaurants and pubs to cinema and live theatre, are still closed to us.
So how can you at least cope and at best flourish under lockdown?
Here are a few tips and links:
Do as you did
Get up each morning as before, same timing and pattern of breakfast, washing and dressing as if going out or to work or expecting visitors.
Keep informed
Watch mainstream news, but not too much, and only visit official sites such as nhs.uk for advice.
Keep your mind active
See it as a rare opportunity to do what you hadn’t had time for: learn something new, develop a skill, do creative art or cooking, gain a professional qualification. Learn a language & dream of future travel. Examples are at Findcourses and Udemy. You can find special offers at Groupon.
Keep in touch
Have regular conversations by video or phone with friends, family and work colleagues. Ideally have slots spread across the day to look forward to in a variety of Skype, Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp video, text, messaging & phone. Make new friends at Meetup or U3A (seniors).
Keep your body active
Have fresh air and a daily walk or walk around at home. Add some interest by setting yourself daily targets eg number of steps, duration of exercises. Also, there are lots of fitness classes online.
Go out virtually
Enjoy museums, galleries, zoos. Swim through a coral reef at Dry Tortugas National Park, experience the beauty of art at Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, and drama at the National Theatre. See ballet and opera at the Royal Opera House & laugh as opera stars sing How to Wash Your Hands at the English National Opera!
Contribute to the community
Become a volunteer or Food Bank collector. Check Next Door, Covid19 Charity or Area Foodbank & get that feelgood feeling. Check https://nextdoor.co.uk/ to offer or receive help during Lockdown.
Someone to talk to
Despite all you do, you may feel the weight of isolation and want someone other than a friend or family to talk to. Or, you could feel that those you speak to don’t fully understand or perhaps turn the conversation back to themselves.
It can help to talk to someone who is professionally trained to listen and help. Two support providers are Red Cross and Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393.
In summary
There is so much to do, you may ask: “Where did the day go?” Above all make & sustain a structure for each day.
