· Tue, 17 Mar 2020, 12:03
COVID 19
There seems to be alot of worry about COVID 19 and some people aren't sure what will happen and what advice to take.
I wonder if this forum is a good place to discuss what people think? It seems we are being guided away from face to face contact so use of online mediums to promote conversation at a time when we're all more isolated can only be a good thing right?
With that in mind - My plan to stay okay if I have to self isolate
1) learn how to handstand - Learning something new is good for your mind and keeping physically active is also important.
2) Phone someone every day - It can be tempting to rely on social media and messaging people by text when you can't see people face to face. However social media seems to be full of doom and gloom at the moment. I want to make sure I hear someones voice to keep me feeling more connected to friends and family and help me stop worrying.
3) Start each morning with a shower - Otherwise I'll be tempted to stay in my pyjamas all day. Keeping a daily routine is the thing that helps the days continue to feel productive even if I haven't got the strength to do much else
4) Notice my Breathing - not just to help relax but also to notice if things are getting worse. Because the virus affects your lungs the best way to notice whether things are improving or getting worse is to notice how it feels to breathe.
Does anyone else have any tips or problems?
· Thu, 26 Mar 2020, 09:31 · No Likes
I signed up with Anxiety UK a while ago and part of the membership is a free subscription to Headspace, the online meditation app. I can do 10 minute meditations via my smart phone each day and I find this to be a really helpful way to start the day in a good place. Anxiety UK is offering people a lot of support right now and have extended their phone support if people need to get help with managing their anxiety.
· Thu, 26 Mar 2020, 10:49 · No Likes
I really like your suggestion to start the day with a shower - I think it's soooo important to try to keep some routine and normality, and so easy to slip out of one... is anyone else finding that? I am going to try to work hard on that one... - other things that Ive been finding helpful? playing a game over facebook messenger with a friend or family. We had to adapt it a bit but it worked and we had a really nice couple of hours and going for a short walk at the end of the day when it's quiet and the sun is setting.
· Thu, 9 Apr 2020, 10:56 · No Likes
Hi, I've really enjoyed just sitting in the garden, and taking my one hour allowed walk. I think getting some fresh air and sunlight really helps.
· Thu, 9 Apr 2020, 11:05 · No Likes
Is our allowed walk supposed to be one hour or less? I didn't know that. I have found going for a run is helpful, and sittingon my front doorstep in the sun, reading and watching the world go quietly by from a (2 metre) distance!! Ive also tried not watching the news too much as it just makes me anxious and doesnt help - I feel better if I dont watch it! I quite like that there's hardly any traffic and everyone is walking everywhere.
· Thu, 9 Apr 2020, 11:10 · No Likes
Hi everyone - I try to do something positive each day, like going outside and getting some fresh air and exercise (whilst keeping a safe distance!). We’ve been so lucky with the weather lately and it’s nice to think about what we’re grateful for in these hard times. I try to also connect with someone each day – calling or messaging a friend or family member. Definitely trying to maintain some kind of routine is really helpful too – I also like the suggestion of starting each day with a shower. The thought of making something nice for breakfast also helps to get me out of bed in the mornings I still try and go to bed and get up at roughly the same time each day. Also limiting my news intake – having a constant stream of negative news on the TV, social media, news websites etc. is really overwhelming!
· Thu, 9 Apr 2020, 11:10 · No Likes
Anonymous wrote: Is our allowed walk supposed to be one hour or less? I didn't know that. I have found going for a run is helpful, and sittingon my front doorstep in the sun, reading and watching the world go quietly by from a (2 metre) distance!! Ive also tried not watching the news too much as it just makes me anxious and doesnt help - I feel better if I dont watch it! I quite like that there's hardly any traffic and everyone is walking everywhere.
I think guidance is about an hour :) I only check the BBC for the daily update from the government, I agree it can be stressful seeing it all day. There are so many birds around as well, I don't know if it is just me but it feels a lot more than normal. I wonder if it's because traffic is less?
· Thu, 9 Apr 2020, 11:15 · No Likes
This is all really helpful - I love reading everyone's suggestions :)
