Coping with Isolation

[Toucan]

I decided to self-isolate a week or so ago, so getting in to the ups and downs of it now.

One of the ups is that a lot of things on my longer-term to do list are actually getting done, and the garden is looking tidier, and I am reading some good books that have been on the shelf for a while.

The downs are, trying to maintain positivity, missing seeing my family, and not getting enough exercise.

Exercise is a particular problem and I am missing my table tennis sessions; Zumba classes and walks with friends. I have been going out for local walks, but heard on TV recently that even this is going to be discouraged.

Then I remembered that I had an old Nintendo WII, with a lot of exercise programs, so found it dusted it off and set it up. – and am actually quite enjoying using it. It even has a table tennis and Zumba modules. Not the same as the for-real stuff but it is something of a substitute and provides some exercise.

My various groups have also all ensured that we have each other’s phone numbers, and have agreed to keep phoning each other to compensate for the lack of our usual gossips.

I’d be interesting to hear any other coping mechanisms that anyone is developing.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I saw something on BBC breakfast about this. One of those TV GPs talking about the possible ‘unintended consequences’ of trying to keep yourself physically healthy, and having impact on your mental health.

Good to see you are remaining positive, keeping active and getting things done. Surprised to hear about walking being discouraged - I’d thought it was fine if you stayed 3 paces away from folks and washed hands after. I would struggle with the doggies if I was supposed to be completely locked in (though I would if I thought I was actually contagious, of course!)

Making use of technology was mentioned in the article - things like FaceTime or other video calling?

 

[grovesy]

I saw something on BBC breakfast about this. One of those TV GPs talking about the possible ‘unintended consequences’ of trying to keep yourself physically healthy, and having impact on your mental health.

Good to see you are remaining positive, keeping active and getting things done. Surprised to hear about walking being discouraged - I’d thought it was fine if you stayed 3 paces away from folks and washed hands after. I would struggle with the doggies if I was supposed to be completely locked in (though I would if I thought I was actually contagious, of course!)

Making use of technology was mentioned in the article - things like FaceTime or other video calling?

When my father in law, was either at home in hospital, or care home, in the last 18 months of his life. There was many a time he did not even answer his basic mobile phone. He was 90 when he died.

 

[ianf0ster]

I decided to self-isolate a week or so ago, so getting in to the ups and downs of it now...….

I have been going out for local walks, but heard on TV recently that even this is going to be discouraged.
……...
I’d be interesting to hear any other coping mechanisms that anyone is developing.

Hi Toucan, There is a huge difference between somebody 'self isolating' for avoidance of getting the virus and somebody else doing it because they have symptoms suggesting that they may have the virus!

Its important not to confuse the two.

It is also important to get out in sunshine (vitamin D is huge benefit to immune system) and also to get enough exercise. UV light (eventually) kills viruses. So confinement indoors could be a big mistake.
My wife and I are going into 'hermit mode' , but will still take our daily 30min brisk walk unless the weather is too bad.

 

[Toucan]

Yes @ianfOster, I agree and was very pleased to hear in today's official statements that going for walks will be encouraged, so I shall continue my daily outing, and also spend plenty of time in the garden. - can't do without the fresh air. I still like to get some other exercise though.

From today's news this all needs to be sustainable as it looks as if it will be the situation for several weeks.

 

[Lucylemonpip]

We got an £80 exercise bike a few weeks ago. Nothing to do with Coronavirus, but to do with my T2 and getting more exercise, aside from walking our two dogs each day, weather permitting. So that might well end up being an even bigger bonus than first thought! Talking of which, I’d better get cycling, NOW!........... 😉 🙂

 

[Tilly26]

I decided to self-isolate a week or so ago, so getting in to the ups and downs of it now.

One of the ups is that a lot of things on my longer-term to do list are actually getting done, and the garden is looking tidier, and I am reading some good books that have been on the shelf for a while.

The downs are, trying to maintain positivity, missing seeing my family, and not getting enough exercise.

Exercise is a particular problem and I am missing my table tennis sessions; Zumba classes and walks with friends. I have been going out for local walks, but heard on TV recently that even this is going to be discouraged.

Then I remembered that I had an old Nintendo WII, with a lot of exercise programs, so found it dusted it off and set it up. – and am actually quite enjoying using it. It even has a table tennis and Zumba modules. Not the same as the for-real stuff but it is something of a substitute and provides some exercise.

My various groups have also all ensured that we have each other’s phone numbers, and have agreed to keep phoning each other to compensate for the lack of our usual gossips.

I’d be interesting to hear any other coping mechanisms that anyone is developing.

That's so helpful, thank you, especially the exercise ideas.Excuse my ignorance but is the Nintendo Wii the one that has games etc as I might try & get one of those.
I enjoy Instagram & follow a variety of things on there. I find it much more positive than some of the other social media. I like the idea of getting jobs done in the garden etc too!! There is an Insta account called Calm that has loads of helpful tips about relaxation, music,photos etc. Dip in & out of it but it is useful....
Look forward to reading about other ideas.
Stay well. Carole

 

[Toucan]

is the Nintendo Wii the one that has games etc as I might try & get one of those.

Hello Carole, - Yes it is the one with games on. I have had mine for several years so not sure if they are still available - may be on Ebay.
I have a package called 'Wiifit plus' which has lots of exercises on - Compared with modern packages, the graphics and controls are awful ( or so my grandsons tell me - although they still seem to enjoy playing on it) but I am used to it and it suites me quite well.

I will have a look at the 'Calm' account - thank you for telling me about it.
I am now busy getting in to a history project on the old house that we live in. There has been a package of deeds and old papers sitting in the drawer for years, so I've started tracing back on when and who built it and what they did - good to have time to do these things.
Best wishes to you, and I hope you are also finding some good things to do.

 

[megga]

Started the isolation thing today, not sure if its my asthma playing up or the virus. But I do have 3 motorbikes to do (restorations) a few books to read, but most importantly, no decorating to do LOL
If you're not self isolating yet, I would plan for it

 

[SB2015]

We are still going out for local walks to get some fresh air, and sensibly avoiding close contact with others.

My diary is now empty for the foreseeable future, so need to put in some sort of structure. Planning to face time Pilates with a friend in our usual slot, change singing lesson to a face time one, and start working my way through the long list of ongoing projects that I have.

It is interesting to hear of what others have planned.

 

[Lucylemonpip]

I took our dogs out around 2.30pm today, along Exeter canal and there were people around walking their dogs and cycling etc. It didn’t seem much different to usual, but the traffic did seem quieter, which may be reflective of those people who can work from home?

 

[grovesy]

I have ex colleagues posting on Facebook saying there journey to work was down by a third. They are essential workers, they can't work from home.

 

[zoombapup]

I'm working from home, so basically the same as being at work, but at least I can grab a cuppa and not have to pay for it. Other than that, virtually no change other than having to use a camera for everything. I'm going to reward myself this weekend a buy a new microphone I think 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Well, I've worked from home since 2006, now retired, and have recently learned that my lifestyle can be described as 'quarantine' 😱 😉

Exercise bike and rowing machine, plus a garden with flourishing weeds and a growing lawn, so no excuse not to get some exercise 🙂 I also have a mountain of unread books and am learning the guitar and piano. I've always been happy with my own company, so I guess being a lifelong introvert finally has an advantage 🙂