How to make it through COVID-19 self-isolation and stay positive
It seems more and more of our friends and family are finding themselves in self-isolation or complete lock-down: my friend Andrea who returned to Germany after a ski-holiday with her family in Northern Italy, Paul’s sister Jennie who just returned to New Zealand from a trip to India and our friend Coreen who lives near Bologna in Italy. Fellow travel blogger Nomadic Matt even got the virus and is recovering at home.
As we prepare for a worsening of our own situation here in New Zealand, one concern that’s been coming up in our chats is: How to stay positive and avoid boredom, loneliness, anxiety or depression during self-imposed or forced isolation? So, in today’s post, we’ll share a few tips.
How to prepare for your self-isolation?
1. Make sure you stay connected virtually with a good internet connection at home or wherever you self-isolate.
2. Monitor the situation in your neighbourhood/city/country — and of course your health and the health of those living with you. Stay informed but don’t get caught up in the frenzy: get your information from reliable sources, and leave the opinions and recommendations to experts. Have the number ready you need to call if you or those living with you start feeling unwell.
3. As you go into self-isolation, tell friends, family and your neighbours so that they are aware of your situation (and can help out if need be).
4. (Especially if you don’t get paid during quarantine) check out your finances and speak to your employer, landlord and/or financial institution if you need help. Avoid slipping (further) into debt.
5. With your budget in mind, prepare a meal plan and shopping list for 14 days (at a time). Make sure you’ve got some flu medication at home/on your list. If you are healthy and allowed outside buy your supplies from local grocery stores to help the local economy with your limited funds. If not get your supplies delivered from the supermarket or dropped at your doorstep by neighbours or friends who live nearby. Whatever you do, don’t stockpile more than you need.
6. Make a list of things to do and schedule them over the self-isolation period. Make sure there are some fun items on the list. Tick them off so that you feel you’ve accomplished something daily.
Keep calm and stay healthy — physically and mentally
1. Stick to a similar routine you normally have, but instead of going to work, work from home and/or be productive in other ways (that’s where your to-do list comes into play).
2. Walk around the neighbourhood (if you’re allowed and it’s safe to do so), have a workout, yoga or meditation session at home or in the park (make sure you wipe down any outdoor gym equipment you may use). You could even organise a fitness instructor to do a work out session for your apartment block.
3. Be social — virtually: Check on your friends and family via Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime etc.
4. Hug your loved ones at home, give your pets extra attention, and if you live alone cuddle a soft toy or your pillow. Be kind to yourself and those around you.
5. Sing with your neighbours or join a virtual gig with your favourite musician. Put music on while doing chores. Sing and dance around the house (just be mindful of your neighbours).
6. Document your thoughts in a diary and show gratitude (rather than delving in the negative thoughts that will invariably come). Contact your local helpline if you need to talk to someone.
If you self-isolate at home, get your affairs in order
1. If you’re allowed to go outside and have a car clean your car. If you have a garden do some gardening. These are quick wins that get you in the mood for more.
2. Declutter your place. Pack clothing and box up household items you no longer need for drop-off at thrift/charity stores when it’s safe to do so. Ear-mark stuff you can sell and put them on eBay when the worst is over.
3. Digitize your old photos, negatives and any important documents.
What to do with old photos, negatives and documents
4. Fix things that are broken around the house or tackle that DIY project you’ve been putting off (if you’ve got the tools to do so — we don’t want you to hurt yourself). Or just give your home a good (spring) clean.
5. Get your finances in order: make a budget and cut your spending. If you’re expecting a refund do your tax return. Now is the time.
Educate yourself
1. Watch the documentaries/TED talks and listen to the podcasts you’ve never had time for.
2. Explore museums around the world — virtually.
3. Read the books you’ve always wanted to read. Our favourites are:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics
4. Learn a new skill. There are tons of great online courses, webinars, YouTube videos, language apps, etc out there. You can even learn to become more resilient, a skill that’s not only important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Dream about and do some research for your next trip. In the words of Zurab Pololikashvili (Secretary-General of the UN WTO): Tourism [is] becoming the hardest hit sector so far [but tourism is also] uniquely placed to lead the future recovery. […] By staying home today, we can travel tomorrow.
Most of all, remember: There is not a single person that won’t be impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another. So, let’s help each other get through this.
In self-isolation for some time now? How have you been coping with it? What other tips can you share? Please leave your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.
This article was originally published on https://www.minimalistjourneys.com/covid-19-self-isolation-tips/ on 18 March 2020 and is republished with permission.
