10 Tips to Help in Times of Isolation

My top 10 Tips:

Am I worried about isolation/lock down? Yes, but here’s my top tips and survival guide for myself as such as it is for anyone else. Here I list the worries and possible solutions.

1. Have your own space/time:

I love my own space and time; I really struggle if I’m with people 24/7. I find myself getting anxious and almost Closterphobic! Don’t get me wrong I love people, I work with so many for a living and I absolutely adore my job but having time to myself feels like a breath of fresh air and a sigh all into one. I’m quite often on the go, here, there, working on my laptop, thinking of ways to help, cleaning, tidying, cooking, food shopping- the things that most people do too. So, time on my own is like a reset (when I’m not looking for things to do). I’m very sensually aware, like I take a lot of things in at one time so when its busy / intense situation like a lock down am I going to find the ‘space’

Worry: Ill constantly be surrounded by people/ family and won’t get my own time/ space.

Solution: Its likely that the people you’re surrounded by are your family, so they naturally love you. Explain your worries to them and make sure you each have some place that really only you spend time e.g. a bedroom, office, spare room, the doorstep?! Anywhere! As long as its yours and you can learn to relax in it. Whether it be a room or a 2x2m square. Pop some music in your headphones and own it!

2. Routine

Some people don’t even like their job?! But do you ever find yourself when on holiday (probably towards the end) looking forward to getting back to some sort of routine? Well that’s because it gives us structure and something to work towards. An alarm, even if we wake up wanting to hit the snooze button, gets our day up and started, we get up, perhaps have a coffee or workout or even a quick shower, change and were out the door- either way and whatever your routine, its YOURS! And whether we quite realise it or not its also our habit. So, try to avoid the temptation of staying in bed, hitting snooze, or lounging around delaying that online sign in of work. Get up, follow your normal routine, if that included going to the gym then try doing a little home workout, or going for a run. Were still encouraged to exercise!

Worry: I just won’t feel motivated to get up to ‘go’ to work. Well, I get that too- I’m best if I have a 6am client as I’m up, and out and wide awake and full of beans to hit the day…no early client and I feel more sluggish and even lazy for not getting up and going! Something I’m working on by walking, training, reading or just being, but all productive! So, rise and shine babe!

Normally have a daily commute? Well, there’s a few ways you can utilise that time! Try if you can to still not give in to the temptation of falling back asleep, as this will then leave you feeling hard done by when you're back into the workplace and you have that commute back…

Solution: Instead, get up as normal and use that extra time to either go for a brisk walk, run, listen to music, a new little pamper routine to make you feel bright and fabulous, read a book, set schedules and to dos for your productive day ahead! Take that time to stretch. Movement is at risk of being limited without the daily commute, kitchen tea break trips etc. Think of 3 things you're grateful for or what positive little things you notice. The early birds singing, a sunrise, or spend that precious time designated with the kids or your loved ones. Additionally, you have this time to use as you wish with your commute back from work! If your commute is 30 mins each way, you now have a whole HOUR at your disposal, use it wisely!

3. Video calls/ chats

Seeing as social distancing is encouraged and as potential lock down looms, obviously our human contact and interaction is limited. If you're with people, don’t forget to show them love, kindness and a hug- if you're doing that. This next tip I really encourage for everyone if you can, whether isolated/ restricted in a group or especially individually. If you can isolate with another person who is doing the same then great! If not be sure to schedule in times where you can see and talk to other people whose faces you won’t see on a daily basis! Even though you’re not seeing them physically face to face, you're still SEEING and communicating with them- it’s amazing, when you're in conversation with them via a screen, how realistic it seems! Trust me! I’m seeing some clients via Skype and it’s so realistic, I can still instruct and see them. Ideally id be WITH them but it really is a fantastic way to remain with ‘normality’ in their sessions, I have the advantage that my clients are based in their homes anyway so instead of my physically instructing them in person, I’m on a screen, and ….although it’s not happened yet, I am aware they could easily just shut the laptop lid or end the call at a press of a button!! Haha!

Worry: I don’t know how to set them up! What if people are always busy and no one wants to talk to me.

Solution: There’s So many different apps and software’s out there available to do this. Here’s a few…

- WhatsApp- yup they do 2+ way video calling

- Facetime – Available to connect to video

- Skype – Something that I used to have an account with, yeeeears ago, I couldn’t remember the password so I just used a different email (my business one) or just click the reset password button and its done!

- Zoom – more for businesses but it’s another avenue

Most people have smartphones now, but if you or a member of your family don’t, see if you have an old device you can lend them for this time. No old device?? Do you really need ALL of your devices at this time, phone, iPad, old iPad, old phone, laptops etc. Be kind if you have surplus of these, no matter how old, chances are, they’ll still work! Set it all up on there for them and off you go! Write them a quick checklist if things go awry with the app/ sign on process and go through it with them. Do they have an Alexa? They can connect, via voice to you, just like a phone (so actually you may well use the phone, unless it’s one with a video screen).

Have a ‘top 5 callers’ and schedule a call in with them, via google calendar, normal calendar or even a good old pen and paper. Set a time and date and STICK TO IT!! It may be the one time of the week/ day that the other person really looks forward to. Catch up with an old friend/ relative. Its good to talk. This can be done as an individual (just you with your best friend) as a virtual group (you and 2 others in different homes) or as an actual group (the whole family calling the grandparents).

4. Book/ Film/ Series club Netflix reviews etc

I’ve heard of a book club but I've never been a part of one... However, I’ll quite often chat about different series/ films on Netflix or the Cinema with friends and clients. So why not schedule in a movie night, film fest review with some of your friends! Watch a series, set a time whereby you'll all realistically be able to watch your chosen item by and then have a chat about it, or even after each episode. It’ll keep that conversation going and a shared interest to keep you feeling as a group and part of something.

Worry: I don’t have Netflix! I have Netflix, but all my friends have Sky. I don’t have any of those! Solution: That’s okay, it doesn’t have to be a paid service, it can be something on the TV or a shared DVD/ Book Audio-book that you all have. Audible have lots of FREE books lo listen to, as does the Kindle App.

You could go halves with a friend and share the subscription price (it will need to come from one account though) and each have a device logged on. If one of your friends does have Netflix, depending on the plan they have, they may have a subscription that allows you to be signed in on different devices, with the added bonus of having your own section so you can pop all the things you like on there! My mother-In-Law shares our subscription and she loves it!

5. Exercise!!!

Of course, I’m going to be a big advocate of this but its so true! Exercise has been proved to benefit us both physically and mentally. In times of isolation it can also transform a space into a workout studio or a calming little stretch/ Pilates area. Whatever exercise you do, make sure its something. Your normal energy expenditure will be less, as you have less to travel/ walk around during the day.

Worry: I’m just not motivated to train alone and I don’t know what I’m doing… I’m pregnant and unsure of what I can and can’t do in terms of movement and exercise

Solution: There are HEAPS (probably more than ever before) of FREE online home workout videos online via YouTube, Instagram etc. Mix and match! Some days you could try HIIT, other days try a more relaxing workout or stretch routine! If you're still unsure, reach out and send me a message, id be happy to help! If motivation isn’t your strong point and you rely on those gym classes or your workout buddy to actually DO exercise then link up with them! Arrange to do a session together! Have fun planning sessions out, or agree on a virtual workout! Again, if you're after something more tailored and specific to you or your goals/ interests, hire a personal trainer who can take you through the workouts virtually! PS- I know a pretty good, motivational, happy one (ME!).

6. Write a diary/ blog/ gratitude diary. Focus on each day, we are living history!

Whether the days pass quickly or slowly, record it! What we are going through will most certainly be remembered!! Were now part of history, imagine reliving the times now in 10/20 years’ time, reliving the things you’re thankful for things then and now.

Worry: What if I just find myself writing negative things all the time?

Solution: Turn it into a wellness record, you write the feeling you have on the day and anything you want to, what you did, who you spoke to, what you had for lunch- Anything!! And underneath write 3 things you're thankful/ grateful for! It’ll help you look for the small and simple things we often take for granted. Did you laugh? Feel peace? Have food to eat? A roof over your head? Did you catch the sunrise? Sunset? Do some exercise? Were you ABLE to move, hear, smell, see? All these things aren’t promised to us and we would do well to note the things in life that we have that many may not.

7. THAT to do list…

We ALL have one of these! You know, the things we just keep putting off until ‘next time’ or ‘next weekend’…well, now’s the time. You'll feel more organised and clearer headed if your environment is the same. You don’t have to do it all in one day, or even at the same time, pop this in a plan, schedule when you can dedicate time to it. If you're sorting through some old things then why not sort your music, CDs, DVDs, VHS (yes we even have some of those in our house!) photos, clothes etc. You can make it a nostalgic activity by reminiscing on those funky outfits and hairstyles that we all thought were super cool….at one time! Set the items aside to give to charity shops, eBay, the homeless etc

8. Change of scenery

Depending on how long you’re working from home, have a little move around of your work space, face the window, a different picture, a different room (try not to use the bedroom as work space) this is the pace for rest and recovery- not for emails to be pinging!

9. Video of scenery/ sea/ zoo/ live feed/ night sky

Talking of a change of scenery, why not hook your laptop up to the TV if you can or access the internet and search for some nice views of the sea, mountains, the night sky etc. Something to allow you to feel close to these things without leaving your home. For example, the Zoo have a live feed here below! Use it for some education for the kids if your home schooling to- mini projects about the sea/ solar system/ animals etc. Cruise ships actually have a screen in some cabins of the rear of the ship and the sea around it in real time to act as a window to help offset cabin fever!!

https://www.holidaypirates.com/travel-magazine/13-zoos-that-offer-live-streams-see-giraffes-koalas-pandas-tigers-penguins-more_35765

10. Camp in the garden, night time cinema!

Get some real time Camping and scenery! Have an outdoor movie night! Most laptops you can get films on, so blow up that mattress, or get some duvets, pillows and blankets outside, snuggle up with some hot chocolate and popcorn and snacks and enjoy the premier screenings!

Whatever you do, just remember this will pass!

Breathe, look for the daily joys in the little things, take time for you and pop some music on LOUD and DANCE!!