Mindful self-isolation here I come!

I am on a mission to stay positive, emotionally and physically in these uncertain and worrying times.

Working from home is what I love doing anyway. Not having to go to meetings is a blessing. However, missing out all the activities I had planned with mum, my attendances at poetry events, nights out dancing, socialising, days planned for walking and connecting with nature and holidays booked will take a toll on my mental health , if it hasn’t already.

So I have got myself organised

Exercising – early morning run, use the trampoline and dumbbell that has been gathering dust, do some pilates or yoga exercises or follow a fitness routine

Prepping Food – organising what I am eating during the day and if necessary cooking in the morning, so I don’t forget to eat later on (very bad habit of mine) – I stocked up veg and pulses only so have to cook from scratch and have no choice but to avoid refined sugar and crap!

Hydrating – remembering to drink water throughout the day (another very bad habit of mine is to forget to drink) . Consciously drinking every 15 minute until it becomes unconscious.

Decluttering- for the next week I am taking one room at a time and clearing what I don’t need and spring cleaning.

Work – I have my to do list and will check things off, review and pay myself on the back for achievements. I will work once I have done exercise and cleaning and finish when I have got everything done.. or 5pm and no later. Check emails at certain times during the day rather than responding immediately (unless its an emergency of course). Schedule in phone conversations and online meetings so that I don’t get distracted and taken off the task in hand.

Volunteer – support the co-ordination and development my local mutual Aid group This is helping to connect with local residents (virtually of course) who can build a better community for the future too.

Create – journal, write poetry, finish writing course, get going with my book and write a blog (this is one job done).

Socialise – FaceTime mum everyday and check in with friends regularly. Limit social media to keeping in contact with people and work/ volunteer related stuff, rather than getting caught up in the frenzy.

Relax- hot baths, read books, watch good tv and films, have ten minutes doing nothing in quiet, play ScrabbleGO with friends I know across the world, listen to music.

Hang on a minute, this sounds like the life I always wanted to have and was far too busy for. 🤔

This is time to reset.

NB- I am aware I have the luxury of having work coming in – as a self employed person this is not guaranteed for everyone, so I am grateful that my work has not been affected. I am also aware that I have not been forced to make a decision between my work and my family, as so many amazing NHS and care staff have been. Not having small children I do not have to worry if I am being the best parent, teacher and entertainer. As a fairly healthy and, hopefully soon to be, fit ,approaching 50 year old woman, I do know I have less to worry about than some.

But the point is, we need to make the most of the situation we are in. Stressing about it, worrying about the future and moaning about what has happened or should have happened so far won’t do any good.

What you can control is your reaction to others actions and events that occur.

Take action where you can to make change or resolve something.

Accept or let go of what you can’t control.

You are not responsible for anyone else behaviour or reactions other than your own.

Focus on you and your family unit. If you don’t put your health and wellbeing first, you will be not able to be there for anyone else effectively.

Remember, everyone reacts to anxiety and stress in different ways. Don’t take things too personally, but also do not accept anything other than respect. If you can’t walk away, make plans to do so and ask for help if you need to.

Enjoy the current spring weather , even if it’s through an open window.

Listen to the birds and natural sounds.

Ask for help if you need it.

Show respect frontline staff and stay indoors unless you really have to and then keep a safe distance (2m) away from people. Wash your hands ALOT, remove your clothes when you get home and wash them and all the surfaces, like door handles, that you touch as you come in.

Most of all be mindful and aware of your mental health and be kind to yourself and others.

The world is not going to end but it might change and it could be for the better if we take advantage of this time to value what is important and learn from the lessons it brings us.

For the most up to date national guidelines and information:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

To get help from or volunteer for Covid-19 Mutual Aid groups, check out social media or local council websites

For free exercise

https://ownyourgoalsdavina.com/?utm_source=goole_ads&utm_medium=search_ads&utm_campaign=core_ongoing&utm_content=key_terms&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImofCiZaw6AIVh6ztCh10igkjEAAYASAAEgJbevD_BwE

For creative ideas check out instagram and other social media there are thousands of creatives to get connected with who are sharing ideas, games and activities to get your creative juices flowing.

Learn something new there are plenty of online courses available some of them are free or currently at reduced prices , check out for example, https://www.centreofexcellence.com/?wgu=277675_221639_15849522737315_c0c396999a&wgexpiry=1592728273&source=webgains&siteid=221639

Open university are giving away free university online courses.

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue