How to support yourself during self isolation and social distancing
Coronavirus has hit hard in the UK. With many classes for young families being forced to close as we are all told to self-isolate. These difficult times are hard to escape as they are everywhere on the news, radio, social media and understandably what people want to talk about, sending us regularly into a state of panic, stress and worry. As the shelves in the supermarket look barren, we need to reflect on all that we do have. All that is positive and light in the world and how we can proactively challenge this time for a better outcome.
I am a firm believer that we are tribal beings and thrive from human contact. Without it, stress levels increase, depression grows and it can be difficult to think or feel like yourself. Loneliness is a killer Mothers who are adjusting to their new life with a baby can really feel the impact of staying indoors. Depending on your circumstance you may be cooped up at home with your baby and/or your partner for months. At first, it might be nice, time for you to be together but as time goes on you need to ensure that you won’t get cabin fever and you are supporting yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.
Here are my top tips to staying healthy, happy and YOU during the global pandemic:
Do exercise. There is so much choice online on YouTube and also many classes are now going online, look for the right fit for you, it could be dancing, pilates, yoga or even aerobics. Something that will get your body moving and heart pumping. You would usually get natural exercise walking to the park, to the supermarket and classes etc, if you suddenly stop all exercise your joints may being to ache.
Play with your baby - check out our classes, we do live and pre-recorded videos with songs and games you can play with your little one if you get stuck for ideas.
Call a friend - we are all in this together and whilst we cannot be together, let’s be together in any way that we can be, either an email, call or Facetime. Check-in to see if your friends are ok and share your experiences with them.
Keep a diary - sometimes it is easiest to get things off your chest and out of your mind by putting them on paper. Being stuck at home long term may mean the smallest things anyone does, including your partner, can be really irritating. ‘why must you breathe so loudly!’
Do fun things around the house, have a dance party, play dress up, look through old photo albums or make yourself some wholesome delicious food. Enjoy the time to do nothing (something we are not very good at) but also don’t just stop everything either. Give yourself a motivation to get up every day and keep going. Find things to look forward to.
If you have an older child you can find hours of fun in activities you can create and do together. Why not make playdough together then enjoy playing with it. Check out our favourite playdough recipe. Or you could make maracas from things lying around the house and become a band.
It may be tempting but try and limit screentime for both you and your little one. We offer short online classes that you can tap into if you are stuck on ideas.
Keep showing your baby love and affection with cuddles, singing, massage and play.
Expand your music collection - music allows for expression, to release emotions, to feel and sometimes to even escape. Look out for new music to light you up and make a new playlist.
Do some art, if you have the resources great! If not, get creative with what is around the house. You could make paint from pantry ingredients like turmeric and cinnamon or you could cut up old magazines and newspapers for sticking collages.
Read books - this is such a good way to take you away from your 4 walls and into other worlds, free your soul even if you are stuck indoors. Perhaps you could do a book swap with your neighbours.
Have a spring clean - as you are going to be indoors for a while make your home your palace, keep it fresh and clean and ensure you are ventilating.
Keep a gratitude list - I usually do this mentally at the start and end of my day and it has literally made me such an appreciative, happy and positive person. In times that all feels like it is going crazy and wrong and you are losing control, take a moment to sit with your thoughts and what you are grateful for at the moment. Sometimes you may have to search a little harder but you should always be able to find something. You might want to write them down to reflect on in times of need.
Do some meditation - you may not have done much of this before and not quite get it or think it is for you but honestly, give it a go. Just a moment to be with yourself. There are many different types, including guided, colour, sound, look them up online and find one that works for you.
Try to eat well - junk food may temporarily fill a need but whole cooked food will fill you up and give you something to do whilst you get creative with what to do with your time. Home-cooked food will fill you up and give you something to do whilst you get creative with what to do with your time.
Find a new podcast. Ask for recommendations in local Facebook groups if you are stuck. Perhaps something light-hearted and funny to give you a boost.
Learn to play an instrument. There are tonnes of videos on YouTube that will teach you to play an instrument from an accordion to a zither.
If you are woo woo like me, do things to remove negative energy - light some white candles and sage, maybe recharge your crystals.
Turn off electricity that isn’t being used. Reduce EMF near your body.
Be kind to yourself and others.
Whilst we are in it, this may feel like a lifetime but it will not last forever. I think one thing is likely, those of us who survive will come out on the other side, different people. Looking at the world through different lenses and hopefully savouring our freedom and the good things in life.
