Covid 19 has had a huge impact and learning how to deal with social distancing, self-isolation and a change of routine can be hard.
Covid-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus. Initial symptoms include fever, dry cough, tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell. We are being asked to self isolate ourselves for 7 days if we are experiencing either a high temperature or a dry cough. You do not need to call 111 if you are self-isolating. However, if you have trouble breathing or cannot manage your symptoms at home you should seek medical advice.
Social distancing is being used to slow down the spread of the virus. This means avoiding close contact with people to avoid catching the virus or passing it on to others. So how do you deal with social distancing? While it might be disappointing that events, holidays, and gatherings are being canceled, there is an important reason for this. Canceling these things will help slow down the spread of disease allowing the health care system to more readily care for patients over time.
Some ways of social distancing include working from home, closing schools, using FaceTime rather than in-person visits, canceling large events and meetings.
For some of us self isolating isn’t a problem. I love nothing more than my own company. But for others, it can be difficult especially for those who are used to getting out and about as part of their regular routine. One way to deal with self-isolation and this change in routine is to develop a new one.
If you are self-isolating there is a chance you’re not feeling too great. This is a time to sleep and heal. The more you can sleep the less of the day you need to fill! If possible try to sleep alone. Take regular painkillers like paracetamol to help with symptoms and try to drink plenty of water.
If you need food and supplies ask friends and family to help or use a delivery service. Get these people to drop supplies at your doorstep but avoid contact with them. You should avoid leaving the house during this 7 day period. You should also avoid having visitors into your home.
If you live with others you are advised to stay 2 meters away from each other and where possible you should stay away from elderly people and people with long term health conditions.
It is very important to wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This can quite difficult for those who have sensory difficulties and struggle with washing their hands but please try your best as this is very important!
A change in routine can be very difficult but the best way to deal with self-isolation to create a new routine. You are going to be confined to your home for at least 7 days. Think about all of the things you need to do and add them to a visual routine. Then work around those, adding things that make you happy. Lots of people who are self-isolating are planning on doing some spring cleaning or things they wouldn’t normally get around to in the house. If you’re too ill to do anything like that then why not watch a boxset or some movies. We all have those things we never get round to because we don’t have the time … use this time!
If you need to get some exercise into your day there are lots of ways to do that. You can follow a fitness class on Youtube or like me get a mini trampoline and run of bounce on that!
Check out this exercise routine online from Marc at Bridge Fitness!
Jamie and I are currently on day 7 of self-isolation. We have no idea if Jamie has had the virus or not as they are no longer testing people unless they are having serious issues. There is no cure for the virus, it is a case of managing our symptoms and ensuring we follow all of the guidelines. It will pass for most of us. Those of us who don’t have underlying health issues need to take responsibility and do the right thing. Being stuck inside isn’t the nicest thing, but we have lots of ways to stay entertained. Check out this blog post with 6 alternative ideas to help.
Meanwhile, we hope this helps you understand why this has to be done, which is often the first step when learning how to deal with social distancing.
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