Because of the coronavirus, there are going to be people like lupus patients (including me) who are going to self isolate, we don’t really have much choice as for us it might be a matter of life or death.
For some people this can be stressful and difficult. It’s already recognised that social isolation is one of our biggest killers so we should take as many steps as we can to make this as tolerable as possible for our mental health. As someone that lives on their own I understand this, I have no family and few friends who all live some distance away and now I won’t be able to even meet up with them. However, having said that I understand that I need to be very careful, so in reality I know this is the sensible thing to do.
So how can we make this a little bit more bearable?
Stay in touch
We are lucky that we have technology that will allow you to stay in touch with others, turn to things such as video calling, skype etc or just pick up the telephone and have a chat, that will make you feel less lonely.
Digital Detox
We need information but I, and I’m sure many others, am finding that too much coronavirus news is making me more anxious as it’s currently very negative and all doom and gloom. Perhaps make a rule to only look at the news twice a day rather than every hour and be extremely careful where you get information, use trusted websites and social media such as ours and the NHS.
Plan your day
Give your day structure and purpose, make a plan of what you want to do. For example 15 minutes low impact workout from youtube, then read for half an hour, etc. This may change depending on how you feel but will help you have a sense of purpose. Make sure you keep your regular routine if you are isolated at home: take your regular medication, eat healthily, shower, get dressed, put on your makeup - I never bother with makeup when I’m at home but I do my nails regularly. It can also help to go to bed and wake up at regular times so include that in your routine.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness has long been recognised as a way of helping to reduce anxiety and depression, there are a lot of programmes online so you should find one that suits you. Try activities such as baking/colouring/puzzles which can all help you relax. Maybe take the opportunity to learn a new skill which is very good for your brain, there are also plenty of video’s online to help you do that. Crafting is a great way to occupy your mind, I’m currently knitting mice for Battersea cats, they need a constant supply as every cat gets one and gets to keep it when they’re rehomed. So not only am I occupied but I’m making something fun for the homeless kitties.
I’ve never tried meditation but a lot of people swear by it so it may be worth trying, I have however followed along with Tai chi on youtube and found that very therapeutic. If you feel stressed try a breathing exercise such as this one.
Get some fresh air
You may feel claustrophobic or trapped if you have to stay isolated, so make sure you get some fresh air (even opening the windows helps). You can still go for a walk when you’re isolated, if you don’t have a garden pop to your local park or walk round your local streets. If you live in a busy area it’s better to go outside when you know its quieter such as early morning before school runs etc or late evening, have a look at the stars!
The main object of the exercise is to get some fresh air: in your garden, even by a window or on a balcony etc. Connect with nature again, I’m lucky in the fact I have a big garden and regularly take photographs of all the wildlife. I’m also planting seeds like lettuce/onions/tomatoes/strawberries all things I regularly use, so apart from the fact it’s keeping me occupied I will also have a food supply which is as fresh as it could possibly be! You can buy packets on Ebay so don’t need to go out to buy them.
We’ve been told to avoid public transport but there’s also absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t go for a drive in your car, maybe out into the countryside where you can get out in an isolated spot and enjoy some fresh air.
Binge watch box sets
Isolation is a good excuse to do this! I discovered the joys of binge watching when I got Netflix. I can lie snuggled up on the sofa pretty much all day when I discover a great programme and get totally immersed in it.
Having said that, I practice what I preach and ensure I keep active, I exercise in some form pretty much every day as I feel better both physically and mentally, so I balance the hours horizontal infront of the tv with an activity to keep me mobile.
Play games
If you are isolated with others, go old school again and get out games such as scrabble, trivial pursuit etc which are fun and good for your brain. There are also plenty of silly games like pass the pigs and operation that you can play even when you have brain fog.
Be positive
We’re good at being positive in the face of adversity, we’ve been doing it for years! Eventually things will settle down, certainly as far as supplies in supermarkets are concerned and scientists will learn more about the virus and what we need to do, so use this time to be creative with solutions to the issues we may now face.
More good ideas/information
There are many more in depth ideas and further information from Mind to help you cope here.
The advice on isolation from the government is: Over 70’s should isolate for up to 12 weeks, this advice extends to those that are vulnerable or at risk and can include those on immunosuppressant drugs. If anyone has a cough or fever the recommendation for minimum isolation is 7 days if you live on your own and 14 days if you live with others.
The content on this blog should not be seen as a substitute for medical advice. If you have, or think you may have lupus, always seek advice on a qualified physician. Find out more in our Terms of Use.
