Five tips to Quarantining with a smile on your face.

 I know what you're thinking, another know it all on how to deal with Quarantining. Don't stress, even though I did when this lockdown started, I'm sure you did too.

But seriously, what I like to refer to, as the year that I can't wait to put in my rear view mirror (even though I don't know how to drive), I've learnt a thing or five.,,

1.      Become a goal entrepreneur.

What is it all about ay? Whether you are writing down your goals, writing down the things you are grateful for or writing down the top 10 pubs you want to go to once lockdown is over. Or in my case, jot down all of the different scenarios that allow Fulham FC to be promoted to the Premier League next season. I find that this is giving me some clarity and a bit more control of my future. A few words written down could be the difference to steering you into an unexpected, positive and new direction.

2.      Get moving and grooving.

I am not the most disciplined when it comes to exercise but since starting my mornings by walking the dogs or going for a run or even having a boogie in the shower with a bit of Spice Girls in the background, the inevitable strain of the current pandemic becomes slightly less daunting as I approach my day.

3.      The zoom calls.

 A lot of us are physically isolated now and unfortunately a lot of the people we will be speaking to, day-to-day will be feeling negative for justifiable reasons. Identify people that can motivate your day. These might be family members, colleagues or even industry mentors. On multiple occasions since we have been in lockdown, I have found myself creeping towards Negative Valley, a simple phone call with a mate could SAVE YOUR DAY. I also find that the weekly family trivia night gives me a real boost!!

4.      Celebrate don't hate.

It has never been more crucial to appreciate the little things and to not 'sweat the small stuff’. If your colleague has just had a positive bit of news, applaud them! If your partner has perfected a TikTok, encourage them to make more, if you want to share something that is positive with your team or family, don't hesitate, CELEBRATE!

5.      An apple a day keeps the brain in play.

Our learning capacity and brain stimulation has decreased somewhat. Imagine all the little things that you learn without even realizing. From learning that your shop keeper supports Geelong to coming across the beautiful smell of coffee brewing from the new café on Collins Street! We need to build a new world of stimulation and keep our minds active. I personally have taken up the new hobby of planning out a football (soccer for the Aussies) podcast (something that I have never even thought about before) and through this experience I am now building a bit of a passion for it. I’ve even been baking! 

 At the end of the day, some of us may feel alone but in reality, we are all experiencing the same thing together. Voice your praises by sending a virtual hi-5 whenever you can, try a new home workout or visit a local café (obviously while social distancing) and you might find out the barista barrack’s for Geelong too!  

Ultimately, you will find yourself filling in the gaps of your days. Let’s take this time to be productive in ways we never thought we could. Who knows, you might even be TikTok famous after all this. 

Carpe Diem people, we've got this !