Surviving Self-Isolation 2.0

Hello everyone!

We have been living a very scary and uncertain time in history, which has most certainly triggered feelings of anxiety and panic.

However, we must keep something very important in mind: we possess the gift of adaptability!

Many scientists believe that we humans are the world's most adaptable species because, unlike most other living things, we can live in rain forests, deserts, high mountains, even on ice!

So when the panic or anxiety hit you, please remember that you can do this and most importantly to be grateful:

I think that it’s important now more than ever to be here for each other and , as I am a bit of a nerd at heart , I would like to share with you not only my above thought, but also few tips and tricks that can be helpful whilst going through this self-isolation.

HANG OUT ONLINE ( Because week ends still exist right?!)

If the usual Friday night down the pub is no longer an option, then you only have the choice between FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and Google Hangouts to connect with your friends and family! I have recently also tried a new app called Houseparty, which I have found much more fun when you connect with large group of people.

Pick a time, connect, crack open your bottle of wine at home and catch up :)

LOCAL GROUPS CONNECTED ONLINE (Let us support each other!)

Websites are springing up, including Covidmutualaid.org , that are providing lists of local social media groups formed to help those with the respiratory illness. These forums, across social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, include offers of shopping help, free emergency home services and there are many people who are simply happy to pick up the phone and call you if you simply want to hear another person's voice. 

INDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS (Check on your elders!)

A prospect that has to be handled with sensitivity, installing indoor security cameras may be an option when elderly relatives have conditions that are a worry, such as Alzheimer's, especially if measures such as the UK's potential self-isolation for the over 70's come into play. If these devices are used -- such as Ring indoor cameras or Nest Cams -- this can allow you to check-in remotely and without exposing others to potential infection and they can feel less lonely knowing that they have their guardian angels checking on them ;)

VIRTUAL TOURS (Not only for Children!)

If isolation is prompting itchy feet -- or perhaps you have children at home that need entertainment, a list of virtual tours and live webcams has now gone viral. Over at virtualschoolactivities.com , you can access lists of resources including the Atlanta Zoo panda cam, take a wander through Buckingham Palace, or take a walk across the Great Wall of China, just to name a few. Despite the name, the resources listed will be of interest to more than children will. 

BOOKS or PODCASTS? (Both!)

Reading has always been identified as one of the most soothing activities for our brains and for me it is still on top of the list (sadly meditation does not really do the trick on me!). Luckily, nowadays we have the choice to switch to devices such as tablets and Kindle, which allow us to be able to download hundreds of book in zero time. However sometimes we have already spent several hours in front of a device and what could we possibly do to switch off from the workday? Easy, we can listen to a podcast! As already mentioned, I am a bit of a nerd and lately I have been intrigued by machine learning , AI and overall cutting edge technologies: if you love this stuff as much as I do then please don’t miss podcasts such as DeepMind , Invisibilia or Hidden Brain.

LET US LEARN SOMETHING NEW!

There are few very good platforms such as www.coursera.org, which offer many (short and long), courses from the best universities around – for example, I have signed up to one course (yes something techy – I am that boring!) That only costed me ￡47 and lasts 4 weeks with a scheme of 2/3 hours studying per week, which is, for most of us, probably only one or two commutes to work.

IN ADDITION, TO FINISH UP… MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO!

Let us not forget the importance to incorporate some daily exercise as it WILL make us feel better throughout the day, both physically and mentally.

Personally, I like to do some yoga in the morning to stretch out my body before sitting up at my home working station. (Yeah, it sounds professional but I mean my kitchen table where my laptop is!) I am far from being a pro but there are free classes such as Yoga with Kassandra on YouTube that have many 10 min morning stretches that are easy enough to commit too.

If you are more an Instagram type of person then check out @VirginActiveUK or @BarrysUK as they do daily live classes ( they are very tough I have barely managed to finish one by now but hopefully you are in better shape than I am! )

Just to be clear, I have not being paid by any company to sponsor them, this is just what I am currently using/experiencing and I very much looking forward to hear more and more tips from you all :)

LOTS OF LOVE, BE SAFE and STAY HOME!

Ele x