Helpful Tips for Managing Isolation…From an Expert!
Isolation, is something that disabled people, or those with chronic illnesses experience a lot. Their norm. I spent nearly four years as a teenager totally bedbound and in hospital, so couldn’t and didn’t go out at all. Followed by a year or two barely going out, maybe once a week. So I thought I would share some of my self isolation tips.
When I was in hospital for all those years, the one time I did get some ‘fresh air’ was when my Mum, Dad and brother took me in my bed, in the lift down twelve floors and outside the hospital entrance in central London!
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| Hannah outside, having a break from isolation. |
Unfortunately, you may need to stay indoors and not go out for 3 weeks, or a couple of months, depending on the situation and how things change and develop. However, count yourself lucky and spare a thought for disabled/chronically ill people, when this can be their daily reality.
My Self Isolation Tips
See below my self Isolation tips, I hope they are helpful.
Speak to People
The internet is a lifeline, enabling you to ‘see’ loved ones and friends whether through Skype/Zoom/Facetime or WhatsApp video to name a few. It is nice to be able to see as well as hear the person you are talking to, especially if the time period of isolation is extended. Furthermore, for grandparents they can get to ‘see’ their grandchildren develop, not missing out so much, particularly if the grandchildren are very young.
Social media is also good for keeping in touch with friends and up-to-date with the news, however a careful balance needs to be made to maintain good mental health.
When I was in hospital and the neuro centre, I found speaking to family and friends my lifeline. Especially, on the days I didn’t get to see my family, or if I didn’t get to see my friends as often, due to the large distance I was away from home. My parents and brother, particulary were my rock.
I was lucky to have the use of a laptop and later on, an ipad in hospital so I could access Facebook and Google to name a few. At the time smart phones were only just coming out, I didn’t have one. Now, with smart phones and ipads/tablets, in recent admissions to hospital and at home I find these devises much more accessible.
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| Hannah connecting with others |
Establish a Routine
Keep Yourself Busy
Maybe consider starting a project or restarting a hobby. When I was in hospital I enjoyed painting and arts and craft. Currently, I enjoy making greetings cards, which I make in aid of Starlight childrens foundation.
Be Mindful
So often we are caught up in normal everyday busy lives, we don’t have the time to reflect and put things in perspective. We don’t have the time to think and plan. Make the most of this time. What do you want to achieve with the rest of your life? None of us know how long we have, so make EVERY moment count. Make choices, rather than letting them be made for you.
Look After Your Mental Health
Being isolated or restricted is hard; it worries me how this crisis will affect people’s mental health, especially the elderly or those living on their own. There is nothing like human contact.
Getting some fresh air is great for your health and mental wellbeing, especially if you have a garden or balcony, make the most of them. However, even if you don’t, opening windows and letting the outside in, if it is pleasant is a good way to improvise!
Stay Active
Keeping active through exercise and stretches is so good for reducing stiffness, your health, fitness and mental wellbeing. Be inventive! From using cans of food as weights to setting up a mini circuit training/ routine in your garden or even lounge! There are many different ways you can achieve this within the limits of the lockdown. Even finding a virtual group on the internet to exercise with or even sing with.
Some people have even taken on the task of completing a marathon on the stairs! They are keeping active as well as challenging themselves.
It is amazing some of the situations and conditions we can adapt to living in, it isn’t always the most pleasant but with time and patience we learn and adapt.
Be creative…and be grateful that this is not something that you will have to endure indefinitely. Others are not as lucky.
Take care.
Hannah x
2 Comments
mark
i am disabled .have Aspergers and m.e .long list health issues .i take part in a lot lot research
i am co-Author of a book ,JUST PUBLISHED .about Disability and sex .can give you a link
my blog,http;//mark-kent.webs.com
twitter,supersnopper
mark
Hannah Deakin
Hi Mark,
That is great that you have co-authored a book. I will take a look at the link.
Take care Hannah x