Not that I am in any way happy with the Coronavirus or the subsequent lockdown.
However-
It is giving people a small peak into the life of a disabled, housebound person. Where people usually say, "Oh, you don't work and get to stay home all day? Must be nice."
And two days in, that same person is struggling to deal with not being an to go out, feeling trapped, feeling helpless and a million other things and I'm hating that people are feeling this. Especially when you are doing something that is for the good of everyone.
So, I am delighted to supply some tips and tricks on how not to lose it whilst trapped at home! I don't want people suffering needlessly when you are self-isolating. I've been practising this since like 2015 and as far as I'm concerned, if I have gone through something hard, painful or awful, it is entirely worth it if I can use these experiences, any knowledge have gained along the way, to help even a single person.
I have left the house once this year because I had to go into my GP as the online messaging system was bust and I for a change, didn't have tons of hospital appointments.
I got in a taxi, saw my GP, and came home. I think that was in January.
Being housebound sucks and let me tell you now people, if this is new to you? You need to do a few things. Because it can sneak up on you. So, I thought this could be helpful to someone!
If you are healthy, try and make a schedule. It doesn't have to be super detailed. You don't have to book every minute of the day. Just a simple "Play a game at 1 pm" "Skype Dylan at 3 pm" "Do something crafty at 5 pm". The idea being when you go to bed at night, you know you have these things to wake up to. That there is a reason to get out of bed.
If you have complex health conditions that preclude this. (This is why CBT actually made me more depressed, because it included something like this but highly detailed and all I saw was my declining health.) If you are not sure if you'll be able to get out of bed tomorrow, try and find an activity for each day. Read, sew, weave, dance, game. Even if it's 10 minutes proofreading a chapter of something you've written. Just, Something. This is pretty damned integral. Also, if you are bed-bound, try and get on top of the covers during the day if you can. It can really help.
The second you let yourself slip, you can slip further into a rut and humans are not really got at doing nothing for prolonged periods of time. It can seriously fuck your brain up without you even realising it. I didn't realise how depressed I had gotten until after I started writing and felt the difference. It doesn't have to be huge, it can be "brush the dog", " bake a loaf of bread". Just something that is a set activity.
To me, an integral part of waking up, even though I am currently bed bound, is getting out of bed, making the bed, then get back on the bed with a different blanket. This may seem silly, exhausting and painful, but it clearly defines day and night as separate things. After I started doing this, my depression was easier to manage. Just that tiny thing. Don't undervalue what a small thing can do if you start. Or the trouble if you stop.
Humans tend to like making things. It gives us a sense of accomplishment. If you can do this, it will massively help you deal with the feeling trapped, lonely and such. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Actually, it's better if you suck! Because if you spend 30 minutes each day of self-isolation doing it? You'll feel and see yourself improving. Also, there is more than just the act. Because if you pick up a new hobby, you can research it. Look online for ideas. Join a Facebook group for it and start a journey with these new people who will be super excited to share their hobby with you.
After my house exploded, we had very little. No tv, no internet, no PC etc. I had my phone and kindle, and all I did was read, which is pretty unhealthy as I get a bit obsessive with reading, but all my craft supplies were trapped. So, I saw this £15 lap loom that came with wool, needles etc. I grabbed it. I was doing a bit each day, seeing myself improving. My partners then joined me, so the three of us weaved together. Having a tangible thing you can point at and say 'I made this'. I cannot stress enough how good this is. Some crafts are really cheap to access too. Some can be free or use old clothes or equipment you already own. It improved the collective house mood so much. Night and day. Do not underestimate the sheer power of crafts when you are trapped at home.
Social media and chatting online is super handy. I honestly don't know if I would still be here today without it. I love my partners, but I am a social creature. I don't always have the energy to chat, recently my body is FUBARed, and I've barely had the energy to function at a basic level. When I can, online people, meeting new people. Joining Tumblr, and chatting to people? Makes me feel less alone and abandoned by the world because I'm a burden. I am very bleh right now, but I really wanted to write this because I know people are struggling.
Set aside a specific time a day to read things like political stuff or about this virus. This is extremely important. Because it might not feel much, you're just lying down, reading? You can burn out so fast when all you have is your house. So, take time away from it.
Self-care is the goal.
I can't think of much more right now, try and eat at a set time? Being stuck at home lends itself to constant snacking and grazing, times and days can blend when Wednesday is the same as Sunday and it can be a bit daunting.
Plus, constant grazing, boredom eating- can affect your mood by not eating proper food.
Try and get a little sun every other day, even if it is by lying in front of a window!
If you found this useful, and I don't know, want more tips on how to deal with suddenly being rendered housebound? I'll be happy to help!
If you read this and take up a crafting hobby whilst self-isolating? Or you get a little lap loom? Take pictures and tag me in it! Because I love seeing what people's beautiful brains create during this hard time.
These are hard times, even if you aren't sick, and don't have to worry about work or money and your only problem is dealing with self-isolation. Being stuck at home can be harder on people than they think, it can sneak up on you. So, this is an excellent opportunity to be kind to each other. Connect with each other.
