Discover Top Posts Tagged with #quarantine guide

Friendly reminder that during lockdown you do not have to:

Learn a new language

Or instrument

Or master any new skill for that matter

Reorganise your life

Start a new fitness regime

Video chat three times a day with people you haven't spoken to in years/ feel pressured to take part in virtual dinner parties every night just because everyone is doing it

Massively change your diet

Deep clean your house

Master yoga

Become an artist

Or basically anything else that you feel pressured to do but don't need to or have the resources (physically, mentally or whatever else) to deal with right now.

Of course you can do these things if you want to. If making big changes helps you, go for it. Just don't pressure others. This is a hugely unsettling and pretty scary time and so for most people, not an appropriate time to make big life changes. You don't have to 'improve' yourself during lockdown or quarantine. You just have to do your best. You just have to get through it, find joy where you can and take care of yourself and those around you to the best of your ability.

The emergency services and other sources of support are struggling to cope. They don't need us driving ourselves into the ground under pressure of what we 'should' be doing, trying to meet impossible targets. Our job is to stay safe and take care of ourselves.

(Note- this doesn't mean that there is no capacity for you and your non-covid related flare up or other health concern. If you are in need of help please ask for it, don't avoid going to A&E or calling for help just because you think there isn't space. I just mean that everyone is stressed and things are hard right now, so taking care of yourself will help others as well as yourself)

Your job is to take care of yourself.

That's it. Number one goal. That doesn't mean be selfish, hoard-the-toilet-paper, look out for number one type taking care of yourself. It means that now more than ever, you need to protect and grow and cherish your mental health. Not just for yourself, but for everyone. For the people you love and the people they love. For your dog. For the friend who sees everyone else panicking, but finds in comfort in your reassurance of "it's ok, we got this." The quiet strength and stoicism of small daily actions that seem irrelevant, but which quietly encourage others to take heart and carry on too.

Tearing ourselves down and beating ourselves up is not how we fight this. You need to love yourself, as much as you can. We need to love each other, not make each other feel bad. So ignore all that preasure to 'make something of yourself' or 'make the most' of this situation. And listen to what you need. I can't say this enough.

Take care of yourself and your mental health

Stay safe💜 Take care of yourself💜 Love yourself💜Love each other💜 Save lives

Quarantine distraction activities pt. 1 (TV and escapism)

A.ka Netflix recommendations for (almost) every country in quarantine

Hi tumblr 💜

I've been quiet the last few days because I hit a bit of a slump. It happens, and it's nothing to be ashamed of, but it's taken me some time to learn that these things happen and it's not because I'm doing anything wrong and I shouldn't beat myself up.

Some days you just need to get through and take care of yourself as best you can. So I thought this would be as good a time as any to tell those of you just starting this isolation/quarantine life to take care of yourself too, that it's ok to have days that you just get through, and offer some ideas of things you can do to help with that.

A big thing for me on days like this is distraction. Some days, distraction is the name of the game, but when I feel like this it's hard to think of what to do. That said, I'll try and post some ideas on this blog of things I've found to be helpful, starting with escapism.

Escapism can be great for 'getting through' days like this, it's fun to get to experience other places and things and as someone who's had very limited mobility and independence, I weirdly don't find it upsetting but rather exciting to see all these new places and worlds. Rather than sad that I can't go there, I feel blessed by modern technology and arts to be able to experience them.

Escapism doesn't have to come just from TV, although it might be your first thought. That said, it is the least tiring in most cases so I'll start there.

By the way, other forms of 'escapism' can include:

🌟Listening to an audio book

🌟Reading a book or comic

🌟Writing a story

🌟Playing a roleplay game

🌟Looking at art (why not take a virtual gallery tour?)

🌟Listening to music

🌟Trying to interpet/understand the lyrics behind your favourite songs

Lots of companies and services are pushing 'binging' at the moment, and enjoying a show is good, but remember: although TV is a great way to relax and escape without tiring yourself out when you have limited energy, it's important to break up the time you spend watching in order to avoid that 'ughh' feeling. It might be tempting, but don't sit for hours in the same position without moving or thinking of anything else. It doesn't have to be anything 'big', you know your capacity best, but stopping every now and then to do something else can really help your mood and stop the 'eughh I did nothing today' feeling.

Here are some things you could do to break up time in front of the TV. You can even come back to them throughout the day. Try setting alarms if you struggle to remember

🌟Get some more water to drink

🌟Make a cup of tea

🌟Do a puzzle (you can just pop back every now and then to put a few more pieces down)

🌟Do some stretches

🌟Brush your hair or style it

🌟Brush your pet

🌟Go into the garden for a bit

🌟Wash your face

🌟Water a plant/plants

🌟Walk up the stairs and down again

🌟Put on a song that always makes you move and dance around a bit (for example, mine would be 'Outro: Ego' by BTS or 'Hip' by Mamamoo)

🌟Talk to someone, either in your household (just a quick 'hi, how's your day going?') or on the phone for a few minutes if you can

🌟Colouring

🌟A sticker book

🌟A word search

Without further ado then, and after much more rambling than even I had anticipated (😅) here are some TV series that I have found to be helpful during my time in my own kind of 'quarantine' over the years. Basically my favourite escapist TV shows. I've gone by what's available on Netflix and tried to include options for every country currently in some kind of lockdown/quarantine, but some information may be incorrect or out of date as everything is changing so quickly so I apologise if that's the case. If people actually find this helpful I can do a part 2, and also include recommendations for other streaming services. I just chose Netflix because lots of people seem to have it- it's not sponsored or anything 😅 Anyway here we go:

(Note: if you're unsure if a show will be upsetting for you, search it on doesthedogdie.com and you can check for triggers)

Netflix recommendations for (almost) every country in quarantine:

The Musketeers

Available in: Belgium, Norway, Turkey, Canada, Brazil, Hong Kong and The Philippines

Sherlock

Available in: Italy, France, Poland, UK, South Africa, Russia, Colombia, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Canada, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, Israel, Hong Kong, The Philippines and Singapore

Peaky Blinders

Available in: Italy, France, New Zealand, Poland, UK, South Africa, Russia, Colombia, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Canada, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, Israel, The Philippines and Singapore

Reign

Available in: Italy, France, New Zealand, Poland, UK, South Africa, Russia, Colombia, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic, Israel and The Philippines

The Rebel (the thief who stole the people)

Available in: Italy, France, New Zealand, Poland, UK, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Czech Republic, India, Israel, Hong Kong, The Philippines and Singapore

The Last Kingdom

Available in: Italy, France, New Zealand, Poland, UK, South Africa, Russia, Colombia, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Turkey, Canada, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, Israel, Hong Kong, The Philippines and Singapore

Merlin

Available in: New Zealand, Poland, UK, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Turkey, Canada, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, Israel, Hong Kong, The Philippines and Singapore

Once Upon a Time

Available in: Italy, New Zealand, Poland, UK, Colombia, Argentina, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Turkey, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, The Philippines and Singapore

Hwarang

Available in: France, New Zealand, UK, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, India, Israel, The Philippines and Singapore

The Untamed

Available in: Italy, France, New Zealand, Poland, UK, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Canada, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore

@netflix

Things to remember during quarantine 💜

Source: @gentleaffirmations

Spending time with friends in isolation: movie night 💜

Just a heads up that there are apps and websites that let you watch movies and TV with others online (and chat too)

When you can't see the people you love, it's really hard but I find that hearing their voice or seeing their face makes me feel a lot more connected than just messaging. Sometimes video calls can be a bit awkward though, and just don't feel the same as hanging out and doing something together. For me, watching something in tandem with the other person and talking about it/reacting together/just having them on speaker to feel like you're experiencing it together is a lot more fun and feels more natural.

I only found out recently though that there are proper apps for that, and you don't just have to press play at the same time and hope for the best...😅 If you want to give this a try, these are the ones I know of, but I think there are a few different sites and apps out there

Gaze

-my friend recommends this as he used it during his long distance relationship- they're getting married tomorrow so I guess it worked ok 😂 Didn't work for me but might need a laptop or computer

Netflix Party

-this is a chrome browser extension that works with Netflix so you can watch and chat at the same time. It needs a laptop or computer though, not a tablet and didn't work for me and my friend but could depend on the operating system you use I guess. It has good reviews so might be worth a try if you both have Netflix

Rave 🌟

-this is the one I use and have found the best. It's a free app and works with other platforms too like Youtube so you don't have to have Netflix to watch something together. The chat options are really good, you can turn on the mic and chat and it automatically adjusts the sound (but doesn't lower the volume of the dialogue) and you can hear the other person if their mic is on without having yours on too. So you can chat freely the whole time or just here and there.

My best friend/surrogate big sister and I are both in quarantine because we are in the more vulnerable group due to our health. We usually see each other once a week at least unless things are really busy, so I've been struggling a lot with the idea of not seeing her for a long time. Today though, we spent a couple of hours watching 'Descendants of the Sun' and we both said it felt like we were really together. We switched to text chat when it got later so I didn't disturb my family but it was still fun and we're going to 'see each other' again tomorrow

So yeah if you're feeling a bit lonely I'd definitely recommend watching something with a friend, even if you're not together. This isn't an ad or anything, it may be that other sites work better for you (if you know of any drop them below!)

Also Rave has a public feature so you can go on and join in current 'Raves', like music video watch parties or marathons of netflix shows, so it could be a good way of socialising if you can't go out. Of course be cautious though when entering a chat with strangers

Stay safe and be kind to yourself,

Love, your isolation buddy

P.s If you don't have anyone to watch with, maybe we can form some watch parties on here? Netflix or music video marathon anyone? 🙋

Chill soundscapes + ASMR rooms because life is stressful right now

Fandom:

Sleeping in the Impala (Supernatural)

Hogwarts library

221B Baker Street (Sherlock)

Narnia

The Tardis library

Flying with Kiki

BTS:

Jungkook sings to you while it rains outside

Taehyung sings 4 o'clock to you while it rains outside (ft Namjoon)

Listening to Jungkook and Jimin singing in the room next door

Taehyung sings 'Winter Bear' while you sit by a stream

General:

You're in a cozy attic and it's raining outside

A castle tower

None of these are mine, credit to original creators 🌟 can post more if needed/wanted💜

20 Eco-friendly Quarantine tips🌱

So since it was Earth Day today (or yesterday depending on where you live I guess) I thought maybe I'd post a few tips for some things you can do to make your at-home life a little eco-friendlier.

I'm not an expert or anything, these are just some things/habits I picked up while I was housebound. They're just small things but it all adds up, and some things you might not have been able to try before but will be easier in quarantine 😊 I tried not to make it seem pressured since I know things like product alternatives or making lifestyle changes aren't possible or practical right now for a lot of people, so these are just a few small suggestions. This isn't meant to make anyone feel guilty, I'm not perfect at being eco-friendly at all as much as I try and things are difficult so be kind to yourself 💜

1) Use Ecosia as your internet browser and plant trees while you study/distract yourself/whatever. It even keeps a record for you of how many trees have been planted as a result of your searching 🌱

2) If you're using quarantine to organise your wardrobe/ KonMari your bedroom, don't just throw away everything you don't want to keep. Reuse whatever you can (repurpose, give to someone else in the household etc) and hold onto the rest to donate after lockdown

3) Plant herbs instead of buying packets each time you use them

4) Download your favourite streaming shows if you can (like on Netflix, Sky app etc) so you don't have to stream each time. If you have the show or movie on DVD already, use that instead of streaming it

5) Don't leave apps like netflix open on your TV or other devices when you're not watching

6) Turn off the TV if you're not using it

7) Don't keep your laptop plugged in all the time if it doesn't need to be charged

8) Turn off lights in rooms you're not in and don't turn them on if you don't need to, especially if it's sunny and you could open a blind instead

9) Local food stores or farms can be a good place to find responsibly sourced produce (and food in general, given the recent shortages in chain stores)

10) Hang washing out to dry (or on a drying rack indoors if it's raining or too cold) instead of using a tumble dryer. Dryers use a lot of energy and water, plus washing from the line smells really nice. If you're usually too busy and need your clothes dry fast, now might be a good time to give the dryer a break while most of us are at home with more free time

11) Don't just play video games. They're fun and definitely a good option right now, but mix up your gaming every so often with some other options that don't use energy like jigsaws or board games

12) Consider putting on an extra layer or snuggling up in a blanket before turning the heating up

13) or using a cold pack and opening the window before turning the air con on

14) Don't waste food scraps, reuse them where possible (like using leftover veg to make soup) or put them in a compost bin

15) Switch to compostable coffee pods instead of single use

16) For quarantine crafting, try washi tape instead of cellotape

17) And don't use plastic glitter

18) If you use a dishwasher, set it on eco mode to run at night

19) If you're planning some quarantine pampering, try making it more eco-friendly, like by using a konjac sponge that can be reused and later composted or eco-friendly face masks

20) If you can, switch your dog's poop bags for biodegradable ones

Managing mental health in quarantine

for anyone who's having a difficult time mentally right now

Note: This is just meant to provide assurance and friendly advice from personal experience on dealing with emotions that isolation and being housebound can cause. It is not a substitute for professional help.

If you are in danger or really don't feel safe, please get help immediately. if you are feeling desperate please contact a local hotline or call your country's emergency services (e.g 911 for USA or 999 for UK)

Find your country's hotline here:

A comprehensive listing of suicide hotlines around the world. Every country’s suicide prevention helplines and crisis lines in one place for

https://www.suicidestop.com/call_a_hotline.html

Or here:

https://www.therapyroute.com/article/helplines-suicide-hotlines-and-crisis-lines-from-around-the-world

A comprehensive list of suicide hotlines, crisis lines, and helplines from all around the world. In times of need, reach for the phone. You

Please stay safe 💜

Ok then:

Managing mental health in quarantine 🌟

I was going to do a post on online resources and free downloads but stuff happened and long story short I ended up emotionally back in a place I hadn't been in a very long time.

I'm safe and it's all ok but it reminded me really vividly of how I felt sometimes back when I first became isolated, and I realised how much of the way I handle and my difficulties, emotions, pain and everything right now is down to months and years of experience. So in such a strange an scary situation for people of all backgrounds and circumstances, there may be people struggling or who will find themselves in trouble over the coming weeks who don't have the same experience to depend on to get them through.

I wasn't sure whether to post something this personal, or even if I'm knowledgable or good enough to give advice on this, but I know it's a painful time for many and feelings may get overwhelming and if there's a chance I can help in any way then I want to.

None of us have experienced exactly this before, but I do know what it's like to feel trapped and scared and overwhelmed, so here are some resources for if you should ever need them.

Even though I a trying to be helpful, I'm not a professional or really qualified to give advice, but here are some links to people who are:

If this is an emergency, or if you are worried that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, please call your local authorities (

[...]Read More...

Please know that:

-You're not alone

-You're not a burden

-It's ok to feel sad

-It's ok to feel scares

-It's ok to just feel

-This will pass

Right now everyone is stressed and scared, people are getting on each others' nerves and being quarantined doesn't help. But we will get through this

As I understand it, when you're feeling overwhelmed it's intense and painful and you may feel like it will never end but you have to remember that it will. Nothing lasts forever.

Panic, fear, helplessness- they're a wave and they may be fierce and powerful and you may think for a minute you can't withstand it, but every wave has to break. And it will be calm again. That's just how it is.

So as I understand it, there are two main options here when you find yourself facing a wave, a.k.a two main methods of riding it to get safely out the other side. Remember, the wave has to break. It's just life. But how you respond when you see it coming will determine how you come out the other side.

1. Distraction

Listen to music, play a game, talk to someone, do some colouring, play with your pet, call a friend and talk about nonsense, watch a comforting movie- whatever you enjoy and find distracting. If you don't think it will work, try setting a timer for 20 minutes and challenging yourself to watch something for that time, even if you don't feel like it. You'll probably find by the time it goes off you forgot why you started it

Some helpful apps:

Calmharm

Headspace

Calm

Good News

7 cups of tea

2.Feel

Sometimes you're just full of so many emotions that something has to shift. For example, I felt overwhelmed and realised that I just had to let myself express something, so I watched a live performance on youtube of a song that always makes me cry and just let myself be an emotional mess for a bit. Other things you can try might be tearing up pieces of paper, punching a pillow, singing, calling a friend and having a good vent, scribbling, painting or drawing how you feel, popping bubble wrap, squeezing a stress toy or putty, or shouting/screaming somewhere by yourself if possible (not an ideal suggestion in quarantine if you live with others I know, but might work for some if you live somewhere private enough or your family doesn't mind and you explain to them beforehand)

If you are quarantined with others, remember to keep communicating if you can- misunderstandings happen but they're probably going to be inflated by the high stress everyone is under right now so explaining how you're feeling might help.

If you're by yourself, try and keep communicating with others (at the right pace and amount for you) in any way you can. Message friends, video chat, watch movies together online, chat or even just skype/facetime/videocall but not necessarily to talk, just to go about your day and each know the other person is there. Wave to neighbours if you can. Open the window to hear the sounds. And remember that you'll get through this 💜

We got this, and we're not alone.

Love, your isolation buddy 🌟

Friendly reminder that one of the/the most stressful times we have gone through as a society and for many of us individually is not the time to pressure yourself to 'get your life together'

Global chaos and crippling uncertainty isn't a sign to push yourself into achieving #lifegoals

You are alive. That is #goals.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk