How to Survive Quarantine

At first, I didn’t take the SARS-CoV-2 seriously, I thought ‘oh this will all blow over’… It didn’t and it won’t.

It’s strange when you realise that you are living through a moment that will make history for some it was WWII, the Fall of the Berlin Wall et cetera, for me it was 9/11 and the 7/7 bombings in London. I remember where I was on these occasions and that they would change the face of the world forever. SARS-CoV-2 is another of those moments. We are living through exceptional times that will most definitely leave a scar.

With the whole country going into quarantine I thought I would put forward some ideas on what to do with all this time spent at home so that we don’t go crazy and can use this time to make some positive changes in our lives. And it is also worth noting how most of us lucky in the fact that we have a roof over our heads in this time, as many people are out on the streets or struggling to make ends meet due to this whole situation.

 
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What to do while in Quarantine

  • Read a book, or 5 - I can make a reading recommendations list if y’all would like.

  • Make a playlist and dance around the house singing loudly

  • Commune with nature - RESPONSIBLY! Open a window, sit in your garden, let the sun shine on your face and the fresh spring air fill your lungs

  • Exercise - Practice yoga, run up and down your stairs, push-ups, pull-ups, jogging on the spot or maybe dig out those old school Mr Motivator tapes and get moving!

  • Think then do - Confront yourself, are you satisfied with the path you're on. If not think about how you can change the direction your heading in. For me, I will be filling my time making videos for youtube, studying, taking photos, decluttering, studying the languages I’m learning and writing, lots of writing.

  • Use technology to come together - We have all this fantastic tech around us that allows us to see and talk to anyone around the world, so let’s stay indoors but visit our loved ones virtually.

  • Binge-watch TV - Oh there is so much content out there in the world, and if there is a TV show you’ve been meaning to watch now is the perfect time to sit back and watch.

  • Pursue that hobby you’ve been meaning to do - We all have those hobbies where we have exactly what we need to get started but somehow haven’t managed to, for me that’s my acoustic guitar, sitting patiently in its bag waiting for the day I pick it up and start learning.

  • Pamper yourself - Use that expensive facemask, watch a youtube tutorial on how to do facial massages, run a hot bubble bath and pour yourself a glass of wine and indulge in the luxury of it all.

  • Start a blog - If you’ve always wanted to have your own little space on the internet then now is the time, I use Squarespace which is probably the easiest platform to get started on and I love it #notsponsored #butiwishiwas

  • Get drunk - We all need to let loose sometimes

  • Research - If there is something you're fascinated by take some time and find out about it, whether its Quantum physics, Norse Mythology or the Mongolian Empire, find out new information and enrich your mind.

  • Train your pet - A way to keep you and your pet busy and having fun, I’m going to get Eddie our Jack Russell to learn a few new tricks…if I can get him to stop snoozing in the sun that is.

  • Clean and declutter - we are all going to be stuck at home for quite a while so you need to have a clean and organised space to inhabit, so get vacuuming, dusting and sorting through your belongings.

  • Play games and board games - If you're lucky enough to be in quarantine with your family, friends or loved one then pass some time playing games it will make you laugh and appreciate those around you.

So do your part, stay at home and stay safe and healthy. Also, let’s show as much gratitude to NHS staff as possible, they are working hard to keep us all safe and they are risking their lives to do so!

Study Hard

As you all may know I am currently studying French as part of my degree and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn. Throughout school I just kind of coasted through all my subjects, I was lucky enough to not have to try very hard. Regrettably, this meant that I didn’t try hard and while I came out with really good grades, if I had applied myself then I could have come out with exceptional grades instead. This hindsight came a little too late but I guess I’m making up for it now. Half of my degree is in English Literature which comes very easily to me because I love reading and analysing things but learning a whole new language is infinitely complex. So now I’ve got the chance to prove to myself that I can put the effort in and study hard so that I can achieve something rather wonderful…I have the chance to learn a new language that will open up so many new doors for me, both personally and professionally.

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HOW TO STUDY HARD

Find the motivation – what will make you keep going even when it feels like your getting nowhere? If you have something worth striving for then you’ll keep at it.

Get some Coffee (or Matcha if you’ve been drinking to much coffee recently) – Energy is always needed on long hard days of studying. (Especially in the winter!!)

Take a Break – For every hour of studying take 15 to 20 mins to recharge so that you can stay focused on the task and not feel like it’s all blurring into one humungous pile of confusion.

Write don’t Type – As writing on paper takes more concentration than typing your more likely to remember your taking notes on – plus it gives you the chance to use all those funky notepads you’ve bought and never used.

Repeat – Repetition is key, it’s how we form habits and remember so, keep repeating and you’ll find it easier to study hard and you’ll actually remember what you’re studying.

Try out my new fave Matcha Tea from Teapigs