We did it! We survived 14 days without being able to leave the house. It isn’t easy being locked inside a house, particularly when it isn’t even your house. I really struggled not being able to go for a long walk each day, and I missed the ability to pop to the shops whenever I needed something. Woolworths has made a killing on my delivery fees. Being in the outer suburbs at the moment also made me appreciate the close proximity of cafes and lovely parks in my home town.
I hope no one has to do this kind of thing, but given the current state of affairs, it isn’t outside the bounds of possibility that you will. With that in mind, I’ve pulled together my top ten tips to survive quarantine with your sanity (mostly) intact.
1. Stick to your routines or you’ll end up eating pizza in your PJs at 11am
It’s tempting to just let everything slide. After all, no one is going to see you. You can’t go anywhere. It’s easy enough to just keep the camera off in any work meetings you might have. But without routine you’re going to feel super depressed faster than you can speed dial Dominoes.
You may need to change your usual routine, but make sure you keep one. I couldn’t go for my normal walks before work and at lunch. Instead I walked around the back garden. I still got up at the same time each day and went to bed on time. All the work from the winter challenge was not going to waste!
2. Exercise is key to keeping your sanity (and burning off that 11am pizza)
It’s really easy to loll about between your bed and work from home set up in isolation. But moving your body for at least 30 minutes a day is so important. Not only does it help you fight off the quarantine kilos, but it does wonders for your mood.
On a side note, I find I’m less likely to want to binge on unhealthy foods if I’m working out regularly. Not that I’m knocking comfort food entirely (more on that below) but one can have too much of a good thing.
3. Speaking of exercise: a dance party is the only way to go
I may or may not have been sprung getting my groove on by the policeman who came to check in on us during our quarantine. I highly recommend closing any street-facing windows before rocking to What Does the Fox Say like it’s 2013.
Unintended audiences aside, a vigorous dance session is an excellent way to get in your cardio without leaving the house. Upbeat music also has a positive effect on our brains, which is really important when you’re so isolated.
4. Dress for success
Further to the PJs at 11am point, you really should get dressed. It’s fun to flop about in your trackies at first, but that soon wears thin. I found nothing got my motivation up like a good outfit, a flick of make up and a little jewellery.
Being locked up for two weeks can be demoralising, so give yourself an easy pick-me-up by keeping up appearances.
5. Find ways to make simple things an event
Two weeks of quarantine becomes extremely utilitarian. I was rolling out of bed to work eight hours, with only housework and some TV to look forward to. So it was time to find ways to make little things special.
I found a teapot in a cupboard and ordered myself a new teacup (literally any excuse for new teaware). My morning tea became a ritual with the elevated china. It gave my something to look forward to, rather than just using a mundane mug. Find ways to spruce up the everyday, so you feel like there is still some beauty and higher purpose in the world.
6. You’re stuck inside, just eat the pizza. But not all the time.
Super standard advice here, but it’s totally okay to have some comfort food, especially when things are tough. But you can spiral into a 14 day emotional eating binge, which is definitely not good for you.
Make sure you have plenty of healthy snack alternatives, and that you’re eating good meals with lots of fruit and veggies. You’ll feel way better for having a nutrient dense meal, and can then enjoy your pizza/chocolate/churros/ice cream guilt free.
7. Video calls are your friend. No, seriously, call someone.
Whether you’re quarantining with family or all by yourself, you’re going to need someone else to talk to. Give your friends and family a call. If you really want that mental boost, a video call is the way to go. You can see the other person and feel more present with them with cameras on and conversation flowing.
Try and get at least one call in a week or more if you’re extroverted/quarantining alone.
8. To avoid massive brain mushing, limit your screen time.
I know. I just told you to video call people. But chatting on screen is different to vegging out for hours on Netflix while simultaneously scrolling the gram. It can be tricky to find non-screen activities, but do what you can.
Pull out the old handicrafts, like sewing, drawing or even colouring in. Board games, puzzles or a good old fashioned book can make you step away from the screen and get a proper brain refresh.
Also, does anyone need several macrame plant hangers? I may or may not have made a few extras…
9. You’re going to hate me for this, but be grateful.
It’s easy to get down about your enforced isolation. I’m such a melancholic type, I can sometimes almost enjoy being grumpy about things. But at the end of the day, I need to count my blessings. And I literally mean at the end of the day. How could you think I’d use such a cliche phrase?
Gratitude really does work. Put aside a little time to think about three good things that happened each day. What are you grateful for from the day? If you’re quarantining with others, share your good things with each other to multiply the warm and fuzzies. Nothing nicer than realising you were the reason someone is grateful!
10. Think about all the great things you’ll do with your freedom.
Look, it’s only two weeks. Once you’re out of isolation, you’ll be able to do fun things again. Remember the reason you traveled and what you’re looking forward to. If you’re isolating in your home town, think about your favourite places to visit or people to see. Daydream all the great things you’ll be able to do and watch time fly.
