Social Distancing: Routines and Activities

So, I’ve been gone for a week. I took a week off to get my things in order. Naturally, with the COVID19 pandemic, I’ve been making some big lifestyle changes in the last week or so, as the situation has got worse. I’m hoping to resume my usual posting routine (lifestyle Wednesday, books Saturday, possible extra post Mondays) from now (though this post is a day late!). Given how unusual the last week has been, I didn’t feel like writing another post in the Baby Steps series, though I’d like to reassure you that, save a couple of minor slips, my Lent goal to only buy vegan food items is going well. In times of great stress, though, sometimes a girl needs some sour cream and onion Pringles.

In the last week, obviously a lot of things have changed in the UK. While many people are carrying on as normal until they experience symptoms of COVID19, I and my university friends have all started taking extra precautions. According to the news, people in our age group (early 20s) may be carrying the virus without showing any symptoms, and the incubation period of the virus means you could infect others before starting to show symptoms. In response to this, many people in our age group took the initiative to start social distancing. Social distancing isn’t the same as self-isolation, which is what is advised for anyone showing symptoms. Social distancing is a measure you can take if you have no symptoms, and don’t think you’ve been exposed to the virus. Under social distancing, it’s still fine to leave the house for walks or to go to the grocery store, but it’s advised to stay two metres away from others. You’re also advised to, where possible, stay 2m away from those you live with, and only have necessary visitors. While in practice it’s not always possible to stay 2m away from those you live with, or people in grocery stores (looking at you, pushy lady who kept ramming her walking aid into my back), taking these measures drastically decreases your chance of catching the virus from others, and also from passing it on if you are a carrier. Self-isolation is a more stringent measure, usually for if you’re experiencing symptoms, or think you have been exposed to the virus. This means not going out at all, and keeping away from anyone you live with: staying in your room and only using communal areas when necessary and when not in use by others. Please make sure to keep checking your local advice on when you should self-isolate, and for how long. In the UK, things are changing very regularly at the minute, with a lot of uncertainty over who should self-isolate, and who is fine to just practice social distancing.

With the new terminology out the way, I wanted to talk a bit about what social distancing has been like so far for me, and what my plans are as we look towards possible lock downs, and likely months of further social distancing. Since Sunday, I’ve only been out the house (aside for taking out the bins) once, to pick up some food pieces and a book I’d ordered for my dissertation. It was a surreal experience, going outside but trying to stay as far away as possible from other shoppers. Aside from that, I’ve spent all my time at home. I’m heading back home from uni at the weekend, so I’ve been packing my stuff up and trying to eat my way through my cupboards. I haven’t got a routine going yet, because I know it’s only going to get disrupted once I go home. Instead, I’ve been alternating between bingewatching Netflix, working on my dissertation, writing my other assignments, and gaming. I’ve been checking in on friends as well pretty regularly, making sure we keep in touch despite being physically separated. Video calls are a really good way to keep in touch with people, especially groups of people.

Once I get home and get myself sorted out, however, I do think it’s important for me to have some kind of routine. There’s a lot of stuff I want to fit in, and without a routine I know I’ll just keep binging Netflix. My alarm usually goes off at 8:30, but I don’t get up straight away, so I’ll aim to be up and dressed by 10 to settle down and get to work. I’ve made a lot of progress on my university work, so hopefully, by lunchtime, I can stop writing and do something else. I want to keep my afternoons productive though, either reading books, or essays. Maybe watch a film or do some Duolingo. Evenings I’ll reserve for Netflix and gaming, maybe some more reading, or some crafting to wind down. Hopefully by having a loose routine I’ll be able to introduce some variety into my days, while keeping them productive!

I hope everyone is well, and I’m sending best wishes to you and your loved ones. If you have any advice for people dealing with social distancing or self isolation, please share your tips in the comments. As well as the obvious challenges this new virus poses to our physical health, the social distancing and self-isolation tactics being used to slow the spread will pose a challenge to our mental health, so it’s great to share tips for staying positive and keeping yourself engaged. So: how are you spending your days?