Hi BM111

I hear you about the challenge of filling the time.

At first I thought I would learn another laguage to keep my brain working (was actually excited about it), but quickly found I didn't really have the motivation. It just seemed like a good idea.

Some of the things I am doing that I enjoy, include:

• A daily walk. Up to 4.5 kms!

• Daily phone call to one family member or friend.

• Reading and writing.

• Started a giant puzzle with my daughter (haven't done a puzzle in years).

• Bought a few cookbooks online and trying new recipees.

• Making or baking something extra a couple of times a week. I either share it with a neighbour or send it to work with hubby.
• Playing with my dog.
• Cleaning everything, cupboards, baseboards, garage, etc.

It's not always easy but somehow the days go by. I think the most important thing is to stay connected with people.

Kind thoughts to you

Hi everyone,

If you look on Utube, the Do Re Mi song from The Sound of Music (Julie Andrews and the children) has been turned into a Covid19 song - it very funny and it gets the message home! It's had over five million hits. Do go on and enjoy a bit of a laugh!

Hi BM111,

It's a bit like that - I live alone with my small dog - I think we're all just kind of pottering around - I take the dog for a walk, do some things around the house, watch some TV, try to talk on the phone to someone each day, Google things, I have a couple of bloggers that I follow and chat to online... it's difficult for those of us alone. I also read a lot which helps. I just aim to get through each day... they do go by.. and I try to treat myself a bit with a favourite chocolate or enjoy something funny on Utube - I think we need to treat/pamper ourselves a little but during these difficult times. I can really empathise with you it's tough going. BB can be good for some chats. Wishing you all the best!

hello everyone

Pepper

What a great list .

have notice there are adds and lost of examples of people thanking people who don't often get thanked.

also notice on lists there is not one celebrity, sports person, film star or politicinas.

To your wonderful list of thank you I would add

Thank you

cleaners

volunteers

garbage workers

recyclers

people making masks

Pharmacists assistants

all the workers at internet companies making sure we stay on line

volunteers and paid people who work on support and help lines

Radio and tv journalists

people making parody songs

people making exercise video,'

YouTube

grief counsellors

all counsellors

people who manufacture chocolate

farmers

cheesemakers

Anyone want to add more unsung heroes.

BM111

I live alone too. I do online workouts for seniors twice a day. Mostly. TED talks were really good yesterday. Reading, tv and I'll paint later. It's nice to get out to the shops.

Take care.

Hi BM111

Just some ideas for how you could pass the time... Take what you like and leave the rest:

- learn a new type of exercise or dance

- try easy yoga, just for fun and entertainment

- check out meditation apps, develop mindfulness skills

- do an online course in a topic you like - FutureLearn is excellent and free

- learn more about the plants and foods you like to eat... When were they introduced to your part of the world? Can they be grown there or do they travel from a different growing climate? What did ancient people believe or know about that food?

- start to learn a foreign language or musical instrument

- learn to dance (???)

- learn to cook a favourite meal you'd normally get at a restaurant (be kind to yourself if you don't get it immediately)

- watch documentaries on topics you like

- study history, it is more relevant now than at any other moment in our lifetimes

- find a way to volunteer or contribute virtually

- dress up in all your old clothes you never wear any more

- try some self-guided free online e-therapy

- write a poem, story or screenplay (you never have to show anyone)

- write your own biography or write an essay about a person you respect, and what are their personal qualities that are so important to you

- learn to juggle or tie tactical knots

- call an elderly person and practice listening skills

- learn to read music

- create a monster or creature using only kitchen materials, take a photo and share with friends.

- do decoupage, origami, scrapbooking or collage... It's really relaxing

- write a daily gratitude list

- journal

And when all else fails....

- look at the sky and notice its changing colours

:-) You'll pull through. We're all in this together.

Your shoutout to chocolate manufacturers really made me smile. Thanks for that :-)

I'm Shay, haven't been on here for a while so been a while since I posted anything. Saw this thread and had to read it to see how everyone is coping. This virus has caused so much fear, anxiety, struggles with families, job security etc and I just wanted to sat that we all need to come together, be strong and fight this thing so it doesn't harm anymore of us. That means social distancing if you absoutely have to drive somewhere, wear face masks/gloves to protect yourselves, wipe trolleys etc others have been in contact with so spread of germs is decreased etc. Stay home as much as possible, facetime family/friends to keep everyone updated & make sure they're ok being stuck in isolation.

I know there's lots of people out there suffering from severe anxiety from this pandemic (myself included) especially those that have kids, elderly people or are sick from cancer etc but I want all of you to try being strong & we will get thru this. For those thats got kids and are struggling to keep them entertained during this difficult time, try things like: painting, drawing/colouring in, board games, Easter egg hunt at home, ask them to help cook meals if old enough, read books etc & this will fly by. Stay safe out there everyone & try to enjoy the Easter weekend with your family - we will get thru this!

Hi All

I would like to -as others on here have- thank those who are still leaving there homes to work. They are compassionate and they are important.

With that said, I have come up with a way of coping - Looking at the site I get my news from once or twice a day but not clicking on any pieces about the Virus until it is very much better. I read two analysis pieces this Morning thinking they would give me certainty or at least help me accept a lack of certainty. Three hours later I'am still getting over the pessimistic quotes that were in them. I understand that Medics want us to be cautious and I understand that Politicians want to be thought of as putting amazing measures in place but just reading the quotes has had me feeling down. It's as if I've been rapped on the knuckles - for not worrying that something like COVID-19 would happen, for not living in a Country where every single Person does exactly what they are told, for believing that the Virus could be kept and stopped in China without much trouble, for not having a cure or vaccine ready. That's not a healthy place to be in so I'am avoiding detailed coverage. I'am hopeful that it will proove a good balance between being underinformed and being overwhelmed.

Wishing you all well

HI Feeler,

the news is very hectic, I also don't find it helpful at all. Maybe at this time less is more

Hi Angela77,

I enjoyed reading your post.

You're so right, structure and routine are so important in these times.

I've been using the health app on my iphone to track all of my set. I'm trying to do 10,000 steps a day to keep active. I'm also planning each meal with a recipe online, because trying something new is great for the mind.

On a more person level, I went to the my GP the other day. It's always satisfying to fill him in on how I'm feeling.

Hope something I've mentioned is of help.

Have a great weekend.

Regards,

Doran

Yeah , l find it really pays sparing myself too much news.

Got it down pat now l can find a summery that takes about 15mins and really that does the job. Admittedly every few days l do still feel the need to sit down and find a good dose of everything going on that might run an hour or so but once l know what's been happening l can go back to my little updates for a few more days again. trouble is the numbers everywhere else can be really worrying if you've left it a few days but thankfully ours are looking much better here.

Hello everyone,

Bookgirl,sorry you had a bad day, I know that feeling. It is hard . I am not sure why or in what way your day was difficult. Hope tomorrow is better.

Tagney, the restrictions are made on advice from experts to make sure the curve is flattened. Some things may not make sense to us but they will help the big picture and everyone plays the part.

I can understand all the changes can be hard to cope with.

Random sounds like you have a plan for coping with covid-19 news overload.

Hi to everyone!

I don't know what to say today, feeling a bit anxious over all that is going on in the world and maybe some of the stuff I've been seeing on social media....

too much news and panic related online discussion.

not feeling that people are reaching out enough... but I've tried now to reach out more to others, even people i don't like that much! I want to shift myself from this panicy mode to a more generous mode, this should be a time to help and be kind.

Hey Matchy

I guess it depends on what state we are living in..I couldnt do the same here in Victoria though

This is a difficult and confusing period Mark...I hear you loud and clear...Paul

Hi Angela77

A big warm welcome to the community :-) Thanks for posting.

As someone who has lived alone a long time and hates routine, I can share with you some stuff I've learned about my own schedule:

- schedule the bare minimum of study/work. Bare minimum!! Reward myself for incremental achievements. Take a proper lunchbreak nearly every day.

- Schedule only essential housework (eg I do the dishes every night and take out wet rubbish every night, and now do extra daily cleaning these days because of covid-19, but everything else is pretty flexible.)

- I have certain things I do every day because they keep me mentally healthy. They support my sense of self-esteem, personal identity and agency. They are: water my plants, squeeze and drink a citrus fruit, some random stretching, my French lesson, look at trees and feel awe for nature, write a gratitude list, exchange affirmations with three friends via text, and connect properly, emotionally, with at least three different other people). I enjoy all that stuff so it's no burden. It's effective for me... Bang for my buck.

Things I do **nearly** daily for my mental health are:

- walk outside, even a short walk just for circulation and fresh air

- volunteering, giving it away, service to others, whatever you want to call it

- meditate with an app

- aromatherapy

- journal (a speech recording or in writing, whatever I feel like).

As you can see, it's all about self-care, gentleness, recharging, connection and joy.

Most important, do what works for YOU Angela

Hope that helps. :-)

hello everyone, thanks for interesting ideas that help.

Angela, Patience has given a detailed account of things that help her with structure and motivation.

I find I need a routine and structure so I divide things into 15 or 30 minute interval.

I need to study something for 2 hrs, I find I work hard for 15 min the break the another 15 minutes. Maybe go for a walk outside or do something else.

Find something that works for you without putting pressure on you.

I like stand up comedy online too.

Patience thanks for sharing your suggestions. I am sure they will help others reading it.

Hi Rusty Quirky PatienceBay Sleepy21 RX Tangney Doz86 meforcats Feeler and everybody else too !

• I like what Tom Hanks mentioned when he was hospitalised in QLD...'we are just taking one day at a time'

Quirky.....just a humble note of thanks for acknowledging as many new members as you have on this thread

I’m not coping well today. I live alone and I’m another one with not enough structure in my life and it’s getting on top of me. I need to clean up the dishes/kitchen, do the vacuuming (my dog Possum is a great fur shedder 😭) and I feel so very down today. I want to cry but can’t, I need an enormous gentle hug. Tomorrow has to be better. PLEASE 😓

Hi Speak Your Truth

It can be hard to admit that we are having a rough day. Good job tuning in to your needs. The tears will come in their own time, and I'm sure you'll make space when they do.

It's OK to have ups and downs, and you are welcome to post here anytime.

Sending you lots of BIG, gentle virtual hugs.