LOCK-DOWN, SHIELDING, SELF -ISOLATION AND COMPANIONSHIP!

The pandemic has had devastating effect on our opportunity to socialise. We are missing our family and friends and it has been lonely and isolating time for some group such as the vulnerable and older people.

With group gatherings unlikely to return soon, companionship becomes difficult during this time.

Lock-down, shielding and self - isolation may be keeping you more at home, don't let that affect your physical, mental and emotional health.

We have put together some activities to include in your daily routine. There is plenty you can do in the house and garden ofcourse weather permitted. Gardening is a great form of exercise, you could walk up the stairs and down the stairs or try some gentle exercise in the house, like the following listed below:

1) Stand at arm's length in front of the wall which is safe

2) Lean forward slightly and put your palms flat on the wall at shoulder height

3) If you are just starting out have your feet closer the wall

4) If you want more of a challenge have your feet further back from the wall

5) Keep your feet planted as you slowly bring your body towards the wall aiming to keep your body straight

6) Gently push yourself back so that arms are straight again

7) Aim for 5 - 10 slow repetitions

8) Perform this 2-5 mins, take a break for 40 - 60 seconds before repeating again.

Try this too:

1) Stand with your upper back, head, bum and heels against the wall

2) Start with your hands out to side with palms facing outwards

3) Whilst maintaining contact with the wall, slowly raise your hands above your head; stretching as wide as and as high as possible

4) Slowly return to your starting position and then repeat - aim to complete 5-10 times

5) Try this 2-3 times, take a break for 40 - 60 seconds before repeating again.

These easy tips can keep you connected and engaged:

1) Stay in touch with family and friends and make time for regular calls.

2) Try o video call friends and family so you can see as well as hear each other.

3) Get creative and try clubs online or by phone

4) Keep up with normal hobbies and, if you need supplies get online retailers or ask someone to shop for you.

5) Look up your options for online ways to enjoy your usual activities or learn more.

6) Keep your normal routine for getting up, eating meals, calling family and friends and for going to bed.

7) Try to get some fresh air - sit in the garden, on the balcony or near an open window.

8) Look for ways to stay at home.

9) Try to limit the time you spend listening or watching the news and make sure you tune in to trusted sources.

What you can do to look after yourself:

There will be times when you feel anxious or low of which is completely normal, to help you feel better you can:

1) Take time to chat about how you are feeling with family and friends.

2) Concentrate on things you can control rather than things you can’t and take small practical steps each day to do what you need to do. 3) To help, reduce how frequent you watch or do things that causes you to feel that way. 4) Read books and lose yourself for a while into another world.

5) Try creative writing to let your mind run wild, or even write to your family or friends.

6) Make a scrapbook and enjoy some reminiscing while you do.

7) Try something new such as cooking recipes you haven’t tried to keep your mind occupied.

Challenge yourself daily:

1) Try activities such as puzzles or jigsaws, you can get these free in newspapers or even in the books obtain at the stores.

2) Try learning other languages or brush up those you have already learnt.

3) Research or look up your family history or simply learn your background.

4) Learn new skills or brush an old skill at home or online.

5) Find free course online to study to keep your brain engaged and engaged.

6) Try arts and crafts, such as drawing, sewing knot or painting.

There are many vulnerable and older people who are still unsure about going out as normal let alone getting back to their previous routine since the gradual lifting of the lock down. Adapting to these while building confidence will enhance ones abilities to be able to get back to some form of life's normalities gradually we pray.