Thread by @jwellbs

1/ For those of you who, like my family, are in #isolation this article by Dr Nathan Smith and Professor Emma Barrett is really insightful. I hope my summary bullet points do justice to the evidence base the article draws on:
thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/coping-life-is…

1) it takes a few days to feel OK, that’s normal, that’s OK
2) as soon as you can create a routine and structure to your day, it helps feel more in control
3) find the positives in your situation (my husband is excited we will at long last have time to do the filing, me less so!)

4) try to detach emotionally, limit your consumption of news, and focus on thinking rationally - what are the risks and what can you do to reduce them
5) try to stay in the present, what can you do over the next hour, day, week - don’t focus on the end point (which is uncertain)

6) try to create a variety of things to do to reduce boredom and monotony, encourage younger family members away from their screens to have Nerf gun wars, create plays, dances, cook/bake, play games
7) try and exercise, download that HIIT workout you have always planned to do

8) try meditation, breathing exercises and yoga, all can help you gain a sense of control and peace
9) know that you might have bad days, that’s OK, focus on small achievements (perhaps review of an article 😊) and celebrate these small wins with your social network group

10) find a purpose, something you can be passionate about - my daughter wants to draw a mural on her wall (I’m definitely OK with that!)
11) write about what’s going on for you, in a blog, a journal, it helps you process the experience and can give a sense of order in the chaos

12) if you’re isolating with others, find your own personal space, it can help you be more tolerant of others
13) stay connected, using whatever technology you have, with friends and family