Thread by @PeterMartin_PCM

So you're going crazy under lockdown?

I know the feeling. I've been in Beijing for the last two months. My housemate is away and I'm thousands of miles from my family.

I have some thoughts on how to make lockdown better. These won't apply to everyone, but they ring true for me:

1) Know things will get better.

The first few weeks felt pretty oppressive, but now I'm kind of used to it.

Even if the lockdown goes on longer than expected, you'll get used to your new environment and likely grow more comfortable with your own company.

2) Have a routine. Fill it with stuff that makes you feel good.

It might be home workouts, cooking, or learning something new. It might be a TV show that calms you (I've rewatched The Office and Parks and Rec). You'll get your work done, but don't let that become your only focus

3) Be careful with technology.

Seeing pictures of and doing video calls with loved ones has made this whole experience much easier to deal with. Don’t underestimate the difference between hearing someone say they're doing ok and seeing it with your own eyes. On the other hand…

… my social media feeds are full of anxiety-inducing outrage and doom-mongering.

I need social media for my work, but I've started logging out of Twitter when I'm done with my workday and I'm limiting my time on Facebook. It helps.

4) Appreciate little changes that improve your life.

In my part of Beijing, so few people have been on the streets that strangers now nod as they pass each other. It’s a small thing, but it's kind of beautiful and it reminds me of the small town in England where I grew up.

5) Don't hate yourself for not being constantly productive

We trick ourselves into thinking all time at the office is well-spent. It’s not. Your day at home will include idle moments and that's ok. Even if it takes you to parts of YouTube that make you question your self-respect

6) Accept that you're stressed.

You're worried about yourself. Your family. Your friends. The world. And there's a sense of fear in the air. Don't try to talk yourself out of it.

Tell your friends. Write it down. Meditate. Exercise. Do whatever you need to do to deal with it.

7) Talking of stress, don't feel guilty that you're consumed with your own feelings when others (doctors, the elderly, the socially isolated) have it harder.

Your stress is real too. And unless you deal with it properly, you won't be able to support others.

8) You're going to have off-days when you just feel really crappy and sorry for yourself.

That's ok. It would be kind of strange if you didn't. Take some time off. Do nothing. Relax.

Write a line under the bad day when you're done and start a new one tomorrow.

9) Write to people you don't contact often enough and ask how they're doing.

I was really touched when people did this for me. Others will appreciate it when you reach out. The social contact and sense of solidarity will probably make you feel good too.

10) Above all, be forgiving.

We’re all stressed. We all have different ways of coping. And we all experience moments when it's too much.

If you or others don't live up to your usual standards, try to move on and get back to binge-watching your favorite crappy show. ENDS.