Top Tips To Avoid Going Stir-Crazy During Self-Isolation

We certainly are in unprecedented times. The last few weeks of isolation, social distancing and now only being able to go out once a day are stuff of nightmares for a lot of us.

For as long as can be remembered we have had freedom to do whatever we want, go wherever we want, when we want, as long as it was all legal and above board. For the time being, this has been taken away. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to sit tight and be patient.

We are surrounded by cupboards full of food, films and TV shows on demand and for some of the lucky ones, our loved ones in the next room. So why are a few weeks at home such a challenge? It could be that we feel like we have lost our rhythm. We can’t meet friends or family for a coffee, blow off steam at the gym or go to a restaurant for dinner. Having our daily rhythm disrupted can cause a lot of us real stress. Usually all the things listed above lift our mood, like seeing friends and family, feeling like you’ve had a productive day or getting a PB at the gym. So, what can we do to avoid going mad and suffering from cabin fever?

1. Remember why you are self-isolating

Think about the good you are doing for other people – protecting vulnerable people, knowing that others are benefiting from our decision to self-isolate. Not to mention how much this will help our NHS. You really are saving lives by staying at home. This in itself, should be enough to refocus your attention.

2. Keep a Daily Routine

if you usually get up at 6am and go to the gym, still do that. Instead of the squat rack, it might be your living room and you might be doing dips on your coffee table. Improvise but keep moving! There are some fantastic home workout videos available online. It is so important to stick to the lifestyle you had (if it’s a healthy one of course). If it isn’t then now is the time to change. Why not try making some really easy swaps to help improve your lifestyle e.g. instead of your afternoon biscuit or slice of cake why not try a PhD Smart Cake, which are low in sugar and high in protein. Don’t sit around in your sweatpants and coast through the day. Get up, workout, shower, get dressed, work and eat well.

3. Be Creative

You could start a diary and document these strange times; it won’t happen again in our lifetime (we hope!). Get out a puzzle or boardgame with your kids or partner. Try your hand in the kitchen by making some healthy treats. PhD Smart Protein is the perfect cupboard ingredient to add some extra protein to your pancakes or brownies. Have self-reflection, write down what you are grateful for each day. Use video messages to stay in touch with friends and family. Spring clean, clear out your cupboards and bag up clothes to take to the charity shops (when they are back open!). Set yourself goals for weight loss or to be able to do X number of press-ups; whatever it is, get thinking!

4. Tackle projects you’ve been putting off

Start work on the house, whether it’s painting or decorating or even the small things like changing a door handle or a fuse in a lamp. Attack the weeds in your garden or paint your fence. All those jobs that you never get done because you never have the time, grab the opportunity whilst you have it. This can also be a great way to unplug from social media and an opportunity to get some self-gratification.

5. And Finally…Be Realistic

There is no denying that this is a difficult and tricky situation that we find ourselves in and there is little point saying ‘stay positive’ because in reality, we may have bad days where we get stressed out with the kids, where you eat more than you wanted to or you didn’t achieve what you wanted to. But it’s about keeping perspective; this won’t last forever. We just need to weather the storm and think of ways we can make it more bearable for ourselves and those around us. Be grateful for what is in your life, don’t dwell on what isn’t.