How to look after yourself when the new normal is uncertainty (the COVID thread)

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Hey mods and Play Safe forum participants,

I wanted to start a thread where people can get together to talk about how you are looking after yourself even with all the uncertainty and the new normal of staying home.

So here’s some helpful links to keep pinned to the top:
Up to date information from the NSW Government / NSW Health

Coronavirus supplement from Centrelink (Welfare assistance) Note. if you are already receiving Ausstudy or Newstart you will automatically get the increase and one off payment. If you have lost your job you can register your intention to claim via MyGov and you will be back paid to the date you submitted this intention to claim.

Mental health support

I am working from home at the moment and have had a cold the last few days so I am social isolating until I am better. I’ve been video-calling my friends, doing a little workout routine each morning (it takes 15 minutes if you’d like me to share it) and keeping the house super tidy. What have you been getting up too?

[Aunt_Flo]

I’d love if you could share your work out routine @stephaniaaaah!

I’ve been enjoying working from home so far. Not travelling to and from work has freed up time (and headspace) for me to clean, so my work area is nice right now. I’ve been burning a candle daily, and making myself a nice tea or coffee each day.

I’m actually finding it hard to take breaks. I feel a bit guilty doing so, but then I remember in a day you usually talk to colleagues and get up and move around.

I’m feeling a bit sad today – the news that we can’t go outside without a reasonable excuse means I can no longer visit my partner. I imagine some Zoom dates will be on the cards in the near future.

[GoldenRose]

Thanks for sharing your tips!

I’ve been stood down from my hospitality job which at first was a bit stressful and I was a bit worried but I’ve come to terms with it as it is completely out of my control and a lot of people are in the same boat as me.

I have been making sure I am getting in exercise by going on long walks and utilising my brothers home gym! I’m also going to order some art supplies and get back into painting and drawing. I was also thinking about starting an online TAFE course prior to all of this so I think now is the perfect time.

I think it’s important to not be so hard on ourselves during this time if we are unable to do a lot of things we normally do such as getting in work outs and trying not to stress about things that are out of our control.

[EarthMama]

It’s so tricky!!
My favourite sentiment that has been circling lately is around taking pressure off yourself if this self-isolation/lockdown period is not super productive for you. Everything that is going on in the world is so startling and overwhelming and sometimes having those feelings take up a lot of time themselves. I am trying to be very forgiving of myself and allowing room for all the feelings.

[EarthMama]

It’s so tricky!!
My favourite sentiment that has been circling lately is around taking pressure off yourself if this self-isolation/lockdown period is not super productive for you. Everything that is going on in the world is so startling and overwhelming and sometimes having those feelings take up a lot of time themselves. I am trying to be very forgiving of myself and allowing room for all the feelings.

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@goldenrose I am SO sorry to hear that you’ve been stood down. Have you registered your intent to claim with Centrelink? I know it is a bit of a wait to get the $ unfortunately (some time in April?)

I agree so much – the productivity ‘porn’ on Instagram is doing my head in and I’ve decided to only look at stuff on the internet that makes me feel great about myself right now. So I’ve stopped scrolling on Facebook and Instagram and stopped looking at the news except for once every couple of days checking in to see if there are any updates about social distancing.

@earthmama I’ve mentioned in the dating thread that you can visit your partner under caring reasons or dropping off some groceries etc so you can visit. Basically as I understand it – if you did get COVID – you would have to contact trace so it’s everyone’s responsibility to minimise contact with other humans as much as possible – but we all need love.

So my workout (LOL) – I’ve been alternating with an hour long walk so one day I do this routine, one day I do a walk:
Start with 5 of each and three reps – build up to 10
– Dips (I do this off the edge of our futon)
– Squats
– Sit ups
– Lunges
– mountain climbers (killer)
– Push ups (knees down for me)
– rest for 30 seconds

Once you are built up to 10 this takes 15 minutes but you get sweaty. I like that it’s fast and just hit’s the reset.

I am off the idea that you have to avoid weight gain during self isolation. I think that the idea being pushed by people on social media is fatphobic and comes from a place of privilege. Some of us are just trying to get by and food is comforting, is tradition, is love. So please eat what you want. Exercise is good for our mental health but it’s OK to feel like poo and sleep right now too.

I’ve also been redecorating and repurposing. It feels nice to have a work from home space that is colourful.. Am considering doing some courses too.

[Aunt_Flo]

True @earthmama there is a giant stack of articles in my feed everyday about sticking to your normal routine, not ‘slacking off’ etc. It’s a lot! Plus, now that we’re online more I’m noticing I’m getting calls and texts and emails well outside of my usual hours. It takes restraint to ignore them, and not feel guilty about doing so!

I’ve been doing yoga to stay a bit sane, and to get moving.

I’ve been eating more takeaway than normal too, but trying not to feel too badly about it – it’s supporting the local restaurants I hope will stay open after this.

[GoldenRose]

@stephaniaaaah Yeah I submitted my claim with Centrelink a few days before we got stood down as a lot of our shifts were already getting cut so it should be processed by tomorrow! But I think the additional money for the COVID pandemic doesn’t start coming through until the 27th of April.

My housemates and I did our own ‘Paint and Pinot’ at home the other night and it was such a good idea! It was also one of their birthdays last week so we just had a virtual birthday party with all of her mates on ‘Google Hangouts’ and one of her mates played a DJ set. It was such a fun night!

[EarthMama]

Agreed on being off the idea of not gaining weight during isolation @stephaniaaaah! It is so totally fatphobic to deny ourselves comfort during a time that is so uncertain.

@aunt_flo I am so glad you are setting those boundaries for yourself! I am also so done with all the articles about optimisation during this time. It honestly just feels like one giant guilt trip-which we do not need!

@goldenrose that Paint and Pinot night sounds fab! Right with you on waiting for those payments…just a little longer now <3

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@goldenrose Paint and Pinot is a great idea – I do it on my own already does that count LOL

hang in there for that Centrelink!

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