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Loneliness in self-isolation

(57 Posts)
LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 13-Mar-20 10:03:49

What advice or tips would you have dealing with being isolated for two weeks? For you or a relative who may be on their own?

merlotgran Fri 13-Mar-20 11:17:50

We're self isolating because of DH's health issues. Yesterday was our last trip into town which was very, very quiet despite being market day.

We have plenty to get on with but going all 'Masterchef' with our meals. Having stocked the freezer (which we do every winter) I'm looking forward to a bit of indulgence.

I've just been doing my Tesco online order for next week. They appear to have run out of lemons!!

Are self-isolators drowning their sorrows in gin??

jacq10 Fri 13-Mar-20 11:28:44

Hi, Lara. Just been listening to you on Radio Scotland. Good to be able to put a voice to the name - well done! It was a short discussion on this subject but Gransnetters came across well especially seacliff's trip to the cliff edge!

CrazyGrandma2 Fri 13-Mar-20 11:33:36

I'd regret the fact that I have just spent 3 weeks decorating and so been stuck in a lot! It would be a case of s*d's law smile

NanKate Fri 13-Mar-20 11:35:50

GN
Sudoku
Crossword
TV
Streaming
Reading
My daily Spanish language lesson
Learn a few lines of poetry
Clearing drawers
FaceTime
Bloomin’ cooking
Doing my daily 20 minute circuit avoiding people, it’s quiet around where we live so no problem.
Watch the birds on the feeder
Generally go stir crazy

Blindfish50 Fri 13-Mar-20 11:38:14

I spend a lot of time alone,quite happily. I informed my WhatsApp group on Monday that I'm self isolating. Since then my phone's never stopped ringing and pinging with family and friends wishing me well and hoping I'm not lonely. Lovely,so kind and thoughtful but how am I ever going to get all that spring cleaning done before I get out again. ?

NanaandGrampy Fri 13-Mar-20 11:41:22

We've done what we need to so we shall be restricting visits to places with lots of people. We plan on lots of drives to the forest during the week with our dog, getting some exercise then instead of that coffee and cake treat in the nearest garden centre, we'll be taking it with us and eating in the car.

Then weekends we'll stay home as everywhere is busier then.

Grampy will be knocking the garden into shape and I plan on getting ahead with all my crafting .

polnan Fri 13-Mar-20 11:44:12

I am self isolated for 5 days due to gastroenteritis... hoping it stops soon

and I don`t have the energy or the mind set to do any of the stuff suggested here.

so for me it is practicing mind over matter and Ekhart

Greyduster Fri 13-Mar-20 11:48:31

Our children seem to have decided we will self isolate already and, out of concern, have postponed either their visits to us, or our visits to them! We couldn’t be a lot more isolated than we already are as all our immediate friends have health issues of one sort or another, so they are self isolating too! But we have enough to eat for the moment (if I have to get “inventive” DH will have to grin and bear it or starve!), there’s t’internet, Face Time with family; books to read; lots of places to walk in the fresh air without coming into close contact with others; and good old Gransnet.......

LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 13-Mar-20 11:56:25

Thank you @jacq10 That's really kind of you. Always good to know someone's listening and that we're representing you positively. Hopefully have some more Scottish grandparents join in the site. smile

Alioop Fri 13-Mar-20 12:04:28

Getting 3 rooms plastered next wk so I'm getting my paint in hoping it dries out quickly & I can get started. Put the radio(& kettle) on and off I'll go!

Chestnut Fri 13-Mar-20 12:41:52

Lara can you put a link to the programme as I'm sure we'd love to hear it.

Bobdoesit Fri 13-Mar-20 12:58:31

If the sun shines I will be happy to spend two weeks in the garden. Otherwise, books, Netflix, putting photos in albums (something I've been meaning to do for ages), a bit of spring cleaning, chatting to friends on social media.

whywhywhy Fri 13-Mar-20 13:26:32

I don’t see many people anyway and my family are all so busy. I will just sort out my wool/fabric stash and maybe knit myself some warm wool jumpers for next winter. Catch up on some programmes on TV. Cook some meals and freeze. Do a bit of much needed gardening. Finish a couple of watercolour paintings that have been bugging me. Phone some long distant friends and generally be glad not to have to go out. Bring it on!

Greengage Fri 13-Mar-20 13:49:31

Just carry on as usual! I live on my own and am used to spending a lot of time on my own. I am one of the lucky ones and am good in my own company.

Rutheleanor Fri 13-Mar-20 14:48:18

I have just started reading War and Peace. Perhaps this time I’ll get to the end!

seacliff Fri 13-Mar-20 15:00:39

Yes agreed Chestnut. Lara we would love a link please?

Maxblank Fri 13-Mar-20 15:07:01

Think of a good topic for here, and watch n read the repliesn

Grandma70s Fri 13-Mar-20 15:15:41

I don’t see a problem. I live on my own, family miles away, can’t now go out alone. I am very rarely bored, because I have a telephone, an I Pad, a television, a radio, and I can still see to read.

Self-isolated people have never had it so good.

AGAA4 Fri 13-Mar-20 15:19:02

Being in the high risk group I have decided to limit the places I go. U3A here has cancelled monthly meetings. I wont be using public transport or going anywhere that gets busy.
I am looking on it as a challenge. Today I am making soup for the freezer. I intend to have longer walks - quiet round here so wont see many people. An avid reader I can spend more time with my books.

Seefah Fri 13-Mar-20 15:57:08

It’s a fantastic opportunity to process ones life. Remember , think , feel , reflect , contemplate and it helps to really figure out things and what you would/ could do in the future , given a chance.

Mirren Fri 13-Mar-20 18:27:58

I'm awaiting a delivery of wool and I plan to do what I love to do .... knit , knit , knit ( and sew , read) and I hope I'm allowed out into my very private garden to do some weeding .
I think the diet might go out of the window and I plan to enjoy some wine .

Harris27 Fri 13-Mar-20 18:31:40

I would of been so worried if my mum and mil were still here as I was carer for both I don’t know how I would of cooed.

Harris27 Fri 13-Mar-20 18:31:51

Coped.

HazelGreen Fri 13-Mar-20 18:58:56

Yes greatly concerned over elderly mother who will be 100 this summer. She has a pair of live in carers who commute from Budapest. I live in a different country. In a way we hope to get the bug and be done with it but then we are both 'elderly' and other health issues. Thank God for springtime and brighter days and flowers and apple and cherry blossom about to open.

Liz08 Fri 13-Mar-20 19:19:50

I broke my ankle in the summer of 2018 and spent about 5 weeks in the house. I only went out to hospital appointments - because it was too painful going over uneven pavements in the wheelchair and speed bumps (which are everywhere around here) in the car.
After my initial annoyance with myself for being stupid, I decided to enjoy the temporary release from (self made) responsibilities and found that I was fine with my tablets (electronic & chemical), Kindle, TV Netflix and knitting and the weeks went by quicker than I thought they would. smile
Hope this helps someone .........