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(135 Posts)
CathTheWise Wed 25-Mar-20 06:58:30

Self-isolation was a nice thing for me from the very beginning and I had lots of things to do around the house but now it seems like there is nothing to do for me as all the cleanings, re-organazings and other things are done.
What are you doing while isolating?

Namsnanny Thu 26-Mar-20 02:08:16

polnan So true, I partially fit that description.
It can be very disheartening to see jobs or hobbies crying out to be done and not being able to get on.

I envy all of you who shake off any suggestion of boredom.

Purplepixie Thu 26-Mar-20 00:55:13

I’ve also got a little routine going. I get up around 8am, have breakfast and don’t put on the news. Then I go for a 45 minute brisk walk and empty the dishwasher when I get back. Then prepare our evening meal or decide what to have. Do a bit of housework then 11am coffee break with DH. Knitting until lunchtime then do some sewing on the afternoon while watching TV. Tea made and out of the way then shower. Settle down to watch more TV and knit. DH usually makes us a drink of hot chocolate around 9pm and bed around 11pm after watching Scott & Bailey. I also try and do a few exercises in between and dance around the kitchen as much as possible. Sorry to all of you who are suffering aches and pains and cannot get about easily. I will be glad when this is all over but for now I am trying to make the best of it. I miss my little grand children but we do speak on the phone and text each other. Also I’m putting a book together of my life and that keeps me busy. If you are bored then why not put together a diary of each day. Who knows we might look back on 2020 and laugh! Stay safe. X

Sussexborn Thu 26-Mar-20 00:32:29

I am busy developing bad habits, staying up much too late then reading in bed for most of the morning. Unfortunately nerve pain medication tends to limit what I can usefully do so I end up waiting for the medication to kick in. Luckily my OH is here so I do have company and someone to take turns with tea and coffee making. One thing we are both finding tricky is keeping track of which day of the week it is.

It must be so disappointing Blue Cat. You will have been looking forward to welcoming your new grandchild and having a cuddle, also hugging and helping your daughter. We were supposed to be going to see Van Morrison, staying over with my DS and his partner in London, celebrating our GD’s first birthday and meeting the eventually to be in laws for the first time. The concert is now in November and we get refunds on some parts of the split rail tickets but not other parts. Still at least we are able to self isolate in comfort and I have a stack of library books and a loaded kindle.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the struggling key workers and those bereaved in such horrendous circumstances.

The floorboards are creaking above me and I’ll be getting disapproving looks for staying up late AGAIN!

Mirren Wed 25-Mar-20 22:27:48

I'm worn out with all of this .
Up at 8 today to join the RSPB bird watch on Twitter.
Chat via text with sister in law .
The laundry still needs doing .
I went to try and buy pet supplies for some one who is indoors ( all the time 2m away )
Hubby was vaxing the living room carpet!
Did a bit gardening .
Then walked the dogs . Th as no goodness for my beloved 4 legged friends. I wouldn't cope without them.
Then evening meal , a bit of knitting, a lot of online chat .
So tired I'm in bed . Couldn't even drag up till 10 to hear Boris !
Exhausting stuff !

justwokeup Wed 25-Mar-20 21:30:06

Hang on in thereCath and aonk, things will improve before too long. In the meantime maybe you can make it positive. I will never, for example, be so bored that I will learn to crochet (tried it!!!) or wash the car (I'll wait for the nice car wash men to do it - they might need my custom by then). I've already decided to write to some of my family and friends so they get something cheery in the post. In the meantime, yes, I'm doing many of the things others are doing and I guess there won't be enough time to cross everything off my list. What I'm really regretting is not being in a position at present to help out with volunteering. Prints to hang on the wall, anyone?

mbmb Wed 25-Mar-20 19:16:07

I am finding it hard to settle to my usual activities of learning a language, reading, knitting, jigsaws and so on. I am feeling a sort of anxiety that persists and I am sure many others will be in the same boat. I live alone in a flat with no outdoor space which seems such a shame in this weather. I admire those of you who seem to be in a busy and constructive routine but I haven't got there. I am just doing what I feel like and reminding myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

fourormore Wed 25-Mar-20 19:15:41

Hollysteers don't you think that telling anyone (presumably the OP) that they sound like a six year old is very unkind?
I don't know the OP, or any of the other posters, but I really feel that in this unprecedented time of stress we should all be very careful about slapping anyone down.
None of us know how others are feeling - some are coping well, others not so well. The OP (or the person you were referring to) may be feeling very scared and alone?
Feelings can be hurt so please let's all think twice and perhaps, if we can't say something nice say nothing at all?

Elegran Wed 25-Mar-20 19:07:41

If anyone hasn't found any suggestions among the many on this thread, have a search on the internet and see if you can find anything there. If you STILL can't see anything that you want to do, why not consider doing something that you don't want to do, but which would help some of the many people who would just love to have the luxury of choosing an activity.

If yo like cooking, is there any way you can provide meals for an NHS employee who is ready to drop by the time they finish their shift, but still has to cook? you'd have to organise getting ingredients and handing over dishes without contact, but that is not insuperable.

If you like interacting with people, could you volunteer to phone half-a-dozen vulnerable or older people who can't go out and never see a human face or hear a human voice? There are lots of schemes to check regularly that they are Ok, and give them something to think about other than their loneliness, but not enough volunteers to contact all those who need it. Ten minutes of conversation with each of them would set them up for a few days, and fill an hour of you dragging time.

If you think hard about what someone might need and what you can do, there will be other ideas out there. You could help others to bear the lockdown, as well as relieve your own "boredom".

annep1 Wed 25-Mar-20 19:04:56

I haven't really had time to be bored.
Extra time cleaning doorhandles bannisters phones.. anywhere we touch.
Trying to organise food online.
Keeping in touch with children on the phone. Son and partner had virus (we think- no test) Daughters 2 sons ill. Third sons wife and daughter ill.
Today over an hour spent queuing outside chemist for prescription. Continually changing towels and washing.
I've never been so busy.
I hope to paint tomorrow...

hollysteers Wed 25-Mar-20 18:41:57

There is no excuse for boredom if you have reasonable health. You sound like a six year old.
Can you not read books, take up something new online, write letters, keep a journal, exercise etc. etc? Have you never had a hobby?
There is a whole world online to access.

fourormore Wed 25-Mar-20 17:51:57

Abnuyc Another thank you. Part of me hopes you sober up soon but on the other hand what a wonderful place you are currently residing in!!! grin

Every 2 - 3 days I am emailing a 'joke' to a list of about a dozen friends and relatives who are vulnerable in one way or another. My 61yr old cousin has just been diagnosed with cancer. Her Mum (my aunty) is naturally very concerned but phoned me today asking me not to leave her of the list as they brighten her day.
I was really touched when she rang as I was concerned that it would be insensitive to send her jokes.
I will include yours in my list to be sent a a future date so thank you!

M0nica Wed 25-Mar-20 17:48:55

I am another making masks but mine are going to be real and proper patterns but using pretty fabrics and ribbon decoration from my stash, for us to wear when out shopping. There are lots of patterns available online that you can print out.

I have also suggested to DGD that she does the same for her parents and brother and that we will compare masks during our Zoom meetings.

Kim19 Wed 25-Mar-20 17:45:06

I have so many 'should have done' in my life that three months will do me fine. Mind you, I'm not making much of a reduction on the list so far. Trouble is motivation is required as well as time. I'm trying with a target of one little task a day and hopefully I will work up to the bigger more arduous ones. I can but dream......

morethan2 Wed 25-Mar-20 17:11:17

Oh I needed a laugh Abnuyc123 I’ve had a terrible day , so thank you.

Llamedos13 Wed 25-Mar-20 17:05:11

Cymres1, I’m puzzled why my post made you laugh so much?but happy to know I gave you a good laugh ?

TrendyNannie6 Wed 25-Mar-20 17:00:33

I’m missing my family and friends not being able to give them a hug: but I am speaking every day texting actually much more than we ever did, I do sit and think I took so much for granted, being able to take off and walk anywhere or drive, but on the other hand I’m feeling safe inside, lots of cleaning reading, competitions listening to radio: tele, catching up on things I’ve missed that I taped, I’m certainly not bored though thankfully

Llamedos13 Wed 25-Mar-20 16:52:45

123Kitty, there are patterns to be found on Pinterest, they are super easy to make, I cut up white pillowcases for mine and quarter inch elastic.

CBBL Wed 25-Mar-20 16:38:14

Hubby and I struggle to walk, but our two cats keep us entertained. I have lots of housework to do (always). Hoping I will be able to do more soon, as I've just arranged to get more pain relief (I have arthritis in my feet, so cannot stand for long). Fingers crossed it will enable me to go for a walk, even though it means leaving hubby behind for a short time.

Ellie Anne Wed 25-Mar-20 16:36:07

Aonk I am also missing my usual activities and meeting with friends. I can occupy myself at home but because I have a difficult relationship with husband I feel my escape route has been cut off.
Hopefully if we all do as we are told the isolation will not last too long.

Barmeyoldbat Wed 25-Mar-20 16:29:34

Plenty to do and avoiding to much housework if I can. Went for a 6 miles cycle ride today. Had a sleep when I got back, did a bit of the jig puzzle,. I have also got a pile of books to read, the garden now has a veg patch, so there is a job there. Chatting with neighbours out of the bedroom window and catching up with the tv. No boredom here. Stay happy

Jane10 Wed 25-Mar-20 16:16:18

Oh Bluecat that's so sad. Lovely that they let you see her even at such a distance.

Bluecat Wed 25-Mar-20 16:08:40

I am not bored although, to be honest, I do nothing. Mess around on the Internet or read. Never really liked housework....

I am, however, missing family so much. DD had a baby yesterday - Beatrice - and I long to be able to cuddle her. Already missing the visits from her sisters and now can't hold her. On the way home from hospital yesterday, they stopped and held her up at the end of the drive so we could see her. There's WhatsApp and photos but it's not the same.

One day this will be over. I hold on to that thought.

aonk Wed 25-Mar-20 16:02:36

Before anyone reminds me I have so much to be grateful for in my life and I truly appreciate every single thing. However I have no interest in any of the activities which seem to occupy others so well. I don’t like exercise, family trees, gardening, housework, crafts, decorating. I can just about tolerate cooking, tv and reading. All this is too solitary and introspective for me. All my interests involve going out and being with others. I know I will have to adapt but it’s early days and it’s hard. In the meantime I’m going for walk each day even though it seems pointless and trying to complete a couple of basic tasks.

Jishere Wed 25-Mar-20 15:56:08

I read this with delight that most or all of you are keeping busy and finding ways to do this safely. I'm a key worker so no such chance for me.

I'm hoping that all would refrain from using the word 'bored or boring' simply because the NHS are working tirelessly to help those that get this virus and They look exhausted and scared. If you really are bored say a little prayer for all the Nhs workers and hopefully those and other key workers that are trying to protect the most vulnerable.

The word bored as got a luxury for alot.

garnet25 Wed 25-Mar-20 15:54:31

No time to be bored, long walk every day. whats App groups to keep up with, emails to write, gardening, and most important of all writing to 5-year-old granddaughter every other day.