Dont know what to do with myself today

Sorry FarNorth I copied the wrong name. I meant to put travelsafar. Shows where my head is today! ?

In case anyone missed it, the latest research has shown that the Coronavirus can linger in the air for up to an hour. So the question of whether to wear a mask if it's just you and the shopkeeper is yes, because the virus may be lingering and infect you and others.

Theres some excellent advice on here. I think the most important thing is to remind yourself you are not alone in how you are feeling. I know people of all ages and circumstances who have experienced the above. I personally have had days when I have had tremendous energy and done lots. Quieter days where carried on with crafts and hobbies. There have been days when I havent had the motivation or concentration to do that and just drifted. On two notable occasions I did just crawl back into bed. Dont underestimate the impact of news/tv/social media which is currently full of conflicting messages. Many people are finding this a source of anxiety. Initially I felt I needed to be informed, which is good. I do however feel now there is too much conflict. I look at Gov.uk for guidelines which are straightforward despite dithering of Johnson. I check one reliable news source at end of day and ONS every few weeks. Do whatever distracts or soothes,be aware that this too shall pass. Most of all be kind to yourself and recognise it's ok to not be ok but reach out if it continues. Big hugs.

I am feeling mildly desperate today. My friend has just taken in her family as they are between moves - the grandchildren are climbing all over her and cuddling her. Her OH is an ex GP with an immune deficiency disorder and has been in the shielded group. It is all very puzzling and sometimes I wonder if I am being over-cautious.

I have not even bubbled with one of my DDs as they work from home and lots of people are in and out; the children are at school; and they mix with my other local DD's children (their cousins) who also mix with their cousins on the other side of the family etc. etc. A chain of potential virus transmission.

I have just been clearing out some of the GC's books ready for my hoped-for house move and it has proved a slightly depressing task - I have saved the best ones, but wonder if I will ever get to read to them again.

Travelsafar I have days when I feel exactly as you do. I give in and do what I feel like. I’m not a going back to bed person really, so I don’t do that, but I might have a long soak in the bath, do my nails or anything at all. So if a duvet day is what you fancy, have one.

Having said that, I have 3 lists.
One is ‘must be done today or tomorrow’ eg send a birthday card, pay a bill, water the plants, put a load of washing on.

Second is ‘need to be done in the next week or so’ - things that it would be good to get done but not immediately urgent eg tax return.

Third is long term aims - eg digitising old photographs, sorting stuff out.

Crossing any of those off, or even partly off, is a source of satisfaction.

But at our age, it’s nice to feel that if you need a self-indulgent day, we can have one without feeling guilty about it.
I usually find my energy comes back the next day.

Fun to make. Fun to wear.

I can definitely relate with not knowing what to do, as well as with GrannySomerset 's comment that the less I do, the less I feel like doing.
One thing I enjoy is beginner level crochet/knitting/sewing but rarely find ideas of items worth making.
So I was pleasantly surprised to find instructions on youtube for knitted slip-on slippers, very similar to the type I would normally buy. Since mine are getting old I gave it a try and here I am, a week later, with something homemade on my feet for the very first time. They're soft, comfy and pretty (I think). Plus, above all, kept me happily occupied for quite a few hours!
Maybe others will find suitable simple unexpected pastimes online or in books which can bring a feeling of accomplishment and renewed sparkle of joy.

I sometimes have days like that when the day stretches out and I feel quite low, I have found a lovely way of relaxing by watching YouTube’s walking tours, I find I can visit places such as Venice, Mount Titlus in Switzerland all the places I have been to and it’s as if I am transported back there again, you can find walking tours of most places if you search YouTube xx

Or perhaps wash your hair and spend some extra time styling it, put in make up if you usually wear it and one of your nicer outfits.

I felt a little like that yesterday. It's not exactly a bundle of laughs but I sorted out the food cupboards, and wiped them down and then sorted through the wardrobe and gave it a spring clean of stuff to go off to the charity shops ( eventually)
It gave me the feeling I'd done something useful ! Reward yourself with a cuppa ( or glass of something ) in the garden later.

Have you any hobbies? I imagine you like travelling - plan your next trip, whether it's on-line or otherwise, maybe somewhere beautiful like Santorini, imagine yourself being there, walking the narrow streets or feeling the sand on your feet.
Good Luck!

I think these restrictions are bound to be taking their toll. I don't get low but some days my head feels like it's tied up in knots. And today my kitchen is in a mess and here I am on my phone!!! I watch a mindless film when I grind to a halt and don't know what else to do... Hope you find something to indulge yourself with today FarNorth.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

l want to crawl back into bed and put the duvet over my head
I would just do this, and have done it.
I believe that I am not sleeping well and that is the reason for my low energy, along with all the current uncertainty.

There is no harm in giving in to this sometimes.

We all feel that we should be doing something positive or useful every day, don't we?
When I feel down and useless, I try and make myself do something physically taxing, like running up and down stairs 5 times, twice at least with a break between. It seems to reboot the system and also make you feel you deserve a treat like a biscuit or some toast, and a session on Gransnet!

I have a stash of books that I really want to read (but never get round to) and several DVDs and box sets that I really want to watch (but never get round to). I have hobbies, but trouble is, it takes energy to get started.
Indulge yourself
PS My daughter, who bought me the 1st unwatched box set ten years ago, doesn't believe me when I say just having the DVDs there makes me feel better, it means I have something to do if I have nothing to do.

Travelsfar I too have days like that. And if that is how I feel I just go back to bed. The cats will come and join me and we wallow in the duvet. I do feel guilty that maybe I could have dome something more productive but that can wait til tomorrow. Focus on something positive and I always find that a nice drink, hot choc, coffee or tea and a biscuit helps.

I felt the same this morning, some days it's just harder, isn't it.
I have made myself a nice big mocha, got a chocolate biscuit and turned on Pop Master. Feeling cheerier already. Be kind to yourself .?

Travelsafar I feel exactly like you today! I feel a bit fed up and under the weather. So far today I have done some meditation, put nice clothes and make up on and generally tried to cheer myself up. I have just made a drink and am now sitting down with a pile of motorhome magazines looking for a short break in the middle of nowhere!

Just indulge yourself and don’t do much until you feel a little lighter x

I think we would be kidding ourselves if we didn’t experience a day like this during these unprecedented events.
Just have a duvet day if you want to. Nobody will judge you. Plus you will feel better tomorrow. Lack of sun is getting to us as well here in West Yorkshire but we are well and relatively fit. Just go with the flow.

Sounds like you tired yourself out yesterday, so take a warm shower and go back to bed.

I'm sure the world will look brighter when you get up again.

I'm always being called an optimist but this wearing of masks has knocked me back too. Surely social distancing and hand washing is enough without taking away fresh air from our lungs. I'm happy enough to wear one if I go into a shopping centre but popping into the local shop for a paper when there is only me and the shop keeper behind a screen? I give up.

Go for a walk even if you don't feel like it. You will feel better afterwards

I am visiting my sister in a hospice today, she has a short time left, so I am going to be thankful and go for a walk and breathe some fresh air and keep her in thought and prayer

Thanks for your comments. I, too, have been feeling lonely.