Anyone else going STIR CRAZY?

Yes, I am a wanderer by nature. I get buses and trains all over the place normally and spend at least half of every day out somewhere. I love to visit different places. I find all this very difficult.

Thank you Rowantree. I’m feeling less fraught lately. I think these feelings will come and go, like waves. My latest hobby is sourcing food as I really don’t want my family having to spend extra time in the supermarkets foraging for us.

I’m feeling pleased with myself as we now have meat (butcher delivers) vegetables and fruit (local pub/restaurant) bread flour and yeast (local bakers) and the milkman leaves milk, eggs, cheese and butter. So many little businesses stepping up to the plate unlike Tescos.

I get it, OP. I was fine the first week and thought, yes, I can do this no problems. I did morning exercise and lots of gardening. Then the weather turned and with it my mood. I still exercise every morning, and feel better for that, but somehow after lunch my mood plummets, I feel demotivated and exhausted and fit for nothing and it's not as if I don't have anything to do. The first week I was doing all sorts of jobs but I've somehow run out of steam, feel more anxious and stir crazy. We keep in touch with family and friends but I think it affects us all differently and accepting the change in lifestyle can be very difficult. Give yourself a hug - maybe try one different thing out of your comfort zone, which might give yourself a boost. Having a plan for the day might help too. I'm going to try that and see if it helps my mood. Above all don't feel guilty or odd for feeling as you do. We all have our own battles in this. Finding a new normal isn't easy.

How very kind that a poster offered to send me some yarn for me to be able continue knitting. No doubt this panademic has brought out the best (over=whelming majority) and worst (tiny minority) in human beings. Many thanks, I know I can order more on-line. I had a v. large stash, and before I moved I gave nearly all of it to my local Knit for Peace group.
At present, I am knitting hedgehogs and owls in a very fancy yarn, They will eventually (distant future), go on a stall for sale at a school, charity somewhere, it is lucky that I did keep two large bags of stuffed toy stuffing material.
I agree with the poster who says it is much to do with the fact that we are told we have to stay indoors, that makes us so long to go out.
I still do my own food shopping. Cannot face the problems people report of trying to get on-line for this. So, will take my chance during an 'oldies' hour.
I hope that most people do realise that this current policy is actually designed to postpone when many of us do get this virus - not that we will totally avoid it,. As it is highly unlikely that any vaccine or cure will be in place for at least 12-18 months, the current policy is to try to spread out the numbers of people being ill over a long period, so that for the small number who become seriously ill with it can be effecively treated.
Also, we do need to note that there is over 98% full recovery rate, - it is not a matter of 'We are all going to die' scenario.
So, yes about 70 plus percent of the population will contract this virus over the next several months, the over-whelming majority will have a week of two of feeling pretty unwell - a smaller number will become quite ill, and a tiny number will need serious intervention (ie hospitalisation and ventilating).
I am not intending to frighten anyone, but this is what the policy of keeping us at home is designed to do. New hospitals being fitted out, more protective clothing, many many more ventilators (such as shame as these would have been there already if the government had taken note of advice given a few years back - which they said they could not afford).
Must say that when I get in the dumps I do what I used to tell my children to do, look at those so much more unfortunate. Think of the advice being given -
Stay indoors - fine if it is safe and reasonably comfortable environment, what about those with young children, etc. crammed into a single room?
Wash your hand in soap and hot water......great if both are available - many do have this luxury on tap, so as to speak.
Think of those for whom there is no-line (anything), no money to buy the extra food required with people at home, those worrying about eviction, serious debt. etc. etc.
I must take my own advice and give myself a good talking to regularly as to how fortunate I am. Hating this isolation - but at least I can do it in comfort.

Ouch annie, it's always the worst when you hurt yourself or feel really sick in the night - and there's nobody else around. Even my little dog runs away and hides!

@BradfordLass those are very interesting points that you made about people being diagnosed with Covid-19. That they may be diagnosed with it, but if they die, it might not be due to the virus. It could well be something else.
@welbeck I love your idea of leaving appreciative notes hidden about for your partner/friend/who ever you maybe living with, to find and vice versa. We used to do that in our early married days and I’d quite forgotten that!
@Franbern I noticed that you are involved in your local U3A. What about researching some of the topics on the internet’s that have cropped up during your sessions? Do you have any books lying around that could be read too? I have to admit that routine doesn’t happen in this house. If anything I’ve decided not bother getting dressed and actually really enjoy not having to wearing a bra. DH is so wrapped up in himself that he’s not even noticed.
As for watching TV, yes, I totally agree that there is an awful lot of rubbish on. However, I’ve taken to looking at extra channels like National Geographic, Nature programmes and anything else that I spot which catches my eye, so I set it to record. It’s amazing that such programmes are aired at ridiculous times of the night. There are a lot as well! When I sit down to watch them, if I don’t like them or have seen them before, then I just delete them and pick another. Plus I can whiz through the adverts. There’s a lot on our free channels and I’m all for stimulating the old brain cells. Plus I’m not watching TV just for the sake of it and trying to pass time. I’m genuinely watching things I’m interested in, want to know more or haven’t heard of before and filling that gap in my knowledge.
@Notright yes, I’m using this time too, to do exactly what you are doing right now. All those annoying jobs that I have kept telling myself to do, but not right now. I’ve decided that time is right NOW. For instance and it probably sounds weird, but after sorting out my pj pile, I picked up all of my day time trousers and put them on my bed, in decent daytime light. I’ve been finding it increasingly frustrating to pickup and distinguish between either blue or black trousers in the usually poor morning light because it’s so early. I’ve had the odd occasion where I’ve turned up somewhere with navy trousers with a black top! So now all of my navy trousers are in one pile and the black pairs in another. However that’s totally unreliable I’ve previously found! Now they all have a couple of bright blue stitches sown in the inside waistband. A blue which is definitely distinguishable in a really bad light. I also sorted through them to work out which was the scruffiest pair to wear for when I’m working in the garden, shuffling around on my bum. I have absolute stacks to do in the garden too! Not least the lawn which is 99% moss.
@Franbern I noticed that you mentioned your problem regarding closed garden centres and your wish to do some gardening things, but unable to do so as the local garden centres are all closed. May I suggest using somewhere like Crocus, which is an ‘online garden centre’. The plants cost a little bit more, but not exorbitantly. They do pots and specialised soil, as well as other bits and pieces. I sometimes just use the website for actual information such as soil preferences, best planting sites, etc.
I have also heard that DIY stores are deemed to be essential as well, and I know that B&Q, have a gardening section and stock everything that you mentioned as well as other things to keep you busy.
@Teacheranne I noticed that you mentioned that art galleries and museums here, as well as many abroad, do actual virtual tours online now, free of charge! I love that idea and I’m writing that on my list to do. They sound really interesting. Thank you for the suggestion.
@Purplepixie, I love your suggestion too about teaching oneself a craft using YouTube to teach you how to do it. It reminded me that I bought some yearn to learn to crochet with. The fun bit is that I’m left handed. The silver lining here is that for the first time, the ‘tutor’ isn’t going to get huffy with me. I just need to find that crochet hook that I bought ages ago!
@Suehox I’m so sorry to hear of your predicament. That’s really awful for you and I know that bereavement and acceptance is something that takes time, sometimes a very long time as I know from experience. I can truly imagine that this situation is not helping you at all. I used to keep myself very busy so that I have no time to dwell on anything and also to really make myself tired. Then when I went to bed I was absolutely shattered and go straight to sleep.
@Madmaggie thank you for restoring some respect in fellow humans by your really kind act of offering some excess yarn to a fellow ‘gransnetter’. I wish that there were more people in the world like you. Wouldn’t it be lovely if more people did things like that?
@Nancat that’s a really useful reminder too, that I’d forgotten about regarding free books on your Kindle App, but Amazon also. I presume that the later is definitely available to all, but not the former? I’ll have to take a look. There are a couple of books that I’d love to read/hear..
@grannybuy I’m definitely going to have a look at that website too (Lovecrafts). Thank you.
@Laughterlines you’ve certainly hit the nail on the head for me. Taking me day at a time and not looking at the end date. If I did that, I think I’d lose the plot, tbh. Especially, given my situation.... I’m also limiting my exposure to the latest news, as it’s inevitable to a point. I find the numbers just too depressing. It’s not going to go away until far more people self isolate, which they clearly aren’t, judging from the London Underground.
@Anniebach I’m so sorry to hear of your fall. I hope that you recover quickly and not fall again. It does sound as though it was extremely painful. It really does make isolation far more difficult in situations like yours. Do you not have an emergency pendant or wristband? I have one, which I have to pay a yearly fee for. When I press it, it goes through to a switchboard, who, when you speak to them, determine which emergency service that you require. I’ve had to use it quite a number of times. I’ve fallen awkwardly like yourself and was unable to get back up. If I can’t talk to them for some reason, like when I’ve fallen in the shower for instance, they send an ambulance. They can access via a pre-installed special secure, discreetly placed key safe. It means then that they can get in without smashing the door down. The ambulance crew have always been brilliant in helping me. Several times they’ve actually checked me over and actually found that I’ve had very serious underlying health emergencies, when I’ve not even realised how ill I have actually been. Their actions have actually saved my life. I think it sounds like you’d really benefit from wearing one. I put mine on every morning, every time I get up at night and hang it from the bed post when I go to sleep.
@farview My heart goes out to your son’s best friend, his wife and their children. Hearing things like that does tend to out everything into perspective. There’s absolutely nothing that you can say that will make the situation better. Two small children about to lose their mother is a very sobering thought, as well as a young husband is about to lose his young wife and somewhere are her parents and siblings experiencing the worst thing ever. I’ve been there.

Thank you ladies (and gentlemen) for your brilliant ideas. I’m going to screenshot my message and keep it to refer to, whenever I think that I’m bored.
I also have a sudoku and Times crossword book in my bedside drawer to really shake those brain cells and take my mind of other issues.
Additionally, I can definitely recommend the App called ‘Readly’. It’s under £10/month, but it gives me and four other users a total of over 2,500 magazine titles. Between the five of us, we definitely used to spend more than £10 a month on magazines as well, so easily saving a lot of money. They have every magazine title that I’ve ever heard of and much more. I can still do the puzzles in the magazines. We all use it, reading our iPads as really I wouldn’t find it easy to read a magazine on a laptop or phone. I can increase the size of font as well. I now tend to just read what I want to, rather than feel that I have to get my money’s worth and read absolutely everything in the magazines. My husband’s huge dusty pile of magazines is no more and the articles that he likes to keep are now all on his iPad. I don’t have a huge pile of magazines by my bed anymore either. Whenever I go into hospital, it’s an absolute godsend. Much more transportable, for one reason. Plus it saves so much paper as well. Even my Yorkshire born husband (‘thrifty’ with money to the absolute extreme), thinks it’s brilliant and uses it a lot. Despite the fact that it’s taken him “only” four years to do all the gloss paint in the hall/landing in a small house, minus three doors, their door frames and all the radiators in the house.
Many of you mentioned too, the struggles of getting shopping slots as well, and I agree. I have been amazed quite frankly at some people’s appalling behaviour and rudeness to the shop staff. They’re just trying like everyone else, to do their jobs. The special times for NHS staff as well as for the elderly and vulnerable are being blatantly abused. I don’t know whether it’s me, but sadly there seems to be so many more inconsiderate people these days... It's those very people who seem to be stockpiling. I was amazed that because of the stockpiling, people are having to buy freezers, to put all of their stuff in. There will be a lot of people panicking if we have any power cuts for any reason! Generators will be the next thing, if that happens... ?

I admit that yes, I’m struggling too. Really struggling. Hence I’m going to keep a list of the ideas that you’ve all suggested. Especially as the new government rules mean that my husband’s presence around me has increased substantially. I stay in my bed, in my bedroom, which I prefer. Apparently I disgust him.
I am only able to go out to my vital hospital treatment in London, once a month, atm. I’m considered to be at high risk due to my lack of immune system.. Whenever I do go out, I have to use my wheelchair as I’m disabled. He controls and decides absolutely everything.
Social services and the Police have tried hard to persuade me to move out of the house. They’ve told me that they consider me to be a victim of DV and DA. The alternative that they’ve suggested though is even worse, in my mind It’s almost as ‘abusive’ as the current situation....
To add to that, my parents have finally decided to disown me. They’ve made it patently clear that I was unwanted from conception.

Sorry to hear your predicament annie - hope all well now.

I am finding the isolation hard for two reasons: firstly it is a very harsh start to life on my own as a widow; and secondly a smoke alarm is doing that "beep beep" thing endlessly, and I cannot reach it to deal with the battery - driving me nuts!

We have just finished our 14 days quarantine( thank you granddaughter number 2) so went out yesterday for a brisk walk. It was raining but to hell with that.

Usually our lives are full with childcare, volunteering and the usual things so to have all this free time is a bit like a gift. Apart from having no cuddles with the grandchildren we are quite enjoying it. Its a bit like winning a lottery but the prize is unlimited free time. Don't know if the enjoyment will last

Ive found dozens of things to do so far. Decluttering, organising, cleaning. Planting. General garden tidying etc. and we have a bit of a tough decorating job on the go.

We try and keep on top of the Covid 19 information by watching the daily bulletin. And sometimes watch the lunchtime updates. We have a whatsap group for the neighbours and have a daily catch up and I text or phone my immediate circle of friends every day.

But we are only at the beginning of this. How I will feel when the time comes that we had a holiday booked that has now been cancelled, I don't know.

But so far i'm managing to put a positive spin on this. I cant control it, I cant alter it so I plan to not worry too much until I have too

Hello there
I've been home a week and doing ok atm..I'm not working due to everything however My partner is working normal hours at home.
ThNk goodness he is a person that communicates but if so was still with My X (we were married 26 years)I would have gone absolutely barmy !!!
I recently started doing My Family tree ...u can loose yourself for hours and I'll be getting the sewing machine out although I'm still pretty much a novice lol

I'm bored brainless but its all a state.of.mind. Given myself a good talking too.

yes I am sole carer for my husband with Parkinson's he is in a bad patch at the moment VERY demanding lacks empathy has major apathy and there is no respite Going crazy never mind stir !

Greymar you do make me chuckle.

I feel that, what is happening is so surreal that I can't quite comprehend it. However, having planned for it [which sounds like a contradiction, I know] I'm quite enjoying the meal planning etc. We try to have a nice meal in the evening and have a treat of banana cake once a day. Normally, if I made a cake I'd scoff the lot quite quickly but I'm really sticking to one slice. I've lost over half a stone even though I'm not getting much exercise. I don't think I've ever ate so healthily before [other than when I did a detox a few years ago]. Can't imagine what this would have been like if it had happened pre internet. Trying not to worry about my children and grandchildren; DIL works for the NHS and I read today that clerical staff may be made to work in the front line which freaked me out. Don't know what day it is most of the time, but that's not unusual...

Not quite climbing the walls yet but that's because I'm eating loads of crisps s and biscuits.
Thought I would lose weight instead of putting it on!

Absolutely not. Surely there's something you've been meaning to do for ages but haven't got around to? Even if it's just cleaning the top of your kitchen cupboards or under the beds.

Quite right Oopsadaisy3
I love home but if I feel bored, I do some online browsing and/or shopping.

We aren’t stuck at home.

We are safe at home.

No. Sleeping a lot and taking early morning and afternoon runs @ 05.30 and about 4pm. 1 weekly shop and top up for veg/ fruit. Surprisingly, managed to get a delivery slot from Sainsbury's this Thursday. Only had 1 prior delivery about 9 years ago but details still registered.
Only heavier/bulky stuff. No foods or fresh stuff (bar baked beans) which I prefer to choose myself.
Only myself here so no-one for me to annoy or to annoy me.
I read, exercise with hand weights, some internet stuff and cooking/eating 2 meals a day.
I did make a large apple pie yesterday. Delicious!
A bit bored but coping. My AC and GC all at work so phone calls at a minimum.

I work 3 days a week and couldn't wait to get back to it today just to have something to fill my time. I'm not a fan of cleaning or any domestic task and really miss going for coffee, socialising, shopping, going on holiday etc. The only thing that's keeping me sane is walking the dog, video calling the kids/grandkids and reading.

For myself..well even though I dont really like H...because of where we live..big garden, beautiful views, no child minding.....so no will you,can you, etc..I'm feeling quite relaxed. Down side..am worried about my sons and families here..my son and family in Australia..my Daughter and family in Dubai..my best friend with cancer..my sons best friends wife .who having 2young children,..her brain tumour cannot be treated...she has weeks/days...so...perspective..I am okay...stay safe everyone

I thought I was use to isolation, well I am, but this morning
trying to jobs my younger granddaughter does for me my leg
muscles gave way and I landed on the phone. Couldn’t phone
anyone to help me get up, the warden, physiotherapist, district
nurses, Couldn’t stand up, couldn’t crawl because of arthritis in knee so shuffled very slowly on my bottom from the hall to
a sofa in the living room.

So I am ok in isolation but realise my problems when everyone else is too.

I’m in a similar position to MawB - feel the struggle easier for me and Mri than our children. One couple both self employed, business closed, no income, at home with two small children. Other couple one wah with two small children whilst the partner is in 8-5 daily.
My only worry is shopping. Despite being classed as volnerable, it’s imposs to get onto a delivery from a supermarket. We have done two supermarket visits but don’t want to go again. I’m sure we will find ways to manage - our local is now a fruit n veg supplier. .

I’m not being a martyr but to be honest I am the person in our family with the least to worry about.
2 DDs live in London with their little ones (nearly 4 and just turned 1. )
It is possible the 3 3/4 year old had CV on their return from Minneapolis 4 weeks ago as he had a mystery “virus” involving aching joints, fever, filthy temper for over a week. Nobody was looking for CV at the time though. His mummy has no work now until at least August, if then and has lost 1/3 of her fee for the last 18 months work because her opera was cancelled.
Eldest DD is quarantined at home with SIL who is supposed to be WFH + 3 children as the middle one (8) had CV symptoms last week - the hacking cough, the fever general grottiness etc
Youngest DD and SIL also working from home with a one year-old to juggle between them and a tiny pocket handkerchief of garden for fresh air.
OK I’m confined to barracks, but I can internet food shop, walk the dog once a day, my pension still arrives in my bank account every month and although over 70, I am in good health. So no I am not yet feeling the effects of cabin fever, just sorry I cannot help my daughters with their childcare or offer the two in London some fresh country air and open spaces for the children

You could while anyway the hours conferring with the flowers if.....

Busy doin nothin, workin the whole day thro, trying to find lots of things not to do.
Busy going nowhere, isn't such a crime.
I like to be unhappy but I really don't have the time.