6 ways I am getting through Covid-19 isolation
It’s getting to us all I think, Covid-19, the lockdowns, the isolation.
Here is how I am getting through it!
#1 - Establish a routine!
I heard this very early on in the COVID-19 pandemic and it came from an astronaut who knew all about being in isolation. I took what he said to heart immediately - and he explained why a routine is important. I live alone with my son (who is working days as an essential worker) and so the isolation can really be fierce. I established, as I said, a routine early on.
I don’t adhere to a strict timeline meaning I don’t set a schedule that says I need to start at XX time and finish at xx time, but I do set a schedule of things I need to accomplish on any given day. So in addition to having a routine, here they are:
# 2 - Walk every day
I walk with my dog every single day.
I do this first thing after breakfast (no later than 9:00 AM) and I set goals for my walk using my step app on my iphone to reach a goal of minimum 6000 steps per day which is roughly ~4 km/day .
That was my original goal but I have hit over 9,900 steps more frequently lately and that’s over 5K per day.
AND - the added benefit - Bones loves the long walks!
#3- Clean up from the previous night
I always make the bed and if there are dishes in the sink, I clean them up first thing! If the dog hairs have accumulated I pass the vacuum.
Don’t let things pile up. If you are like me - this makes things even worse.
When I was working I loved coming home to a clean house - pretend you are still working!!
#4 - Read or learn something new on youtube
Okay, so I know at this point you are saying - really - do you really do this? Well let me tell you - by the time I get back from my 5 kilometer walk - I need to lay down. So I do. I lay on my bed and if I can fall asleep- I do - if not I read my book … till nap time hits.
Oh also, another idea I want to share. The book on the far right, “Drive your plow … “ is one of the best books I have ever read. Recommended by Mary Ann Moss from Dispatch from L.A btw - and this one I listened to on audible while I was walking. Really helps you to endure the walk. Also check out Mary Ann’s blog - one of the best!
Ann Patchett’s Dutch house is a really good read too!
And yes, if I don’t feel like reading I am into learning crochet on youtube and I had started tatting last year and want to start that up again. I’ve linked the best videos on youtube I’ve found on this! Click the links if you are into that too!
#5 - Exercise/Meditate/Stretch
Okay so full disclosure - I don’t do this every day - but I try. My local yoga studio where I take classes (normally) is offering online videos of classes if you continue the membership. I loved these classes when I was doing them live and am trying to keep it up.
#6 - Do something you love every day
If you are in the West Island in Montreal and haven’t been here yet I highly recommend it. Some of the best classes I have taken.
As you may know from my last post, this one is easy for me. Whatever your hobby is, and I hope in these trying times you have one, work at it. Use this time to hone your skills -do all the things you always wanted to try out.
So in that spirit, I kept up my habit of doing something creative Every. Single. Day.
This week, I worked on my tags - which I love love love
I’ll show close up picture of these on Instagram but basically I use these tags in my packaging when I ship orders.
I made these by laying washi tape on strips of paper, cutting them out in circles or triangles and then using my crop-a-dial to cut holes and add grommets. I then file my waxed linen thread through the hole to attach to my packaging (are you still with me?)
I usually include a few extra tags in my shipped orders for you to use as well (wink wink).
I love the crazy way the waxed linen thread made these great “photo shots”.
I also made two new handmade books which are now in the shop. Every time I make a new handmade book I love it more than the last.
If you don’t want me to keep these to myself, you can order them online here.
Pink and white interior card stock paper.
An agate fuchsia gemstone dangling on the front cover.
Coptic bound with added sequins dangling from the spines.
Inside floral cover, pink and ecru pages.
See more picture here.
Coptic binding so it lays flat nicely as you add your thoughts on the off white pages.
Elastic closure to keep your thoughts safe.
Blue opalescent closure for elastic binding.
More pictures here.
How are you handling the isolation? Tell me your routine. I would love to hear from you. Leave comments below.
