What are you doing to keep yourself sane?

[Purpleice]

I was just wondering how everyone else is getting through this? I am rereading many children’s books, going to bed early and rewatching a very long sci-fi series with my dh in the evenings- basically trying to escape. I work in a school and it’s just an exhausting grind.

Lots of baths and ITV3 - think I've seen every Lewis, Midsomer, Frost and Poirot episode ever made (possibly twice . )

Drawing! I can escape into my own little world. Oh and being resentful and grumpy. Does that count?😃

Being resentful and grumpy is my favourite outlet!

Netflix
Gin
Reading
Walking to the shops for food top ups

Friends and Seinfeld
Detective novels
Lots of baths
Family movie nights

Listening to Stephen Fry audiobooks. He has recorded all the Harry Potter books and all the Sherlock Holmes novels. I have got the whole lot ready to go. He'll get me through the winter.

I've also just discovered the comedian Tim Key, who is hilarious. I've been listening to all his comic poetry shows on Radio 4.

Like you say, the best thing is to escape into another world. Books and DVD boxsets are the best bet. Also, walking in the countryside (what's left of it - round here it's being ruined by new estates filled with horrible little rabbit hutch houses).

Red wine
Negronis
Bike rides / Running
Gardening
Music / dancing / singing in the kitchen
Texting friends my outrage at the fucking Tories
Swearing
Red wine
Negronis

I'm writing a lot. Playing computer games and compulsively watching top chef.

I've started watching funny TV series on BBC iPlayer.
Lighthearted comedy is what keeps me sane right now.

Eating junk.......

Like @MargaretHooper, ridiculous quantities of Lewis, Morse etc.
Far too many great canal and rail journeys.
Nightly Taskmaster.
I'm not proud, but it's not hurting anyone.

Trying to ignore the outside world as much as possible! Have always been a homely type and over lockdown I spent even more time making our house extra cosy and getting lots of DIY done. Also added some vegetable patches in our garden. I concentrate on my kids and their education (DD is in year 11 so it's a big year), our home business and my garden. Living in our own little bubble basically. I do see friends and family a bit but we've never been the type to see them every week. We are very lucky to still have our jobs (for now - who knows what will happen). I don't tend to think too far ahead - doesn't do me any favours to worry about what I can't control.

Mumsnet and eating mainly.

@Scarby9 Also with you on the canal and rail journeys! And getting quite attached to Dan Jones, Walking Britain's Roman Roads, on Channel 5.

Am writing my screenplay

@MargaretHooper I will check those out! We clearly have the same drugs of choice...

Painting, online shopping, speaking to friends, applying for jobs, sometimes a drink(but have cut this out recently), t.v, reading classic literature.

Reading and scrapbooking. I enjoy looking for pleasant or funny news articles. This is easier in real newspapers rather than online.

Podcasts, loving the Liz Jones one, she has a beautiful voice. Gin, any alcohol really, new sheets, candles, experiments with eyebrows, sea side walks, masturbation ( ugly word for a beautiful experience), leisure wear, Saturdays in bed.

Winding people up on MN.

I don’t have an artistic bone in my body - would love to be able to paint or draw.

So have, instead, been doing some paint by numbers. Finding it really relaxing and helps the mind switch off slightly.

Currently off sick for the last two weeks , medication ... propranolol and some Zoplicone and getting geared up to going back to work in a week .
Husband works in hospitality so since March been working extra in an already busy nhs job .
Had a re occurrence of panic attacks that have not darkened me door for the last 20 years .
I give myself 3 tasks a day my next to paint a pine bed in a lovely duck egg .

I'm a teacher so I feel your pain.

At the moment, I'm just trying to get enough sleep - sanity has been long since forgotten...

I get to work by 7am, home by 6, bed by 8.30 (if I'm lucky enough to last that long!) and repeat. I just don't have the energy or brain capacity for anything else right now.

I'm single and live with my daughter so I was looking forward to half term to get out with my daughter and catch up with friends for coffee/lunch/a beer but even that is out of the question now.

Not a lot of fun or sanity happening here.

@AnotherFriday that sounds like very tough going. I hope you find some time to relax over half term. There are some lovely side as here- I must investigate podcasts a bit more. And I have a patchwork quilt that needs finishing..

Thanks for the Tim key tip! And flurries your picture looks great! You have a LOT of patience! And can colour in the lines amazingly well. ( I cannot do colouring in at all)
Everyone has an artistic bone..it’s just a skill you can learn like you learn to drive - there’s just a ridiculous myth that you are somehow born an amazing Rembrandt quality artist or you’re never going to amount to anything. Humph! The Victorian’s all learnt to do watercolour along with needlework and were fine..sorry you’ve touched a nerve! Get what’s left of the paints and doodle..just for fun..bet some nice patterns and stuff come out!
Oops, may have got a bit excited. Sorry!