If you are alone, how are you coping with lockdown?

[Destinysdaughter]

I'm.on my own, I'm ok, I do chat with friends on the phone, FB etc but it is hard right now. In the summer I had friends over in the garden but obvs can't do that right now. I'm watching a lot of tv and playing Scrabble online.And on MN a lot! I'm not depressed and just taking it one day at a time really. Wondered how others on their own are coping right now?

[kitkatgal]

I've had a couple of bad days but I've always hated January weather.

I'm focusing on exercise and trying to eat well. I'm feeling a lot better today.

[Ladybird69]

Bless you @Egghead68

[Egghead68]

I’m sorry about your mother @Ladybird69

[Ladybird69]

I’m all alone and finding it much harder than last March as there seems to be no end in sight. I haven’t any friends or family and my mum/my best friend passed away in October. I’m usually quite happy in my own company but I think that it’s not knowing how much longer we have to deal with this. I usually like having a drive around as I’m disabled and can’t take walks but that seems frowned upon now even though I’m not going to get out of the car!

[Egghead68]

Been alone and shielding since March. I’m quite enjoying the solitude. Work, zoom exercise classes, online courses and video phone calls are keeping me busy.

[TibetanTerrier]

[quote TheFaithfulBorderBinliner]@TibetanTerrier I have a tibetan terrier he is the best companion ever. This will sound like I am mad but he 'talks' more than any other dog i've ever had. Not barks or growels but an impatient humph or a loud sigh. He is a stellar companion and been a joyous presence the last few years.[/quote]
@TheFaithfulBorderBinliner
TTs are a wonderful breed. Had my first about 30 years ago and could never be without at least one now. You're not mad, TTs are much more communicative than most other breeds. Some people don't want them because of this, because they take more time and effort than other breeds because of their insistence that you include them in everything and explain everything to them. They're too intense and too much commitment for some people. Their sense of humour and their determination to be "little people" is what I love about them. (Did you know they're called 'The Holy Dog' in Tibet, and the Indian name for them means 'The Little People from the Far Off Mountains'?) As you say, a stellar companion and so much more intelligent than most people!

[BunnyBoilerRhian]

As much as being on my own during such a tough time has had it dark moments I try very hard to look at the positive.
My dc are grown up and live hours away. I miss them. It's very easy for people like me to look back through rise tinted glasses at memories of when they were small and the fun we used to have together baking, painting making dens etc BUT I did all that with husband sharing the load, giving me some evening chit chat and life was normal so I could meet other mums too.
I take my hat off to those alone with little kids. As much as they must keep you busy I bet you miss having your own time and peace and adult company.
I sit here bored and glum some times but at least I can watch whatever I want at 5pm knowing it won't mentally scar little ones or have to he subjected to hours of kids tv.
So just wanted to say someone put there is recognising how hard this is.

[Furrybutts]

I'm alone. I don't work. All my children have flown the nest.
I'm very grateful for this, because if any still lived at home, I would feel obliged to 'entertain' them in some way.
I can't imagine the pressure single parents are under keeping their children educated and entertained.

As it is, I'm enjoying a much more relaxed way of living. Doing DIY at home, cleaning, cooking, long dog walks, drawing, making things and watching TV.
I never had any interest in TV before, as I was always working, visiting family, out doing hobbies or eating out etc.
During the first lockdown I discovered gardening, and loved that.
Always been content in my own company, and very rarely feel lonely.
I do have my children, and a handful of friends at the end of the phone though.

[LifeAdvice]

Forgive the random typos and commas instead of full stops above. Fat fingers!

[LifeAdvice]

I forgot - I also have a digital piano and I have been doing zoom lessons again since the first lockdown. My problem when I learnt as a kid and teenager was that I never had time to practice, everything else was always far more interesting. Now, with lots of time, I’ve been making great progress. I’m going to sit an exam via video this year.

Lest I sound too chirpy - not everything has been good. I never got into the sourdough craze (I tried, but bread just made me eat it all!) and some box sets drove me mad (I was watching all the Law and Orders - big mistake! I interchanged them with some lighter stuff and it was better!) and you do realise who your really friends are......although I try and be generous with those of younger families,

I have also volunteered to try and help with homeschooling my nieces over zoom (spelling etc) but it didn’t work out - to complicated. But I keep trying!

I’m currently mentally planning an overhaul of my small garden to try and grow some vegetables when spring comes. I think this will be another positive mental heath thing, as well as food and exercise etc.

[Gingaaarghpussy]

*sanity obvs

[Gingaaarghpussy]

@Graphista
If I didn't go I would have no human interaction. My local shop is a 3 minute walk. I could do everything over the interweb but don't want to completely lose my danity

[LifeAdvice]

I’m really enjoying it tbh.

I am normally v social, but I think I needed a bit of a break from people (but didn’t realise it). Lockdown has been fantastic for this. I’ve decluttered my home (made me feel so absurdly proud and happy!), committed to watching some LONG tv box sets that in my normal life I would be far to busy to ever commit to watching (The West Wing etc). In the decluttering I found my old cross stitch and patchwork stuff, that I hadn’t touched in years, since I was a teenager/uni student and had more time. I worked out the ones I would like to complete and I do them in front of the box sets....they are coming on brilliantly and I will have Christmas stockings for my extended family all finished by next Christmas!

I’ve also been re-reading some favourite books. I love the Count of Monte Christo, but the size made me put of re-reading it. With all this time thought I have no more excuses!

Exercise-wise I am lucky enough to have a treadmill, so I go on that (not the same as being outdoors, but I make do) and yoga from my yoga studio via Microsoft teams. I actually like yoga this way, no one can see when I can’t do a pose anymore and collapse on the ground! (I’ll be more pleased to return to a studio though).

I am also cooking a new vegetable soup every 2 days (Mumsnet has millions of great recipes) which is new and stimulating (and delicious!) and means I can also be a bit adventurous with other recipes, and not put on any weight in lockdown.

The way I am thinking is, if lockdown was over on XX date, for good, I will just want to be out of doors for ages. So, what things would I want done/finished IN my home, so I don’t have anything left here to stop me going out? I made a big list of things I would like to do or finish, and now I’m ticking them off one by one. It’s really working for me.

Sending good vibes to everyone else in the same (single person) boat.

[peak2021]

Talking when working, and with family elsewhere (Skype or Zoom).
Daily walk (am able to vary the route and be away from people).
BFI and Curzon Home Cinema has been wonderful.
Finding enjoyment out of being able to cook my own lunch not have one at work.
Slightly more sleep as no commuting.

[GlobeUs]

Honestly, I am coping by planning for the future.
Doing BSL course, improving my coding, removing myself from negativity (social media groups, whatsapp groups, hiding mumsnet threads, blocking the Daily Mail).
Trying to think of improvements I can make to my surroundings (ordered some new foods, some flowers, some new gadgets to play with)
And two massive rescue puppies are keeping me on my feet.

[TheFaithfulBorderBinliner]

@TibetanTerrier I have a tibetan terrier he is the best companion ever. This will sound like I am mad but he 'talks' more than any other dog i've ever had. Not barks or growels but an impatient humph or a loud sigh. He is a stellar companion and been a joyous presence the last few years.

[Katinski]

@Overtherainbow12

I'm on my own with 2 children and finding it incredibly lonely. I feel I am getting through just hour by hour. I miss seeing other adults and just general chat.

Oh, I really feel for you
I'm well past the 'little people' stage, but that must be really tough.







i

[TibetanTerrier]

I live with my dog and would much rather have his company than any human's. I haven't spoken to anyone face to face since 12th March, am having absolutely everything delivered, and have only left the house to dog walk alone. Have only made a couple of phone calls (to the electricity company) since March too. I'm fortunate because I have Asperger's so I love being alone and could happily live in seclusion forever. In fact I think I'm going to rather resent having to talk to people again when this is all over.

[Graphista]

@Gingaaarghpussy agoraphobia is main reason for my being housebound although not only reason. Sucks doesn't it? You're doing well to go to the shop though! Wish I was doing that!

Similar to pps lockdown and covid has actually meant SOME things have been adjusted to suit my circumstances as they're now most people's circumstances whereas previously I really had to fight and argue for eg telephone gp appointments but for now it's the norm

To those struggling my sympathies

@BunnyBoilerRhian - my ex and I split almost 20 years ago due to his cheating, don't believe the "PR" my ex tried to portray them as "love's young dream" over time I learned it was a load of bollocks, they're miserable with each other but feel for different reasons they can't divorce, also he now has 5 more dc that he wasn't particularly "up for" and is knackered most of the time! he looks bloody ancient in any pics I see.

You'll get through this and be stronger for it I'm sure

[Destinysdaughter]

So sorry for everyone struggling right now. I feel everyone is going through their own difficulties, whatever version that takes. For me, knowing I'm not alone in being alone helps, if that makes sense! Ihavent seen anyone since the 29th which was my birthday, went out shopping with a friend, just one day before lockdown.

[Handcarthell]

@BunnyBoilerRhian

Husband of 24 years dumped me 9 weeks ago for some bint 20 years younger.
It was the same week that after months of furlough I lost my job.
I've live in Wales. My family are English. I don't know anyone in my borough, so between the Welsh National Lockdowns which were preceded by Local lockdown I've not seen anyone for 12 weeks.

I get up at 8am. At 9am I exercise for 2 hours. At 11am I have late breakfast then job hunt, apply, tweak cv, email cv to random companies. I'm usually doing this until 3pm but sometimes 5pm. Also do a bit of housework or household admin most days.
I eat dinner around 6.30pm then a either chat with friends on phone or watch tv.
10pm bed and an hour or 2 of more tv then sleep.
Tuesday's I fit in my weekly grocery collection too.

I'm ok. Some times I feel I'm losing sense of reality. I have good days and bad days. The not being Able to drive to local beauty spots at this time of year with the short days is annoying. I live 3 miles from vast forests but i dont have the day light hours to walk 6 miles ahead of a good 5 or 6 mile hike in the forest, if I'm going to commit to job applications. I've done it a few times but it takes most of the day and the 6 miles just to get there and back get dull and boring doing it too often and include a dangerous busy road with no path.

I really wish I could say something that might help you.

I do however take my hat off to you, and hope the bint and the absent husband are as miserable as sin

[PandaBabyJuly]

I'm on my own and pregnant.

To be honest, I'm not enjoying it but also not hating it.
I've got a lot of uni work due in and I'm watching a lot of Netflix and sleeping lol ... only perk to being pregnant in a pandemic is being able to say no I can't see you haha!

[Overtherainbow12]

I'm on my own with 2 children and finding it incredibly lonely. I feel I am getting through just hour by hour. I miss seeing other adults and just general chat.

[BunnyBoilerRhian]

Husband of 24 years dumped me 9 weeks ago for some bint 20 years younger.
It was the same week that after months of furlough I lost my job.
I've live in Wales. My family are English. I don't know anyone in my borough, so between the Welsh National Lockdowns which were preceded by Local lockdown I've not seen anyone for 12 weeks.

I get up at 8am. At 9am I exercise for 2 hours. At 11am I have late breakfast then job hunt, apply, tweak cv, email cv to random companies. I'm usually doing this until 3pm but sometimes 5pm. Also do a bit of housework or household admin most days.
I eat dinner around 6.30pm then a either chat with friends on phone or watch tv.
10pm bed and an hour or 2 of more tv then sleep.
Tuesday's I fit in my weekly grocery collection too.

I'm ok. Some times I feel I'm losing sense of reality. I have good days and bad days. The not being Able to drive to local beauty spots at this time of year with the short days is annoying. I live 3 miles from vast forests but i dont have the day light hours to walk 6 miles ahead of a good 5 or 6 mile hike in the forest, if I'm going to commit to job applications. I've done it a few times but it takes most of the day and the 6 miles just to get there and back get dull and boring doing it too often and include a dangerous busy road with no path.