I am on day 7, and I am not going to lie, it has been tough but really not impossible. I have a vulnerable child, so we have been asked to completely isolate to keep her safe. I am fortunate to have a garden, I know many don't, but I thought I could share with you what I have learnt this week.
Things that really helped:
Getting showered and dressed every morning into something nice (no joggers or lounge wear it makes you feel ill) every morning up nice and early at your normal waking time, taking time to do things like shave legs and using good moisturisers (for once) so that you at least feel in a good place at the beginning of the day. Make up on every day if you normally wear it, hair brushed ready for the day
Food is prepped in the morning for the day whilst I still have energy and will. As the day wears on things get harder. Think newborn baby stage.
Children work better in the morning if they are of school age, the afternoon they tend to lose the will and motivation. Get them up also at the latest 8.15am, and get the beds made, breakfast done, proper clothes on. They need to stay mentally healthy and solid good routines really do help.
Be prepared for the meltdowns and arguments, and be much kinder to them when it happens. I have hugged rather than shouted, and shown kindness when they have flipped. This is hard for everyone.
We play heart FM all the time, the upbeat music really helps, and we are singing ALOT and dancing, and hugging. Everyone is up and down, so if your children are feeling tearful adjust to something more soothing. I have also spa music playing in the evenings on a loop, it definitely works, try it.
Every day we are outside for a while, when I failed to do this on two days they were pretty feral by 6pm. Outside for fresh air if you have the choice, for as long as possible. Your garden is your friend.
Make a timetable, of crafts, movie time, school work etc. I am not going to give you a list, but let your children design it and then they invested.
I have started planning things for the future when this is over, summer outfits, holidays I hope I will take, BBQs and friends I have missed more than anything.
I speak to friends or message them every day, this is cheered me up on end. If you don't have friends, then come online for support.
Things I can not recommend:
News channels make you feel much worse, I don't need to know this is rubbish on a loop because I am already living the dream.
Radio stations with people calling in endlessly
Corona anything is banned and I watch the news once a day, it raises my heart beat instantly
Eating junk food
Not getting dressed
Giving in too early, we have to play the long game
Not tidying the house, keep on top of the housework, even if everything is hitting the fan at least you can marvel at your clean surfaces.
I am taking breaks from everyone at certain times of the day, so I have the emotional reserves when they do need me. Early nights because I feel constantly tired.
I have had two wobbles (I have very good MH) because everything felt so out of kilter mid week. It felt almost surreal, like I was in some kind of hunger games movie feeling. It was horrible, but it did pass. Be prepared for to feel wobbly at times and take yourself off to the bath or watch a light box set that takes you away from the discomfort.
One day real life will return with bells on, focus on how great that will feel. Good luck peeps, we can do this!
PS Sorry for long msg :)