At times when we feel out of control trying to create and follow a routine can help to bring a sense of normality back into our daily lives. Here are some tips to help you to adapt your routine during self-isolation:
Find two or three things that give you a sense of stability each day, whether that’s a predictable meal time, planned time to rest and chat to people, or making sure you are up and dressed by a certain time.
Making your room as bright as possible throughout the day by opening your curtains on a morning and using the lights if needed can help.
Eating your meals at your usual meal times can give the day structure and keep hydrated. You can see advice about healthy eating here.
It can be useful to have a clock in your room to keep track of meal times, but if you do not have one most radio stations will announce the time and some TV programmes include a clock. If you have a phone mobile or alarm clock you could also set yourself a reminder.
It can be easy to lose track of your usual prescribed medications when in isolation; it may help to keep a note of what you have taken on paper or set reminders on your phone. It might also be useful to set an additional note to remind you to order more when they are due. Most chemists will deliver, however demand for this service is increasing and it may be helpful to let them know in advance if you will need a delivery.
It might be harder to get to the shops if you are isolating. Planning meals before shopping can help make sure you have a variety of healthy foods at home to make regular meals. Keeping a list of items you have run out of may remind you to buy them.
Gentle exercise such as chair exercises or a daily walk can provide structure to your day. Consider trying some new activities or ways to stay in touch with people to add variety to your daily routine.
Keeping a bullet journal can be useful for planning activities. Some guides to bullet journaling can be found online and there are lots of ideas for adding to your bullet journal on online sites such as Wikihow, YouTube and Pinterest. There are also lots of mobile apps you can use to set and track goals.
Gina Warren
Mum, carer and Occupational Therapist.
Email: [email protected]