Isolation Thoughts

There have been so many types of isolation and quarantine with no real end in sight. Creativity is thriving for some, loneliness for others, but we all have had to adapt.

I have found an odd sense of relief of having no plans, I am the type of person that would have to plan a weekend to not be doing anything. I would not really remember where my next social event is unless I checked my calendar. Pre-booking and always forward planning for the next event or meet up. I had not really taken the time to enjoy my own home. The home that a spent months searching for and more months renovating before I moved in. The stress and anxiety that came with that is a whole other story.

I have always been the type of person that enjoys my own company, I am content in my own space, happy to be left to my own devices. Don't get me wrong though, I am what you would call a social butterfly, but I am always so happy to get back to my own space. There are not many people that I comfortably share a living space with. Especially when coming home late, there is no better feeling than being able to make as much noise as I want without fear of waking someone else up. Fling the door open, turn on the lights and then collapse in bed.

It's best to find happiness in your own company, its amazing how many things you can do to pass the time. This social distancing, quarantine and change of normal patterns that has come with COVID-19 is a time for us all to reflect on what is important to us, individually. I don't mean that we should all be unusually productive and changing ourselves but with mental health being a focus for everyone we do need to take the time to think about ourselves and those who we care about. There are so many views on what we should be doing with the extra time that a lot of us have on our hands. What you should be doing is exactly what you want to be or what you may not have had time for that you have wanted to do.

There is no need to pressure yourself to learn a new language because someone has been posting it online. There is no need to transform your garden just because you neighbour has done it.

Do what you planned to do, even if that is to finally have a rest! Then once you have rested do what the next thing is now that you have time. As amazing as it is that we are living in a time when we are all connected, it can also make things harder. Don't feel pressured to meet up (virtually or at an 2m distance in an outdoor space, due to the current guidelines) if you don't want to. Who are you trying to impress? Is it going to make you happy? If not, then don't do it. The world has slowed down, take a minute and slow down as well. One day this will all be being taught to the next generation of children in schools and we will all be back in the rat race.

All the best, and stay safe