In the time of the virus: lockdown mark 2

Here we go again! Unsurprisingly to those of us who follow the scientists who know a thing or two (and especially those of us who watch helplessly as the government fails to follow the evidence), another lockdown is coming our way. As ever, later than needed and therefore no doubt longer than it might have otherwise been.

We are where we are.

We’re glad to have already done some mental (and shopping) preparation for this. Having already found ourselves self-isolating more than once, we know the value of being prepared with at least a fortnight’s supplies in the house.

We also know from experience (our own and others) the importance of having A Plan to help us get through it – thinking about our mental and physical health. We have watched helplessly as at least one older person in our circle has physically and mentally deteriorated because they insisted on sticking to the letter of the guidance for older people to ‘shield’ at home. Since early March their physical and their mental health has considerably deteriorated.

Please don’t do this! Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Whilst we have stuck carefully to the strict isolation guidance for the past days, we will be ensuring that we return to going out for a walk every single day once this ends. For us this is a key to keeping well in every sense.

In addition, I am going to:

• return to daily yoga
• read the books I have lined up (some for sheer pleasure, some to learn from)
• finish some craft projects (that crochet blanket for one; more warm socks for the toddler; some mending; maybe some Christmas gifts)
• do my Christmas shopping – online with small businesses; local where possible
• get my allotment and gardens back to how they should be
• continue the brilliant progress I made with catching up on admin tasks (life; farm)
• cook – put into practice the plan I wrote about earlier
• prioritise staying well – mentally and physically

This week’s treats (tricks more like!) will include the outcome of the US election and return of lockdown for those of us living in England. In the meantime we have a busy time lined up – a visit to see granddaughter brought forward, as it may be our last for a while; an emergency Farm meeting to decide what steps we need to take; a couple of long walks to recover from self-isolation, which ended last night; and some shopping from local shops that will be closed again after Wednesday.

Buckle up! We’re in for a bumpy ride. Stay safe, stay well. I’ll be back soon xxxx