Life in Lockdown / Isolation
Posted by: JS77
31st Mar 2020 05:04pm
Here at Cafestudy, we have been making a conscious effort to learn new skills and exercise daily during life in lockdown/isolation.
We would like to know what have you been doing to adapt to life in lockdown/isolation?
What are you doing differently now compared to before the lockdown? Are there any new hobbies you have started doing to keep yourself busy? Have you started to develop healthy habits?
Is there anything that you are starting to do less of?
What have you bought, or are you thinking about buying, to help you get by?
We would like to know what have you been doing to adapt to life in lockdown/isolation?
What are you doing differently now compared to before the lockdown? Are there any new hobbies you have started doing to keep yourself busy? Have you started to develop healthy habits?
Is there anything that you are starting to do less of?
What have you bought, or are you thinking about buying, to help you get by?
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Comments 143
ivory
Cooking more meals at home and exercising more at home but I was pleased when Tai Cia started in the park again.
Dena31948125
Lockdown brought out the best in me. During the lockdown, I was doing exercises and walking in the park near my house ( it is way better than a gym), where I can breath fresh air. Also I was interested in cooking and learning new delicious recipes since the access to restaurant is very limited.
bj
I live in a very isolated are and even though some in town close to me had the virus, I didnt mix with any in their group.
What I find hard to understand is how the people in the high rise units in Melbourne had no food. People were rushing to deliver food hampers. The time for lock down was for 5 days, no rent for 2 weeks, meals to be sent in free, and still these people complained.
Michael
I am doing OK at present and have plenty of food but I am hoping my Community church lunches will eventually be restarted. I think it should be another couple of months or so first. Only because of some of the homeless people who also go so we have to try and be sure about them first. My local Woolworths is across the street and my local pharmacy is also in the building. I have had any trouble there but people say they were lined up outside the centre and down the street on the afternoon of Anzac Day. My view, as a former milk bar and grocery store owner, is why? In my earlier days these major stores were closed all day. No one missed then because there were plenty of days to stock up and a lot more was cooked by "Mums" at home.
Wally the Clown
Luckily, little has to change- when I am off shift, I spend my days coddling/cuddling the rescue foster cats, reading and practicing magic.
Picked up a couple new DVDs of lectures and ordered a couple new toys, but delivery has extended to several months instead of several weeks. Luckily I have several books and DVDs I have not had a chance to get to.
bj
I live in a very rural area, so it is like lockdown every day to me. I stay in contact by social media, phone and writting letters. What I cant understand is the lack of thought for others, some and lots of them had a very greedy selfish people who pushed and shoved the weaker and most needy to get what they wanted. So what has the greedy stock-pilers achieved? nothing at all. .Supermarkets have shelves full where I live. BUt we also had a very worrying time as our 2 close hospitals were shut down and had to undergo Army cleaning and many staff + friends were in lockdown. These poor folks who went on a cruise for relax and leasure did not deserve the terrible timee as a result.
Gerry1945
Well all is OK we have to accept not point in getting anxious.
Got a hair cut today, went to K Mart, and Optician.
But yes stay home more than before. Love the new United 80 cents a litre for E10, major servos are still too expensive
Wore a P2 mask at ultrasound waiting room, people coughing all over the place, one man sneezed into his hand many times and the was a box of tissues on the table next to him.
Use gel or wipes before touching face. Influenza can also be caught with dirty surfaces.
Always home cook non fatty, low sugar and salt meals.
Walked 4328 steps today, not too bad for a 74 year old. Bought new slippers and a hoodie and a bath towel at Kmart.
Basically self isolating, all is well.
gmark
Since the lockdown began I am shopping less and planning meals for the week so I can do 1 big shop and only have to go to the supermarket once a week rather than every few days like before. Have started building wooden model kits as a way to fill in some time as cant entertain like we used to...its quite fun and great to see the finished model. Definitely driving less as I now work from home and because I am home I only take the dog or a walk a couple of times a week as we play a few times a day in the backyard so he still gets plenty of exercise. Have already bought 56 wooden model kits and a couple more on order just to fill in some spare time.
lynneeime
I am not in lockdown but stay at home a lot. I have an autoimmune disease so I have to be so careful. I also have Bi-Polar and this has been hard managing since the Covid19 started. My husband was watching all the news programs about it for the first few weeks and I was getting really depressed and told him I can't handle watching all the news programs, so he just watched the normal news programs. It is not as if I can go into anothe room as we live in a caravan. I have finally finished making new curtains for the caravan in the lounge and kitchen area. All I have to do now is the back windows.
rosella_rye
My partner and I were living in Vietnam where he was teaching English when Covid-19 started rapidly spreading at Chinese New Year, so we are doing LOTS of things differently. As local schools closed and then international travel restrictions arose we had to return to Australia, and have been living out of our suitcases in isolation for 4 weeks so far. In addition to not working and not living in our own home, we have had to adapt to the limitations of what we have with us.
Our fashion choices have been somewhat comical as we have suitcases packed for a tropical climate (30-35 C) to clothe us in daytime temperatures now dropping as low as 15-18 C. As a creative outlet the school supplies we had with us have been put to use creating signage for various areas in our accommodation, such as the dining area becoming the 'Quarantine Cafe'. Over Easter we used the free community newspaper, the recycling, some egg shells and leaves from the courtyard to create Easter hats to wear on our Good Friday video conference with family. We have downloaded new video conferencing software to stay in touch with friends and family, and try to make 2 virtual dates each week.
We are 5 days into our second 14-day quarantine (with about a week of social isolating in between), so staying active while staying inside has also required some adaption. We have done a variety of body weight exercises, as well as using the stairs, a 1 foot ledge, and some empty milk bottles filled with water to create workouts. I have also come up with 2 cardio sessions by creating playlists of popular dances on YouTube - this was particularly good as I was able to share the playlist and then do the workout together with others via video link.
After being in the habit of practicing Vietnamese language each day, I have taken this opportunity to start learning another Australian language - Auslan. I have found online tutorials and joined online groups, and am practicing my basics through offering video chat sessions with my friends' and family's children to whom I am teaching the alphabet and how to spell their names in sign.
The only thing we have started doing less of, for a time, is watching the news. From late January to late March we had been watching international news twice daily to stay abreast of developments and the constant changes impacting our personal circumstances. Since arriving back in Australia we dropped back to watching the news only once every other day, as we began to find it repetitive and less necessary.
More than anything else, we are missing our dog, who can't be with us as we have no outdoor area and are unable to walk him while under quarantine restrictions. We are hoping our current situation will only last 5-6 weeks all up, at which point we may be reunited with the dog and have access to more of our belongings - and adapt to yet another new situation!
rosella_rye
Ps. To keep our minds active while we are out of work, we have also accessed a variety of online quizzes, puzzles, and games. Not quite the same as our beloved pub quizzes and board game nights with friends, but helps pass the time!
Katousha
We have been able to adapt well to life in lockdown/isolation. I am doing more cooking - especially cakes, biscuits, desserts. I am getting used to cooking three meals a day! My daily walks have slowed down (due to a bad fall earlier in the year). I would like to start to take this up again shortly. My day entails playing with my labrador, Frankie and our two little kittens. I am buying more things online now as I cannot go out of the house. This includes groceries, pet food, manchester etc.
fanita
Today is this day; coronavirus is very known and pandemic in the whole world. No one cannot imagine this virus brutally attack our beautiful world. At the very beginning, it was maybe December 2019, I listened to this virus which was the first attack in Wuhan. Reading and listen to music, the news is my daily work. That is why every day in the morning I read the newspaper, before going to bed I listen to the news through radio or television. Though in my country, which is Australia has controlled the rush to this virus. But still, now we maintain every rule and regulation, such as stay at home, keep social distance, doing office from home, wash our hands before the meal, do household work. I purchase most of the things online. I think our lifestyle has changed for this pandemic.
I work a full-time job. My partner also does a full-time job. In my family, we are always two people. We will never be three or four-person. At first, I would say something about myself. I am a very outspoken and honest person. If I want then I could say another story, fake story. But I decided if I write I will say my true story otherwise I will not write. To be honest, my partner did not agree to say the real story of my life. I think it is the scope for me to share my pain.
My partner will never be a father. And I will never be a mother. I will never listen to the word, MOM. I will never be able to enjoy motherhood. At the very beginning, I was totally dressed. After that, I realize to engage myself is very important for me to lead a normal life. Every day I wake up in the morning, make breakfast and go to the office. My office starts at 9 am and breaks up at 5 pm. After the return from the office, take some rest, drink one coffee with milk and sugar. Oooo I never drink black coffee. After that, I do cook. I make several items for dinner. I love to cook, I love to make different items of food. After finishing our dinner, we go to bed. At the weekend go outside. Sometimes I go outside my country for 2 days. I have made my own world. I just wrap up my personal pain in my professional life.
But now, that is due to coronavirus our everyday routine has changed. I do work from home. I also do some online work. Though we know that now stay at home and be safe. Obviously I have more free time before one. But my forever personal pain could not give permission to enjoy this free time. I do not want to remember my personal pain but Each and every moment knocks my mind, I will never be a mother. Please, people, who read this topic do not think that I am exposing my partner. He or she who passes this way only he or she can realize this pain. It is my own fight with myself forever. Sometimes I feel very depressed. Sometimes I think if I could another chance to rewrite my life.
#Gypsy163
I'm in 'semi isolation', as I only go out to buy fresh fruit & vegetables, and grocery/personal items as needed.
I have no car, so I walk everywhere, am really appreciating my (limited) walks !
Visited the Plant Nursery (around the corner) & bought some lovely new flower plants,& some more pot-plants for my Balcony (making the most of the warm Autumn days, love gardening).
I have no paid work at the moment (as from 30/3) until "I'm-not-sure-when" !
Being adaptable & flexible has allowed me to accept the situation as it is. I've always stretched every $, shopped for 'bargains' & lived a simple life. I really love the 'peacefulness' that now surrounds me :)
Also, I'm so grateful for being a Mum & Nanny, am much looking forward to the day when we can hug/cuddle each other again :)
heeleen
Like a lot of others I am staying inside except for Shopping for food and the doctors. I brought myself a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, which I have not done for many years. I did not realise tha tthe one I brought came with an evil jigsaw elf that kept moving my pieces, taking some away and then replacing them with others that did not fit anywhere at all. Needless to say after four weeks I have still only completed half of it. Not what I would call a relaxing hobby , but the stress from that then gives me a reason to have a wine at night whilst doing it. !!!!!
Shemp
Self isolation - or the more easier to accept term of staying at home - has certainly made me appreciate exactly just how important our every day freedom is to be able to go out and about whenever we like to.
As a result, although initially with some adjustment difficulty, I've come to terms with what has to be, so I've " discovered " that there are many things I could have/should have done that are finally getting the attention they deserve. One is the long neglected veggie patch which has now been reinvigorated so that the variety of seeds that have been patiently waiting in the shed can now be put where they should be - in the veggie patch. I've forgotten what a relaxing pastime it can be just to be outside pottering when turning the soil over and then digging in and mixing in the manure, and in the two weeks since we've had a few days of light welcomed rain.
No doubt, many of us have been able to suddenly find the time read any of those books we've been wanting to read. Also to get into the draws, wardrobes, etc, and declutter. Geez, that feels good. Finally, its done, and I won't miss any of all that clutter I thought for so long I might need......one day.
It's so good to be able to be out walking quite a lot more to see and greet our previously not often seen neighbours,too. Home made pancakes seem to be back vogue. How good is that ?
Although, sadly, we're all in a very strange never before experienced time where the freedom of our usual everyday routines are on hold, it is possible to regain some of the once regular pastimes.
Veggie patch, reading, decluttering, etc, etc, and enjoying that home made pancake with a smile.
jkl421960
My Ceo has taken the precaution of having us all work from home. Our work involves having to arrange contractors to attend properties that require maintenance. We are currently only handling emergency work and the rest is having to go on the back burner which does not make some of our tenants happy. It has been different working from home but I dont mind it although I do miss seeing my colleagues day to day face to face.
Goofus
Hi, being an oldie I have put myself in home detention which I am enjoying. I live on a few acres so am more fortunate than some as I do not feel confined. I have family living with me and they do all the errands. I also tried online shopping for groceries and, due to my messing up the order a bit and delayed delivery due to Easter and I guess a lot of people also ordering, I ended up with 11 litres of milk. We are ploughing through it and should finish before the expiry date. I am currently renovating the house and have done more of this plus messing around with the horses. I am also tackling the garden where you can get lost amongst the weeds. After a prolonged drought and then rain the grass has shot up with vengeance. The current situation is certainly a big challenge, however, I feel we are resilient and will come through all of this with strength and a positive attitude.
des
I've been in training for self isolation the last 3 years having much time off work because of arthritis so being home alone doesn't really bother me at all. Hubby has just been stood down from his job this week so that makes it very scary for us going forward.
We started a health kick in mid January and still going with that he with the man shake ,and me with the lady shake we have both lost 10kg and pretty happy with the results ,since the lockdown we are doing much more walking which is great for our health,diet,and state of mind too. We are also watching much more netflix and amazon prime ,which isn't a bad thing our jobs especially my hubby's in very physical so taking time for ourselves and chilling out is well deserved. Doing more housework I guess being home, taking the dogs on more walks and buying more things online to be delivered so we don't have to leave home. Since I am immunosuppressed and hubby is over 60, staying home and safe is a priority.
Our youngest son had to cancel his wedding so they got married in their back yard with no family present, they are intending to do the big day now in July 2021 to celebrate with the family and then hopefully his brother will make it home from overseas to be his best man. Easter was weird not getting together with the family but we enjoyed the day by ourselves and we have learned how to zoom and have been using it much more to stay in contact with the family. It's wonderful to hear our 4 sons go back and forth with their banter as only brothers can do. I think zoom will stay in our future it's fun and the grandchildren can hopefully use it too shortly.
Only things we are buying are supplies needed weekly no extra spending really for now till we see where the jobs go. We have a small savings account for a rainy day and it's sure pouring now so will rely on that for now as well.
ausjenny
Life has changed. I use to shop several days a week partly due to not having a car and relying either on a friend to do the bigger shops or riding (bike) or walking so would do lots of small shops. I use to go to Maccas a few times a week. I have now been once in the last 5 weeks.
I am shopping about twice a week Tuesday and Friday. I do the church newsletter and on Friday I have to print it out for a few members who do not have internet and then post it normally in the box near the church. I will then do a little shopping and come home. I get exercise and out of the place for a couple of hours and yesterday I had my first MacDonald's ina bout 5 weeks. preordered and picked it up and then ate it at the church before printing the newsletter. (As the church is closed no one else is there).
I have started a quilt (first time in my life). Its a memory quilt from a trip I did 7 years ago which 2 other people were going to do for me but just didn't. I also have a diamond art picture to do (have the beads organized but haven't started yet). I have done more gardening in the past few months than I did in the past couple of years. I did buy both bulbs and seeds online.
I have done a little online shopping as I can't get to the larger regional city. I have to say I have good intentions to eat better but while I am eating less junk food I am still eating chocolate and other things that are not the best for me. I am definitely going out less. I am even using the internet less partly due to the slowness and the fact it keeps cutting out but partly due to there being to much negative stuff on it. I do use FB but with so many friends from overseas who are so political but many are so uninformed I tend to have reduced time online.
There are days I struggle especially on Sundays. I live alone with cats and am sure one thinks he lives in a hotel where he gets feed and comes and goes as he pleases.
sweetypieelizabeth
I am still Working. ...Yet on days off I Exercise and Run then go Home and Shower and Relax, then often I will attempt to Shop for Essentials. ...As hard as it is !
No Isolation for Me.....And I love My Sleep too.
sucharitha31622150
Yes mostly cooking and painting
We are going for walk regularly
Zelda
I've always preferred staying at home anyway, so things are not greatly different for me. One of the things I do miss is being able to sit down for a meal or a coffee in a cafe or restaurant. Eating or drinking on the run is just not the same. I also miss going to the activity groups run by my local community centre. The council has organised some phone hook up activities, such as trivia, chat, and speakers giving talks on various topics; which is fun and interesting. Most of my medical appointments are now via phone consultation, which is okay. Prior to all this, I was ordering my groceries online, which was so convenient. Now, my youngest son has been giving me a lift to the supermarket once a fortnight. This reminds me of why I switched to online ordering in the first place. It's so overwhelming and tiring traipsing through a large supermarket. Something I've been doing less of is eating microwave meals. I've been cooking large amounts of things like soup and spaghetti, and freezing most of them, to be reheated as and when I need them. My physio gave me an app to put on my phone for daily exercises. I feel a lot better for doing them. As for hobbies, I've always had hobbies, so am never bored anyway.
isaacsmum
My experience these past months have been both surprising and inspiring - finding ways to stay positive and move forward. I started the year (and decade!) resolved to leave my job and start a new one. Thinking that the best approach is to start fresh and look for new employment after a short break - to recharge and recuperate from three years of working in an incompatible working environment. As timing would have it I applied for three jobs and interviewed well at all, only to have COVID hit before any written offers were received. The higher education was gravely impacted and recruitment were halted for reassessment. At about the same time schools started remote learning to any families that could stay home. I felt blessed that I was able to do my part for the community and be stay at home parent/ amateur teacher in training. My children were already enjoying coming home to freshly baked goods after school before the world changed and they responded well to remote learning with a parent that was more patient and present than they’ve ever known her to be. We got through term 1 together and felt we really achieved something beyond course work, we gained life learnings and bonded like we haven’t probably since I was on maternity leave and they were babies.
Fast forward a little I got work just before Easter but failed to negotiate a contract that was near my usual salary range. In my new found wisdom, I took it as a welcomed opportunity to scale back and work part time. As a family we continue to thrive working and learning communally and with a balance of discipline (taking scheduled breaks and exercise) and flexibility (taking zoom meetings in the bedroom or wardrobe when that’s the only quiet space left in the house).
It’s been more bumpy keeping in touch with friends and family. My elderly parents didn’t cope well initially to be home bound and didn’t completely understand the need for social distancing. It took quite a bit of convincing and now they’ve settled into a rhythm and we zoom regularly. They miss their grandkids hugs and in time they are easing in their worry for us.
It is definitely a continual adjustment on many fronts for me and I relish in emerging as a better more considerate human. It’s more important as ever to be a positive role model for my kids - their eyes and ears are on me like never before.
My values have changed and this is reflected in how we spend. More of our budget have diverted to food - we buy what we want and don’t worry so much about the cost. We’re more interested in supporting the local restaurants we frequent and other small businesses. I now have all the home food delivery apps on my phone. I am also enjoying cooking new and old recipes.
More quirky developments is that I’ve taken to be more adventurous in trying new things for example I’ve started researching K-beauty and made my first purchase. I’m also beginning to be more creative again, and at last reading again. I know most of us are anxious about the current uncertainty but I am strangely inspired by new opportunities. Let’s gather strength from what we could gain out of this rather than the short term loss - reconcile and re-emerge stronger.
Jabucat
I have been retired for just over 18 months, so life continued as 'normal' for me I guess. My husband is at work, so the cat and I garden, bake, laze for short periods of time, I am restoring a table and 4 chairs, I am a video gamer so I give that a go but usually in the evening, I read books for the disabled, have recently been given the job of maintaining the church's website and reading the sermons into audio format, so I am very busy. Try to go shopping as little as possible as I love being busy here. Four of us on this block are retired and we have a 'sidewalk' chat every so often. Missed out on a drink while sitting in the gutter this evening - darn! :-)
ezz19
I have been focusing a lot more on looking after both my physical and mental health. This is something I've meant to do for years but external pressures always got in the way. The situation has forced me to take a step back and live a bit of a 'slower' life (as I have no job anymore), but I feel this has been a blessing in disguise in regards to me getting my priorities in order and working harder on being kinder to myself, so that eventually I will have the energy and health to be able to look after others.
I've got rid of a ton of clutter from my house, which in turn has felt like a great weight lifted from my mind. Who knew over a decade of clutter could be such a large unconscious burden?
In regards to doing less, I have been doing less reading the news (after reading it constantly at the beginning).
I have been doing more reaching out to friends (both close and the 'acquaintance' type) which has been very fulfilling.
I have replaced a few things at home that I have needed to for years, such as my mattress, which has not been easy with no income, but it has been worth it. I'm considering buying a coffee machine as my one luxury, as I really enjoy my daily coffee but find it difficult to make it taste any good at home.
The_Cat's_Miaow
Fortunately or unfortunately, I have been unwell recently and was ordered to be on bed rest, so now that I'm slowly feeling the benefits of recovery, the impact the virus has had on society hasn't really affected my own lifestyle; I feel as though I am extending the whole "housebound" way of life, and I suppose for the most part I should be thankful due to the time I've had to prepare for this already! My friends and loved ones, however, have had their whole lives turned upside down and their habits are changing abruptly, which is somewhat of a concern. I feel that when people's routines are threatened (or outright taken away) we tend to feel lost. Not to mention the worry we feel for those we care about who are directly effected by the virus or who are in the high risk zone.
So it's important to "check in" with one another (using alternative communication methods wherever necessary/recommend, such as social media etc) and it's equally as important to remember to check in with ourselves, remind ourselves that it's okay to feel off centre - for each one of us the structure of our lives has been thrown into chaos, even those of us who are still working etc as we're all impacted in some unavoidable ways - and tell ourselves it's that it's perfectly normal to be feeling strange, that things will return to a normalised state once again, and to try to be kind to ourselves and remain positive in the meantime.
I've found people in general to be quite considerate, generous and supportive of eachother in these times. And I like to think we can all look at this event as a great opportunity to help each other.
We don't need to shut down communications just because we are isolating.
Radda
Life in lockdown... Sad, isn't it? In our highly interconnected world, is it really possible to run away from a pandemic? Not really... What aggravates the situation is the fact that, in times like these, human beings like to come together to share experiences, show solidarity and help each other.Not being able to seek the comfort of others just adds to the level of stress and anxiety already caused by the crisis. This damn pandemic provides an ideal opportunity to reconnect and strengthen relationships within the family. And that is exactly what I am trying to do right now - spend more time with my beloved ones, talk (not text), have every day walks (we gasp for fresh air now more than ever). This has become one of my healthy habits - at least one hour walk around the block is doing so much good to your mental health and wellbeing. It gives you the opportunity to stop and smell the roses, enjoy this world and be grateful for every little thing in life.
New hobbies - Legos with my child and helping him out with online schooling (it brings back all the good memories of my own school days). I was thinking of getting my kids a fluffy cat to make them happy and keep them occupied, but... I hesitate. It is tough for all of us as it is at the moment, why make it tough for another little creature? We will definitely get one, once this crazy virus leaves our hectic world :)
roger1
What am i doing differently? I feel like life has been turned up-side-down and I have had to adjust almost everything! For three weeks, I've only used my car twice to do (large) weekly shopping. That's been my only trip! I haven't used public transport at all. I have worked from home using communication technology supplied by work. I hate it! I work best by getting energy from the people I work with and by bouncing ideas with others. I'm sorry, but a Skype call can't do that.
I have done more gardening and handyman tasks around the house, compared with pre-virus. I am also watching movies on the TV - I use to go to the movies three times a month more as a social thing, but that's not possible. I miss going to a coffee shop and catching up with friends. I miss seeing my children who, this year, are living away from home. WhatsApp is OK, I guess.
So no new hobbies (except watching movies on TV). My wife and I do a lunchtime walk every day. I do (usual) bike ride on weekend, so that's a bit of exercise I guess.
My spending has collapsed! Apart from weekly shop, I haven't used my credit card for anything. I am damn lucky I have a job (as does my wife). I'm surprised I'm getting on so well with my wife since we're locked up together 24/7.
I am really looking forward to some easing of restrictions - it's the loss of contact with work people and friends that's so difficult.
bc
I am definitely not going out as much - I used to go grocery shopping every few days, mainly on the way home from work. Now, I just go out for the essentials, and I go to the small local, IGA, instead of Woolies. If I have to get more, I will go to a smaller Coles. I buy more at the local grocer rather than going ti Harris Farm. I have always been a large buyer, so m y freezer was pretty much full when this whole thing started, so I just defrost stuff from there. I have enrolled in onr of the free TAFE courses and am working my way thru that...I am doing loads more gardening...I have lost my job an my husband is on reduced hours so we are really really watching our spending until, hopefully, the Jobkeeper payments start. My son has just started UNI....he is finding studying at home OK
saintrobbie
lucky me haven't had to deal with any of the stuff yet have been home on holidays but my work hasn't been affected as I work in health services so all my coliguies are still working hard I hope lol while im not there and as I no haven't had any problems there yet fingers crossed so all best to every one and stay safe we will get trough this in time .
Marian
Life in lock down. I have been in lock down for several weeks now. Only venturing out to do the basic necessities. Mainly shopping for food. I haven't turned to heavy drinking or having 'confinement nightmares' or having to cope with young kids. None of that. But I'm making the most of this time.
The weather, still being fine, I'm able to fix up the back yard, slowly sifting through junk in the back shed and sitting out there with my pets when there's sunshine. I can hear others in adjoining backyards doing the same. Music playing, droning lawn mowers and playing children. A hive of activity out there.
I work on the laptop, or sometimes phone up a friend or family member and chat. Under the casuarina tree, sitting on a chair by the little table. Appreciating the magpies and nature all around me. Just simple, every day stuff I didn't always get a chance to do much of before. I don't need to go out and buy anything to help me cope. I have everything I need. I just stay here, at home, knowing it's only temporary, before I'm back again, to a much busier lifestyle.
squeekums
sleeping more, drinking more, more netflix and online browsing, we taking it easy as everything been ripped away from us so i wont try guilt myself over health eating, exercise, homeschooling
shaper
Life in lock down is very worrying as I am an oldie as is my husband being both in our 70's we are not allowed to go out so we are really in lock down, our grown up children can only see us one at a time as we live in a retirement village and they only allow us one person at a time. Its hard too not seeing our grandson but he is not allowed at all as anyone under 18 is not allowed in. We can go to get groceries and medical appointments but that is all. Anything else we might need has to be ordered online and delivered.All the amenities here in the village have also been closed and we are only allowed to talk to our neighbors but quite far apart 2 meters at least. I cannot walk far due to my legs not working too well , so going for a walk is not really an option. Oh well there are probably some people a lot worse off than us ,so I shouldn't complain. Keep well everyone and stay healthy too.
Sherry
Seeing I am home so much yes I am making an effort to exercise by going for a walk around the local area each day. It is nice to be out seeing different things, feeling the sun on you, getting a bit of vitamine D and feeling a breeze on your face.
I have been trying some new recipes and looking on the internet for new inspiration.
Life is, for me with no children at home, in a bit of slow motion as there is never a time you have to be ready for anything or finished something. So there is never a rush to do anything. I have done from room to room and made a list of things to do. Catching up on things been meaning to do. I have bought some relaxing pants. I only had an older pair but now seem to be wearing these most of the time. To begin with it was easy to sleep in in the morning especially after having a bad night sleep.
I have been doing some hobbies of card making and trying some different things I have found on the internet. Netflix is getting used well. Music is also being played a lot. I think the cat is happy we are home most of the time as seems very happy and makes you laugh with the games it is playing.
I don't buy a lot online but I have bought a couple things as it was easier to get a gift online and have them post it to the person who doesn't live near us.
I have been messaging and calling people more seeing we are not seeing them but it will be great to sit across a table from people sharing meal or a coffee and having a conversation in person.
I have had a video call and will do more as it is great way to see someone. We just need to keep in contact, keep our minds busy and remember to get some sun, fresh air and exercise.
. V
- I am still working as per normal, it is stressful going to work as I am worried I will catch this virus off a customer. I wear a mask and gloves when dealing with the public but when I am in my office I take the mask off and only wear gloves when I am handling money.
I am trying to go walking everyday when I can just to get a break from hubby and kids. Hubby is still working 6 days a week. I am only part time so I am home with the kids more. My daughter is full on into her online studying and locks herself in her room and just does her work with no prompting my son on the otherhand refuses to do the work sent home for him to complete each week.
I have set myself up on 2 different chat/video platforms so I can talk to friends. I am not a big user of them but have given into using them.
I am feeling lazy as I have stopped using weights for working out because my gym has closed but I have a few weights at home and I will start using them.
gtdeb
not done anything different and to keep busy do crafts
Amu
because of COVID-19, we are under Lock Down i.e. home isolation. As a result, I have plenty of time stay at home with my family. on the top of that, I am cooking with new recipe day by day. I am baking cakes, biscuits, doing gardening, clean up the room every now and then, i can organise my time in a disciplined way, I wake up early morning. I know that early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. I am doing some computer games, do some DIY i.e. painting my house one by one, watch the news on T.V , listen to radio, music, watch family movies, funny shows, humerous movies, you tube etc. It keep me occupied all the time. The more I do this every day, the more I get interest of it. Seems to me, I am in a different world, I know COVID- 19 will glide by very soon, we will be back to normal very soon. Just take it easy, don't worry, be happy. Always wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, social distancing maintain if go outside, don't run into rumour, always be positive, be optimist. That's all.
chuckles
I am in self isolation as directed by State Government.The main thing that has changed for me is not being able to have my monthly catch -up lunches with my Brother and Sister.I'm also missing visiting Friends and spending time with my Daughter.The only upside is that we're not spending much money at shopping centre, just getting Groceries.I'm filling my time doing puzzles and watching DVD's, and doing some house work when required.Missing watching live sport on tv or in person.I hope we can get back rot some kind of normal soon, but not in a rushed way.Take care everyone and lets get through to the other side safely.
rozzey
Am in my sixties and only venture out for groceries and pharmacy. lots to do at home, do my surveys, read ,look after pets, gardening, housework, watch a little television. Rozzey
Pennycake
Hallo! As a natural introvert, I have been enjoying the lockdown. Most of my work is already from home, working on social media or in writing/editing. My work in the office for a pregnancy crisis centre has also been shifted to home. Alas, I have been missing working for a friend in a nursing home once a week.
I spend my newly-found free time constructing 3D jigsaw puzzles by Wrebbit or cardboard models by CubicFun. I have been purchasing more models from a local seller to tide me through this period. I find constructing them immensely satisfying and calming.
My husband and I tried to go on a bushwalk in a non-crowded area the other day but left it too late in the day; we shall attempt again next week. We have been watching more movies at home and he has been playing more Xbox games.
We delivered groceries to some elderly friends before they finally figured out how to order online. Another elderly friend dropped an Easter card in our postbox yesterday - shall have to check on him, he lives alone and is used to serving daily at Mass and teaching religious education weekly. I shall also ring a friend interstate who is suffering from being so alone.
My weekly prayer group now prays together via WhatsApp.
My husband and I were preparing more homecooked meals but in the last few days we caved and got fast food. The time seems to slip by so quickly for us at home, immersed in our hobbies.
Alsom
The major change for me is all the actives that I take part in have all been canceled. While I still do my 5k walk and now trying to home school my grandson which is a real task as the way they teach them today is so different from when I went to school
joeoden
The wife is on the age pension, I'm on the disability support pension both of our physical conditions have prevent us from taken weekend getaways for the last 5 years our local shopping habits had been cut down to 1 main & 1 top up shop each week and making sure doctors appointments fall on the same day as our main shopping day.
Besides home duties both of us would sit in front of our computers browsing the web to learn about many things, using Facebook and playing computer games. Basically we have been in semi isolation for the last five years treating everyday like a Sunday.
Still do all of the above the only change for us during these times is the wife stays at home because of being over 70 and I try to keep to the social distance laws when out shopping.
We wash our hands more often.
I have almost stopped one bad habit (touching my nose)
We have already replace most of our appliances in the last 9 months.
We have recently purchased a twin deep fryer to replace 3 smaller single deep fryers
We should get by financially because we do not drink alcohol or smoke and have had to stick to a tight budget for many years
breville
I am quite enjoying lock down, I am sending more time , cooking from scratch, doing jigsaws and I have started a new hobby of candle making. So i have plenty to occupy myself with.
bearman
I am working from home at the moment due to social distancing requirements at work and not wanting to get into any bad habits I am still exercising every morning and going for a run around the oval across the road from my house. After work I am keeping my brain active by dragging out a few play station games that I never got to finish and I can now find cheats for on the net.
My kids are enjoying me being home more but the wife is not happy as I tend to leave a mess in the kitchen when getting a snack while having a break from completing a mission on Grand Theft Auto.
Now instead of getting frustrated from driving to work everyday, in my gamer world i just run up to slow drivers and bomb their car while having a shoot out with any police that are near by and try to spoil my day.
I hope this virus doesn't finish before I get to the final level!
Mikhael
LOCK-DOWN.... does have some GOOD points.... love to my GARDEN & love to COOK and during normal everyday life (work, chores and family) I do not get to do it as often as I like to.
Now, that I spend all day at home, I can tend my GARDEN (which is made up of about a third of an acre of FRUIT & VEGETABLES).
The only product I really need to buy is MEAT & FISH.
I have some favourite chefs - SHUNICHI TANABE (Japanese), MOSHE SEGEV & YOTAM OTTOLENGHI (both Israelli) & ADAM LIAW, MATT STONE & REYNOLD POERNOMO (Australian - with OVERSEAs influences)
Apart from taking ideas from the above chefs - I also like to play around with my ideas using my garden herbs etc.
While enjoying this LOCK-DOWN period, I also love playing several Computer games and catching up on all MOVIES I have missed out on over the last couple of years.... GO NETFLIX
Hoping everyone is WELL & STAYING SAFE....
Cheers - Mikhael
tlw
I normally work from home, so not much has changed for me. I am applying for every online focus group and other work that I can do at home. I have started gardening a bit more, which I really hate doing, but I need the sunshine and fresh air. I am really missing being able to drive to the beach. I have been busy buying birthday party supplies for my partners birthday, as it is very likely that we will have to celebrate at home.
azumarisan
I pulled my son out of school one week before the West Australian Government decided that we should keep our kids home if we are able to, so that's been 4 weeks now of having my son home from school, while still working from home and trying to juggle being a mum, keeping my son entertained, working, being a wife, cooking/cleaning etc....it's a huge challenge with little credit.
What I'm doing differently now is staying at home 99% of the time except for late at night once per week going shopping at Spud Shed. I take my son for a bike ride every evening but that's his only time out of the house apart from going out to play in our garden.
My hobby is crochet so I've been keeping myself busy making scarves for friends and family for winter, now working on a pixie hood for myself :)
I've been cooking a lot more than usual - we would usually eat out once or twice per week - now it's restaurant mum! Though we did celebrate two birthday's during lock down so we ordered Uber Eats for the first time, this was really nice and got me wondering why I didn't order from Uber Eats sooner, it's very convenient.
I've been gardening a lot more and spending time hanging in the back yard, appreciating the little things, bird and insect watching.
My husband is going to work and back every day so that's our only contact really with the outside world.
What I've been doing less of is watching the news, going onto social media, I've had less contact with friends on social media - not because I mean to, just because they seem to absorbed in their own worlds and social media is less social now.
I've bought lots of vitamin c and vitamins online, I also bought myself some tea, I'm thinking of buying some winter clothes and some books for my son and I. E-books are all well and good, but I find myself longing for a physical book, there's nothing quite like turning the pages of a real book, the smell of a real book and being able to get it down out of the book case and read it over and over. :)
chocogirl
No new hobbies, just carrying on with day to day activities. Miss going for a daily walk to the shopping centre and to church on Sundays. Have been adapting recipes because everything has gone up in price.
Littlelegs
I am isolating at home as much as possible as instructed by the relevant Government bodies and only trying to go out a couple of times a week to do the essentials, such as buying groceries, checking mail, getting medication, etc. As our post office is close to a local Subway store, I will call in and pick up some lunch for us so we are still helping to support some local businesses. We also have purchased Dominos pizza (delivery) over this time which is a normal purchase for us but we have, for the first time, ordered delivery from our local Red Rooster store, and have ordered a couple of times since. Most days are spent with both the TV and computer on, whilst doing the normal household chores such as washing the clothes, etc. I have found myself cooking more evening meals than previously, now cooking 4 or 5 nights a week whereas before I may have only cooked 1 or 2 nights a week. This, of course, should be a lot healthier and better for our pockets, although fresh food is not that cheap to buy these days either. In the other area of healthy habits, we are washing our hands with soap & water, quite a bit more than we had been doing in the past.
gobbytart
I am 65 and have problems that could adversely affect me and make me more susceptible to infections.
I returned from an expedition cruise and went straight into government sanctioned self isolation for 2 weeks. (This is on top of the 4 week isolation that we incurred on the expedition )
I subscribe to Lite n Easy and organised for a delivery before I got home so at least my food was sorted.
I am now priority for supermarket delivery so supplement my diet with extra fruit and veg.
My local pharmacy deliver and I do on line shopping for anything else.
After my compulsory 2 weeks I put myself into isolation.
I treated myself to a High Tea one afternoon. I got out the best china and crystal glass. Dressed up in my finery and sat out on the balcony. It felt like the perfect treat, miniature sandwiches, macarons, scones with jam and cream.
I am planning little treats each week.
I contact friends and family electronically, facebook, video calling and telephony
I meditate, watch tv, do puzzles like suduko, suguru and crosswords
I also colour mandalas adult colouring books) I find that very restful and relaxing.
I need to sort my photos from my last trip. Delete the bad and out of focus shots. I want to make a visual diary. I will use some of the photos to make calendars as Christmas presents for Family and friends.
I live in a city but I have a fabulous view of the river, so the landscape is constantly changing.
Just biding my time and planning where to go for my next holiday in a year when hopefully, there will be a vaccine and we will be able to travel again
gobbytart
Thank you.
I don't see the point in negativity. It serves no purpose and not only causes depression for yourself and those in contact with you.
The high Tea was good fun. I really made it feel like a special occasion, which lifted my mood immeasurably.
I recommend it, or something similar to everyone.
azumarisan
The high tea sounds like such a wonderful idea!
It must be nice to see the river and do a bit of people watching.
Hope you'll continue to be safe and enjoy your time in isolation, you seem like you have a great positive attitude. :)
Ziah
As someone who has multiple chronic illnesses and is immunocompromised, I have been medically directed to 100% "self" isolate indefinitely. I have not left our property (a small outer suburban block) in over 4 weeks. I do not shop. I do not "go walking", I do not see anyone other than my husband, who is in his 4th week of working from home and is starting to go a little stir crazy with working 12-14 hour days because his colleagues are not paying attention to shared calendars and ringing whenever they want anything at all. He is constantly on the phone, in a chat and a Zoom or Teams meeting all at the same time. He can go shopping once or twice a week, but we try not to, as he is at risk of bringing the virus home every time he goes to the store. I get the bulk of what we need delivered by Woolies, as I am able to get a Priority Window (but Coles will not as we don't have a concession card or NDIS), and a local farm-to-customer fresh produce company as it is fresh and local, but I am having great difficulty getting essential medication that is keeping me alive. I have a week's worth of one, and no idea how to get more. Even my pharmacist is unable to help.
I started a few raised veggie beds (carrots, baby spinach and mixed leaf lettuce) and they are doing well. I am about to do a second sowing of lettuce and carrots to stagger the harvest). I go out in our small backyard every day to tend the veg and my flowering pot plants and rose garden. I take photos, trying for something different each time. I post a photo of the day to my facebook page, I participate in photo challenges set by a photographers' online group I am in. I edit photos from my archives that I haven't edited before, or re-edit with fresh eyes. I bake - tomorrow it will be hot cross buns for hubby (and to take to his mother on Saturday when he shops for her) and a vanilla slice for hubby's "birthday cake" (his request). I am part way through a 2000pc jigsaw - and i have over a hundred jigsaws in the storeroom ready to be assembled. I play video games. I exercise on my cross trainer, rowing machine and free weights most days. I Facebook. I do surveys. I chat to a few friends and try and lift them up.
And no-one except hubby knows I am 100% overwhelmed at all times, and even listening to music of other noises can push me over the edge. I can feel the fear coming from everyone I talk to. I feel every bit of their anxiety and worry as if it were my own. As an HSP empath I absorb all the emotions that anyone around me has - even from fictional tv/movie characters and the like. I have lost all desire to be creative; my studio is completely neglected and I cannot even bring myself to journal. It's awful.
One thing that makes me laugh is the irony of all the new jobs available. I have been looking for work for years, and there has been nothing available in my area. Recently our local stores advertised many vacancies due to COVID19, but I can't apply for them as I have to stay isolated from any chance of getting it - and wearing a mask in public is not safe enough for my particular needs.
Something that annoys me though is the fact that nearly 2 months after the first wave of panic buying, we still cannot get toilet paper, cleaning wipes, disinfectant of any kind, hand wash, body wash, wet wipes or alcohol for sterilising purposes in our local stores at all - not even online, but other areas can. We are lucky in that prior to this nightmare, I always kept us stocked with at least a month's worth of most non-perishable things, but we never had disinfectant, I'm rapidly running out of toilet paper, handwash and alcohol gel (even though we are rationing carefully) and we have nothing to sanitise things that come into the house except soapy water. I worry about that, too.
You asked what we have bought to help us get by. I just realised what it was. Right at the beginning of hubby working from home, we got him a capsule coffee machine. His one real vice was his morning coffee on his way to work (he went to the same coffee shop every weekday as he walked from the train to his office), and he was going to miss that routine. So now I make him a pod coffee every morning, and again when I take him his lunch. The nice coffee helps his stress levels and we have developed the new routine that helps him cope with his isolation from his colleagues, vendors and other contacts.
I know we have months of this to come - and I am unlikely to be able to leave the house for the remainder of 2020, so I know I have to finds ways to make the best of this situation. All I can really say is I have to be grateful that I am #safeathome
Momma Bear
Since the lockdown I have started to plant more flowers in my little garden, which is giving me lots of joy and can't wait until Spring to see the blooms. I've also been cooking a few more meals in my slow cooker so I can freeze some. I am also trying to get the rest of my refunds from my cancelled Italian holiday so making more calls to try and get my money back, hotels are the ones being difficult they still think we can go in May, but our flights have been cancelled so we can't go. AirBNB have been fantastic didn't have to ask them for a refund they contacted me to say they would refund if we could not go and they have.
lisasimson
Trying to work from home, but encountering IT issues.. What I'm doing differently now is staying home more often and avoiding public transport as much as possible.
I've also started going for daily walks.. essential to keep healthy.. Physically and mentally. Have bought a laptop for work, and extras like hand sanitizer and room spray with Australian essential oils, for example.
Ellie 30656027
The only thing doing differently is working from home, sanitising more and cleaning the house more. Not really anything less. Bought more cleaning products and more food to store.
freddy2112k
To me personally it's just like normal. I.jave been off work for 10 years after hurting my back at work have very little money after getting shafted by Workcover SA and made to apply for the disability pension to have some money and them ontop was diagnosed with MS 5 years ago which makes going out of home and socializing even harder than it already was.... So I so to all the recently unemployed....welcome to my world ...but hay...aleast things cant get any worse.... well that's what I thought to.....hang onto your hats people...
K13
I'm so sorry to hear of this Freddy. You are right, self isolation is the least of our worries, there are people out there who have been isolated for years through no fault of their own. Take care mate xx
freddy2112k
I certainly know the feeling of not being able to get out... cant walk far at sll.. back pain means I cant weight bare without a walking stick on my left leg my MS had made it that I can't wear a shoe on my right foot as I have a hyper sensitive foot just air brushing past it hurts. Cant feel my right shin or right thigh and I loose balance easily. My MS makes me suffer from serve fatigue and an highly effected by heat.. so if home isolation was my only problem , what's the problem in the term of the big picture.
K13
Hi Freddy. People like you have been isolated for years but they don't spare a thought for those who cannot easily get out and about. I wondered when all this first started if more people would say things like "I am starting to realise how disabled people feel" but nope, it's still all about them and how they are "suffering." I hope you are doing okay.
sirrom50
Well since all this started I have still been going out for a walk down to beach, grabbing a coffee and walking back home. So I am still getting my exercise and at 67 I am in the so called risk zone but I am not really worrying about it at all. I refuse to be locked up all day long and later in the day I still go up to the shopping centre which these days is almost dead. You cannot get eyes tested, hearing tested, buy shoes. The main things open are the little coffee shops that are serving take away, newsagent, chemists, Kmart & Coles. All the jewellers are closed, hairdressers, clothing shops except at present Lowes. In a way I just wish that all the media should stop being so dominant and scaring a lot of people.
jmvids
My wife has been stood down from her retail job and I have taken 20% pay cut to remain employed in my "essential" workplace. My workplace is now closed Saturdays with the company cancelling all overtime so my wage has suffered. Luckily we can't go out and spend money on entertainment so having less pay is fine for the timebeing.
With the extra time off I have been for walks to get out of the house and also used the spare time to catch up with video editing which I had less time for prior to COVID19.
The Disney channel is a cheap way of providing a Marvel movie marathon.
Also puzzles and lego have helped.
Workwise though, I haven't slowed down and due to our LWOP days we have had to do more with less. Stressful but glad to be employed.
hispania
I am doing lots of things that I haven't done regularly or haven't done at all before. I am having family get togethers with children and grandchildren in different countries and different cities in different time zones through the use of Zoom, an app I have never used before. I am exercising more and more regularly. We are walking twice a day to make sure that we break up our isolation at home and to get sunlight and fresh air and appreciate the beautiful autumn sights. We are eating one meal a day in our garden - once more to break up the day and to give ourselves a difference from being inside for 3 meals 7 days a week. I am connecting via text or email with more people - all those I normally see once every 6 weeks or so. Now I am "chatting" with them at least once a week. I am experimenting more with my cooking and baking. Initially this was because I decided I would use up everything in my pantry and there were things I didn't know what they were used for. With a bit of help from Google I have discovered a whole new set of recipes. Another reason for making new and different recipes was because there were things I didn't have and couldn't get. When I didn't have a certain ingredient I googled a solution or I just made a guess how I could manage without that ingredient. I am buying less because I am relying on online ordering and delivery and I don't want to have too many plastic bags and I don't need as much at the moment because I am still using up everything hidden away in the pantry. I had quite a few tins of mixed beans, chickpeas and tomatoes, for example. But I am buying more of the non-essentials because I am trying hard to keep local businesses active. I am buying online and having things delivered. I have a tidy house because I am cleaning up a lot while I listen to music. All my clothes are sorted and mended or discarded or recycled. I have had my flu shot, I am healthy and active, I am keeping up social contact and I am nejoying the clear skies and the return of the birds.
pebbles
My time. Has been very constructive. All the art shows I was going to enter this year. Have been cancelled. But I have been. Focusing on painting. As many. Pieces. As I can for entries next year. I am even stepping about of my comfort zone and trying new things. I am going to have to. Get to an art supply store very soon I need more canvas. But I need to save some $$ as I am not able to to sell any. Finished works. At present. I don't mind lockdown. I am enjoying it stepping away from the fast pace. Of. Life. It's like having a breather.
I have also taken time to do a little weeding in the garden. And planted some veg. I want to put in some native fruit trees. This year. The main reasons are virus in my postcode. Get. A disease from wasps. And the other is natives survive. Better and tend to survive. Our climate better because they have developed over time to be hardy I hope people are. Enjoying some down time with their families. I do realise some will find the going tough. Because they have no job. Hope it all improves soon for you
Reeree82
As someone who went out a lot, I'm readjusting to being at home in an apartment.
I'm now working from home, so that gives some structure to my weekdays. For work, I've bought a portable monitor so I have a second screen to use with my work laptop and I've also bought a flatbed scanner. I've bought stationery and storage items to get my work area in order. I might buy a proper desk chair soon.
Outside of work, I'm trying to find other activities to give my day structure. I watch the news most mornings and stream a movie/show most evenings. I've reactivated my Stan account and started an Amazon Prime trial, but haven't gotten around to reactivating Netflix yet! On the evenings I'm not watching a movie, I'm usually watching an artist livestream a performance. There are a couple of favourites doing weekly performances at the moment, so that helps with structure too.
I try to go for a walk every day, and have dug out all of the unused exercise equipment at home to use so we keep fit. I have a book by the bed to read when I wake at odd hours and call family/friends every day. I also make sure to spend quality time with my partner every day, but given we're now together 24/7, it's equally important that we get time to ourselves.
On the weekends, I spend time studying with my online course and am planning to start another short course in order to upskill. I also use my weekend time to practice music and catch up on any chores I hadn't gotten around to during the week.
In terms of housework, I've been buying a lot more household cleaners, disinfectants, gloves etc and am waiting on the delivery of a UV sanitiser for my phone keys etc. There seems to be more housework now we're always here.
The other big thing that's changed is groceries/diet. We buy most of our groceries online now, but have had trouble sourcing a lot of what we'd usually buy. As we both have dietary requirements this has been challenging, but we either get creative or go back to (bland) basics.
The only other thing I have bought is a milk frother so that I can have semi decent coffee and I'm likely to buy a few more pairs of trackpants!
toxicgherkin
ISO is hard. Bloody hard. I understand the absolute need for isolation. I respect and abide by this though that doesn’t make it easy.
What am I/we doing differently? Well, my whole household's routine has been thrown out of kilter. I was an early riser - self-employed here. I would typically wake up around 4 am, get up by 4:30 am, and be out the door by 5 am, with at least one coffee under my belt. Now I'm wide awake at 4 am, tossing and turning, disturbing my partner's slumber, and checking my iPhone for news updates, particularly relating to for COVID-19, and whether there might be residential tenancy rental relief on the horizon. I do fall back asleep but tend to have disturbing, vivid dreams. It's a highly stressful situation. Both of us are effectively out of work. I'm anxious, depressed, and despondent. We can make this month's rental payment. In the immediate future I am truly doubtful. It's a terrible situation. I feel disempowered. I feel that my shoulder-to-cry-on is less available to my partner. We're having 'difficulties', that weren't on the radar prior to ISO. Problems manifest quickly. How much of this is due to COVID-19 pandemic, and how much was down to us (in the background), I really don't know. My partner is almost at the chain smoking stage, is sleeping far more, going to bed later than me, and rising far later than ever before. We're consuming more alcohol too. It's very concerning. There's loads more usage of streaming content, smartphone use, and Facebook during the day It's depressing trying to purchase the basics, like toilet paper and household cleaning products at the local supermarket. We had to resort to making 'do' on the former though stock availability is now (slowly) resuming. I'm cooking a lot more. Snacking a lot more (I was never a 'snacker'), and adopting couch potato position for a goodly part of the day. I'm on my laptop whilst partner binge watches streaming TV series and movies. I hate it. Absolutely hate it. No new hobbies for either of us though we now have chooks, as of three weeks ago. That's helped cheer me up, as when I'm bored, I'll watch the chooks. I watch the chooks a lot!!! We're far friendlier with the neighbours too now, as we have a egg circuit. Far too many eggs for us to consume so we give a dozen to neighbour-next-in-line when we have it to give. Respecting social distancing of course, and hygiene. Doing less of anything? Well, music is my passion. Playing the piano especially so. Even though I'm home 99.9% of the time, I have not touched the piano since ISO commenced for me three weeks ago. I think it's three weeks. I've really lost track. :-( On the positive side, and we shouldn't have splurged (though did), we purchased smart home hardware (Google Hub and Google Nest MIni units) as well as smart lighting for several rooms. Partner had fun programming certain routines. That fun was short-lived though. We use it. It's part of the furniture almost. Next....? I'm really interested to read of others' feelings on this whole health situation. My life, and livelihood, has been upturned. I do wonder how I'll get back on track when restrictions are lifted, and what, if anything, I may do differently. Hmmm...
K13
I am only going out if I absolutely have to as I have chosen to use up some of my accrued annual leave. I don't even go out for exercise because if someone coughs or sneezes into the air, those germs stay there for hours. People don't seem to understand this which is really frustrating for those of who are staying home. The longer they think it is ok to walk out the door to exercise, the longer those of us self isolating will suffer. It makes me really annoyed because those people are making decisions that may impact the lives of me and my family.
I brought some jigsaws online just after Christmas and have dragged one of those out of the cupboard and have been doing that when I get a break from the kids. I love my kids to death but don't want to be stuck with them 24 hours a day haha. I was saving the jigsaws for a rainy day and I guess right now is a rainy day. I am also doing a lot of reading of autobiographies and true crime novels. I am averaging 2-3 books a week. The kids have been doing a bit of baking, I have taught them general life skills such as making a budget and how to pay bills online and thankfully they are not even asking to go out because they understand that whilst people are out and about, this is not going to go away and they do not want to be a part of the problem.
One thing we have done differently is that we have had someone in the nursing home teach Grandpa how to use Facetime so we spend a lot of times talking to him. Often the kids will be in the kitchen doing something and I can hear Grandpa in the background talking to them while they cook, it's beautiful. Today Master 10 was in his room chatting to Grandpa and I could hear him saying things like "No way!" and "Wow" in an amazed voice. I snuck up to the door to listen and Grandpa was telling his enthralled Grandson about his time in the war. Guess who wants to join the army now? This evening I could hear laughter from Miss 6's room so I went in to see what she was doing. She informed me she was talking to her friend and it turned out there is a lady in Grandpa's home who has no one so Grandpa is sharing his phone and his grandkids with her!
I am doing less beach trips, less park visits, less family walks. In fact, it is not even less, we have stopped those things altogether to do our bit so this virus goes away. The kids understand why they cannot do these things for now and I was pleased when Miss 6 said to me "It doesn't matter Mum because when we can go to the beach it will be extra special." What a great kid.
To help us get by, we have brought more craft supplies. The older kids are knitting beanies and scarves for the homeless which we will drop off to the Wayside Chapel in Sydney. The younger kids wanted books so instead of purchasing them, we put a shout out on Facebook and swapped some of our old ones with another recycler who also had books to get rid of.
I had to laugh on the weekend. Master 10 was at the window making sign language to one of the elderly neighbours across the road. She was holding up a sign that he could not read properly so he got his sister's phone, took a picture of the sign, enlarged it and realised the lady wanted him to ring her up. So now he has an array of phone numbers for elderly neighbours and he makes sure he rings each of them every day. They all have their own time slots and are limited to 10 minutes each "because Mum, I have so many people I need to get back to!" I don't only love my son, I really LIKE him. He sure is doing his bit to lessen the loneliness of the neighbours.
Miss 16 has discovered yoga and has started an hour long session with her siblings twice a day for exercise. She is also a contortionist and is attempting to teach her less bendy younger siblings how to bend their bodies in ways that I personally think she be illegal haha.
We are coping fairly well these days. It was hard with the change of routine at first and we missed Grandpa terribly but now that he is Facetiming us, we've also made a new friend in his fellow resident. The kids rarely touch the computer or any kind of technology really, they are not bored and they are also getting on a lot better with much less fighting which I am relieved about. Miss 14 is still antisocial and spends most of her time alone but she has always been a solitary child. We have set up a book in the dining room where the kids are welcome to write down any questions they have, any fears or suggestions of what they would like to do. We then sit around the table during dinner discussing what has been written in the book that day. It has been a great way for us to get to know the kids better and them to know us. Even grandpa is with us on Facetime while we eat and discuss life.
People please, STAY HOME!!!!! If you go out to exercise, how do you know you are not walking into someone's germs who sneezed or coughed a few minutes before you came along? If their germs get on your hands then you can obviously wash your hands when you get home but are you also washing the bag you took, your phone, house keys etc? Are you changing your clothes and washing down your door handles or anything else you touched before you got a chance to wash your hands? When you take off your shoes, how do you know that you have not accidently stepped on someone's germs and not realised?
The choice is up to us, we can stay home and it will be gone in a matter of months or we can go out unnecessarily and it wont be long before you cop a fine for checking your mail box!
I hope that all stay safe and we get through this together rather than being divided like we are now.
Please people, don't post hate on my comment. I have 5 kids and an elderly father to consider. I am also considering your kids and your elderly loved ones in my choice to stay inside.
snakelady
My life in lock down has not changed a great deal, being a snake catcher I am not essential until the snake enters a building.So I still exercise 5 days a week I walk my three Chihuahuas a few days a week. My shopping habits have decreased instead of fortnightly shopping I am going once a month for essentials, I would love to put my kayak on the river but I dont know if its allowed. Hope all this ends soon
BL
I have been staying at home and only venturing out for Bunnings supplies for the jobs I am doing and for groceries. My wife and I have been working inside and outside of our home. We have renovated our laundry, tidied up and planted out our vege garden and chainsawed and tidied up two fallen trees in our yard. About 5 tonnes of firewood carted down the back for future use. We have now started cycling each day about 6 to 10 k's and a few walks. We keep in touch with family and friends via phone, facetime and Zoom.
jan
My husband and I are now doing a 30min exercise routine with weight bars. I used to do this in a girls group but brought the bars home when group could not continue. We are both also taking turns to do 15min skype science sessions with grandkids aged 3,5, and 7 as they are all home schooling. This has had us reading up on all sorts of topics using our extensive book collection.
I am buying more books online as libraries close. Doing less.. no makeup, easy clothes and I have stopped dyeing my hair!! Will really need a good haircut once we can get out and about. I am 70 so think I am doing OK!!
normap
We have not really changed our habits that much. I was volunteering once a week, but have been asked to put that on hold, but now I call my clients once a week to have a chat and let them know I am thinking of them. I am also phoning my friends more often. My husbands has lists and list of all the DIY things he wants to do, but so far has not around to any! I am thinking a lot more about food and once breakfast is finished I am thinking about lunch and dinner!. I have always enjoyed groceries shopping and now that is almost a highlight of the week.
Keerah1
I work full time in a supermarket. But I'm not a homebody. So I decided to make items as I have a creative side. Im knitting a scarf, crochet a hat, made ten birthday cards with wacky envelopes, made smudge sticks. I miss driving to the Southern highlands NSW. And miss sitting at a cafe. I am doing more walks than usual which I need. I've discovered a have a waist woo hoo. I do sit under a tree having lunch and worry if birds will "Drop" some luck so to speak.
Michael31984373
Life is not different when I’m working as I’m a FIFO worker. Unfortunately I’ve gone from 2:2 roster to 4:4 due to govt flight restrictions. It’s hard to keep the kids entertained as they’re not in school, I have 2 boys with too much energy. I take them for bike rides everyday. My wife has has more time to cook more meals at home, trying to be as healthy as we can. Not a lot of spare time but trying to do odd jobs around the house. We’ve subscribed to some streaming channels eg Apple and Disney+
Bindii
My husband has been working from home since the 2011 Brisbane floods so nothing much has changed for him. I took 3 weeks off work to self isolate as I’m in the high risk category (autoimmune diseases and on immunosuppressants) and while I was away, my employer organised for me to return on flexi hours doing night shift so I’m minimising my risk and contact with other people. I’ve also rediscovered the joy of walks without distractions. I would normally go with my headphones to listen to podcasts or music but instead, I go with nothing and I’m really getting to know my neighbourhood after moving here 4 years ago
clem_lun
Absolutely nothing! I am doing less of everything haha!
suzel
I am busy organising photos and stories for my blog. I am also spending more time planning and preparing healthy meals. I am retired but live alone so I am checking in with two friends every day just to keep us sane. I am not getting as much exercise as I would like but I am following exercise routines such as Activ8 on Zoom. I am also catching up on movies and tv series that I have missed. I miss community activities and will be pleased when they resume.
colin phillips
i am on a disability pension and have been stuck at home with nothing to do for 20 years now, so the lockdown hasn't changed my life at all.
Mikaren
For me this is a normal routine anyway. I am unable to do much because of a back injury so I'm usually on the computer, doing puzzles, reading or watching television although I have begun shaving my dog (not too good so lucky she doesn't look in a mirror). I normally shop monthly but since that's not possible we've been going through our freezer and cupboards to prepare different meals. I even had a go at making ice-cream which didn't work out that bad. Would be a great time to catch up on a lot of housework and the garden area but not possible for me so my son is in charge of that. One thing I have started doing is drinking lots of water and have cut out my diet cokes which I think I will continue to do.
barbiedoll99
I thought that life in lockdown would not make much difference to me as at 86 I do not get out much just shopping, doctors and family outings to dinner with them, BUT I have now found the excitement of on line shopping, I love it groceries, chemist and clothing sites I am having a ball. I can't wait until al these goodies arrive at my door AND no carrying them home from the shops. What fun I am having.
Stay well it wll eventually finish.
AnneS
As my husband and I are both retired being in lock down is not very different from normal. The biggest difference is not being able to visit family and we felt we had to decline an invitation to have lunch at our son's home during the Easter weekend. I am using my time to catch up on surveys and forums like this and I have been doing extra cooking. At the moment I am making Pea & Ham soup using a left over ham bone. I am also making another batch of my Vegie Pasta Sauce which should give me some for tea tomorrow night and at least five portions to freeze for later. I am hoping to get some boxes of items sorted and clear out things I don't need any more as part of an early Spring clean. We are also trying to keep our exercise up by walking around the block every day.
jo_c
The "Lock-down" has taught me, more than anything else, that we can survive with what little we have, materialistically. Our society has been excessively concerned with physical comforts and luxury, that we easily buy into every comfort-labeled products that we see - a lot of these luxuries can be easily replaced with generics (basics) which are always cheaper or at least even alternatives. We do not need to be expensive to survive, we need to be smart-spenders to live life to the fullest. Spend more time with basics - our own family is part of our "basic"and be more appreciative, so we can be more caring and be more considerate.
Zalie31575398
Hi, I am in my 70's and was out of the habit of cooking every meal from scratch. With time on my hands and the Hibernation pages from the Herald Sun I decided to try new recipes. I have packed meals for my sons and for a disabled lady in my complex. This has made me realise how tasty and healthy home cooked meals are and I now do not rely on take-away and frozen store bought dinners quite so much. Though I do miss eating out and attending morning melodies, etc. I walk every day and have been most grateful for the lovely autumn weather to be able to do this. I have adapted quite well, though I miss my time with my children and grandchildren but dropping in the meals keeps me feeling connected. With buying I have found my grocery bill higher and was lucky enough to secure three lovely jackets just before shops closed. I keep my eye on the on-line sales of local shops and are currently looking for birthday and Christmas presents. I agree with everyone, it is lonely in self-isolation and I am just waiting for the day our Government states we are ready to open up and head back to 'normal', whatever that may look like in the future.
Lee31358851
We haven't really been doing anything different - other than the loss of my childrens' daily training (they are competitive swimmers and usually train at least once a day). As time wears on it is worrying all of us about how much condition they are losing and also leading to increased frustration due to the lack of outlet for their energy.
Captured
We would like to know what have you been doing to adapt to life in lockdown/isolation?
I now have 4 kids who are all doing school by remote learning from home so that has been a bit different. We are currently in holidays, but had 3 weeks of homeschooling before that.
Otherwise, life hasn't changed too much. The hardest bit is not going out.
What are you doing differently now compared to before the lockdown? Are there any new hobbies you have started doing to keep yourself busy? Have you started to develop healthy habits?
My backpain has flared to the worst it's been in about a decade simply because we cannot get out of the house. We live near a usually quiet park, but since everyone has been asked to stay at home, the park has never been busier with families and groups of people coming to the park to walk, picnic, play games, etc. For that reason, we have stayed at home rather than gone walking in the park.
Other than helping my primary aged kids with their schoolwork, i have been knitting, doing tapestry, doing puzzle books to keep myself busy.
Is there anything that you are starting to do less of?
My younger kids use my laptop, so i have been getting to use my laptop less over the past month. I have barely left the house in almost 2 months now... i look back on feb/march and kick myself for not going out to do shopping and things i had been putting off.
What have you bought, or are you thinking about buying, to help you get by?
We bought a TV for the loungeroom so the kids could watch TV and hook up the Wii to it for a bit of entertainment.
ranbaato
We have stayed at home except for a weekly visit to the supermarket.Because we qualify for the oldies hour shopping has been quite pleasant.Most items we want are usually in stock.At home it has been a time to catch up on a lot of diy home maintenance.The house has never been so clean. We have watched a lot of on demand tv services as well.
jocol
Washing hands more often. Complying with social distancing. Can't buy what I need to look after myself properly and no solutions seem to be offering themselves.
Yqsymnx
I'm not isolated, still at work and commuting to the city every day.
But that's fine as I like the ride in.
I'm not really doing anything differently... at all! Working standard hours, then come home and fix dinner and have some relax.
I would love some isolation time so I can catch up on TV. Have 100 shows to watch. Read books, I have 1000s of those.
Games I haven't yet played and that's just on the PS3. Haven't even considered the PS4 or anything else.
Cooking, gardening, soooooo much I want to do.
Don't need to buy anything. We stocked up long ago well before this pandemic. So if there's any shopping, just a quick run for fresh groceries. I haven't been to Bunnings in a while. Might do that soon as I just need some bolts for the one that fell off my pair of garden clippers.
mossie
I do volunteer work through the Salvos. My workload has got busier. I work in Welfare as the receptionist and I hand out food to those in need.
I am glad to be able to help.
Bella4927
I have been baking alot more, reading and doing major garden projects. Today I am getting garden rock, dirt and pavers delivered. So I have been kept really busy in the last 3 weeks; and everything has been done over the phone or internet so no going out for me which is fantastic.
annie
With my family of 5 in self isolation we have just been going shopping for essentials when absolutely necessary.We go shopping as early as we can to get in the queues and wait and hope that the essential groceries that i need are still available.Have been entertaining a 5year old grand daughter who really can not understand why she is not at school and able to see and play with her friends.to pass the time we have been playing Monopoly,cricket,hide and seek,drawing and colouring in
Glenn60
Thankfully I still have full time work in health so isolation during days off aren't a problem...still need to buy groceries etc though and crowd queues are a nuisance.
tuyet_tran
lucky for me I am still able to work so its not complete isolation but I think the kiddies are getting a little bored and missing school. They love hanging out in the sun out the backyard and the street at the front but its not the same for them but they are coping well with the full pantry full of goodies.
Joh :)
Even before we went into self-quarantine, my 10 yr old had heard about the coronavirus at school, and was anxious.My 18yr old has Aspergers and was having meltdowns over his strict routine being majorly disrupted. I pulled my youngest out of school 3 weeks from the end of term 1 as i just got out of hospital from having emergency surgery to get a Pacemaker implanted. I also have Gullian Barre Syndrome so i am immunocompromised and am at a higher risk of contracting the Coronavirus.
For the first week, i decided not to talk about it at all in front of them, but explained we had to be careful and wash our hands a lot more, etc. There were still lots of cuddles and contact within our self-isolation bubble, they adapted quickly to the new routine and I was careful not to e.g. cough on them.
We have relied on friends and family to drop off grocery supplies since online grocery apps in our area became inundated about four days into our self-isolation. We get groceries delivered every second or third day and try not ask for more than 10 items at a time. We did a decent shop on the first day, but decided not to fall into the trap of bulk buying. We’ve used the opportunity to clean out our cupboards, finishing all half-jars of beans, quinoa, rice, pasta, etc. Fresh ginger, garlic and lemon are always in high stock as their natural vitamins boost immunity.
On Saturday night we had a house party. Of course, not an old-fashioned one, but a virtual one. 9 friends got together over the Houseparty app, we drank wine, played trivia and charades while discussing the viability of "corona cell families" (i.e. how we can go into self-quarantine together and do less washing up). We have celebrated my now 10yr old's birthday last week in self-isolation and keeping up these rituals has kept the family strong.
There are moments while baking a birthday cake or dancing in the loungeroom to PINK's "Funhouse”, that the WhatsApp group ping fades into the background, the heightened stress of our ever-changing corona world dissipates and we can feel real joy.: “It is reminding me of the shortness of life and what is most important for us to do … "our purpose is not to buy toilet rolls.”
I've also been introduced to the social media platform TikTok, where kids upload self-made music videos.We dressed up and karaoke'd the day away. We had the computer on and FaceTime loaded and one by one my friends, my kids friends joined in.as more people arrived, the smaller all the picture squares showing their faces became.
We didn't finish until 11pm. There was a lot of laughter and it was great to be able to connect with everyone.
On a "can't be bothered day" i have binge watch some Netflix and Amazon Prime shows that i had been putting off due to lack of time - Ozark, The Witcher, Riverdale, The Originals and a few others with a bottomless supply of popcorn and pepsi max.
I prepared a scavenger hunt for the kids the night before to do while i was really busy (The Witcher). The scavenger hunt consisted of 50 items they had to find inside and in the backyard. When they found all the items they had to make something out of them using at least 10 of the items. I eagerly allowed them to use the "hot glue gun", for the first time.. Hey desperate times call for desperate measures ! I though this would probably keep them busy for a day or 2.
The ‘What on Earth Should I do with My Kids’ website is chock-full of easy-to-plan and accessible activities, and is designed to get the whole family together for a feel-good dose of tech-free fun.
I think what i've learnt so far from self-isolation is the importance of keeping some structure and normality for the kids, but not to be hung up on it so that it causes stress, because the kids pick up on that.
Much as staying in your pyjamas all day is a nice idea, you do need to get on with things and try have a normal life.
I think i have have slowed down a bit. You suddenly realise how busy life was before, and how much time taking the kids to sports and training and other activities took up - and the time we now have as a family.
Goulah
Two months ago I was tootling along doing a bit of this and a bit of that with "for fun" classes for the over 50s and visiting art galleries and exhibitions. I would catch up with a couple of my friends for meals here and there and generally have something on most days. Everyday appointments were had, hair cut and basically did what I had for the last few years.
I am vision impaired and cannot read or write - all my survey taking and forum discussions are done courtesy of Siri. It takes a lot longer than for those who can see everything but at least it gives me an outlet. There are apps to read out some information via the camera, smartphone enhancements for voiceover and dictation options so I am not completely cut off but I have discovered how the world runs differently for those who don't have the ability to normally access the internet. Give me a photo and that is fine; let Siri read out the printed back story and that is also fine but put any written word (or number) within that photo and I am unable to access that information. It has been that way for nearly eight years so I am accustomed to it.
Things came to the fore in February when normal changed forever. Social distancing is a new expression learnt and has been followed rigorously for over a month - no supermarket shopping, no interacting with other people, no "essentials". Under normal circumstances that would be okay but as most things are now done on-line, boy are things difficult. No being able to contact anyone to get food or groceries, friends/acquaintances/family not being able/willing to visit and me being even more independent than usual. After being without fresh food for two weeks I gave in and messaged my next door neighbour and asked if he could buy me some groceries. He was most apologetic that he "had not thought to ask me" and he was willing to buy some fruit and vegetables as I have respiratory and mobility problems and am unable to leave the apartment.
Life is not bad, only unbalanced. I watch a lot of television and Netflix, sleep way too much, get up (and go to bed) late, do physio exercises a couple of times a day, and try to keep in touch via the phone with a few friends and sister. One thing that Siri found for me is a site with a virtual jigsaw section (there are only 36 pieces but it does keep me a bit distracted). I don't mind my own company but certainly would like to be able to go out to lunch or dinner as I cannot cook. Thank heavens I had some tinned fish and frozen meals before the pandemic hit. I am unable to buy any goods or services so am making do with what I have for the foreseeable future (which to me will most probably be six months). A friend's mother died three weeks ago - she was 15 years older than me) so I am not willing to be out and about until things get "safer".
I am not unhappy with the "lockdown process" but by the same token I wish it was not necessary. As someone said, I have a roof over my head, warmth, distractions, enough food to keep me going for the next fortnight and the thought that though things may currently be awful for so many, "this too shall pass". The next generation will be a lot wiser one would hope. I will add that although my superannuation has been decimated, I have lived frugally for many years and have found that you can live on less than $15,000 a year (thank you Newstart/Jobseeker).
justinsleary
I have been trying to adapt both mentally and physically to lockdown, for me this involves an emotional shift, namely mentally and emotionally adapting to no longer interacting with family and friends 'in person'. At first I thought this wouldn't be too hard, as I am mostly an introvert and only would see family or friends once a week at most, but to be honest, it has been harder than expected, and I am finding that it seems to be mostly taking a toll on my mental health, not seeing people in person at all. So for me I have been trying to stay healthy with a good diet and exercise. As part of my commitment to self-isolation, I have stopped my daily walks in the neighbourhood and instead do half an hour or more on my indoor exercise bike. So far so good, I actually think that the bike is making me fitter than when I used to just walk for exercise daily. So that is the key thing I am doing differently, much or most of the rest of my lifestyle apart from now not going out at all except once a week to shop, is unchanged.
I probably am watching a little more catch up tv these days since lockdown began, I have been binge watching "The Mentalist" on TenPlay, and also watching a lot of "The X-files" on SBS on demand. I wouldn't say I am doing much else differently nor healthier, apart from daily riding on my indoor exercise bike. Like mentioned I am finding all this is having a negative impact on my mental health, so one immediate goal is to focus on doing more meditation and mindfulness practice, I am thinking about enrolling in a low-cost online mindfulness course to sharpen my skills in this area and hopefully improve my mental health.
There isn't really anything I am doing less of, excepting the obvious, which is I am no longer catching up with family and friends at all, ever.
I am not thinking of buying anything in particular to help me get by, I do treat myself every week or two to something nice for myself, but nothing specific to do with this Coronavirus outbreak. Perhaps I may treat myself to a tv subsription (although I already have Amazon Prime video), mostly as I miss watching live sport, and I used to have a Kayo Sports supbscription but cancelled this a few weeks ago due to the fact that pretty much all live sport (excepting horse racing, which I find boring) has been cancelled globally. Although, I do hear that the Belarus soccer competition is in full swing, but to be honest, I have to say I am not that drawn to the Belarus soccer matches, good though they may be.
Angieg
We are social distancing and staying home as much as possible except for going to buy groceries or medications. My son's uni studies are all online now, he has adjusted to that well. Not being able to visit my elderly Mum, whom has congestive heart failure, has been the most difficult thing to deal with because she's very isolated now and I really miss visiting her, along with the rest of my family. I've been keeping busy at home by gardening, organising things, cleaning and the usual chores plus cooking budget friendly, healthy meals. I've stopped watching constant carona virus news, only getting highlights at the end of the day now as it was making me overly anxious. No, I have not bought any things to help me get by mainly because the cost of most grocery items (especially fresh produce) has increased in price. Cannot believe that it is STILL a challenge to find toilet paper; thought we would have ample supplies of it by now.
Alana30692902
There are so many things that I would love to be doing with the so called "down time" but I have two kids under two so I don't have time to do any of them really. I miss going to the park and meeting up with friends and their kids. and just the normality of going to the shops and people not flinching. it breaks my hear but I know why. Aussies are such a bunch of friendly people.
I have definitely been eating better because most meals are home cooked although my husband and I get dinner delivery once a week to support local business and to have a night off cooking.
The only thing I have tried to start doing is my digital photo books.
Lilibet
Lockdown and self isolation is becoming a way of life now. I'm doing more jigsaw puzzles and working on my collection of digital photos. I've found that I'm not as interested in getting meals despite having to do that for two of us. One of the most annoying aspects is the rigmarole that takes place in supermarkets. I still go out three times a week to get fresh produce. I'm certainly aware of social distancing and practise it rigorously. It's other impatient people that can't wait despite it being obvious that people are standing in certain sections and waiting their turn to get the things they want . But the attitude of entitlement leaves a great deal to be desired as these people dart in and grab what they want in front of others who have been observing the distance rule. Is it right to draw attention to this type of behaviour or should we all just ignore it?
I get out for a walk in the park most days too and my partner goes off for a couple of hours. I'm concerned for him as he's in the high risk category if he should contract this virus. But he's a man of deeply ingrained habits and doesn't want to change them despite the risk factor.
I miss my friends and now call the. Using FaceTime or Zoom. My whole family got together for a Zoom session on Easter Sunday. We are spread around three different states.
JS77
Hi Lilibet, it is great you are able to take advantage of FaceTime or Zoom to spend time with your family for Easter!
shazza55
I am a self funded retiree so I haven't lost my job or income which is good. I miss catching up with friends and family and shopping. I am still having one on one gym sessions with my gym instructor in the gym car park, I go Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and in between she posts exercises on Facebook, we are so lucky she is so dedicated. I really miss seeing my kids and my gorgeous little grandson ! My husband is also retired so I am used to being at home with him, we are grateful that we own our home and have savings.
musicmum
I am lucky because my life has not changed much, I was already staying home a lot anyway because I am studying and my course provider said we can do our study at home before we had the restrictions put in place so instead of touching base in person we can do it via phone or email. I also could not afford to travel and never went out to eat, and gave up coffee years ago so did not go to cafe's anymore either. The only difference is I cannot do my usual online Woolworths shopping and have to go to a store so in fact I have to go our more! The only issue is I worry about my mum who is 83 and has no social life anymore, even though her friends are phoning all the time she is missing the physical contact. She has no health issues either so it is a bit unfair for her.
marktime
What you miss on the hurdy gurdy you pick up on the merry go round sort of thing. While i am not going out of a friday night i am watching the races and losing the gains. Thursday used to be a full day of SVDP work with face to face interviews to determine what welfare etc we could provide followed by data input of the results.. I Have also started to take more pride in my yard as i purchased a battery mower and did away with a contractor so i have been pulling out the odd patch of prickles and Black Wattle suckers. .
jaylee215
Oh God, what a year so far. Bushfires, then I get really sick/have to be hospitalised, then pretty much the same day I walk outside healthy again to re-join the outside world everything is shut down. I’m living alone at the moment so lockdown was pretty tough initially. I’ve been watching a lot more tv and spending more time on social media. At first it was just to pass the time but the funny, honest and heartfelt content people have been posting has really helped me get by.
My pledge to become a Masterchef and spring clean the entire apartment fell to the wayside but I’ve taken up my Spanish lessons again, downloaded Zoom and tried to use the time to plan for when this is all over because it’s going to be very hard for me to re-enter the workforce in my previous industry.
I’ve been getting more sleep but other than that I haven’t really become more or less healthy. I think on some level I’ve been trying to eat healthier just because I have a pre-existing health condition and I don’t want to get sick. I started buying puzzle magazines to keep occupied and I’ve downloaded a lot of games, podcasts and music on my iPhone. I’m tempted to treat myself to online shopping but I have to budget at the moment and think long term. Taking this time to sort through ‘life admin’ I’ve put off for a while is easier now knowing that many others are doing the same thing.
Baral bikash
lost my job due to corona virus. staying home, talking on the phone, bit of gardening, exercises, Facebook and lots movies. hope this will end soonish
prod001
I'm doing a lot of cleaning, a lot of cooking, a lot of reading. I'm enjoying the silence, but missing the contact with family (particularly my grandchildren),. I am learning to be more patient, not to read too much about the virus. I am commenting more on social media as a way to reach out to friends. I haven't bought any frivilous things like clothes, mostly I just do grocery shopping. I have given up on buying sanitiser and made my own. It smells awful but it works.I am texting my children more and sending them photos of us (and they are doing the same). I have lost a significent portion of my income because the universities that I do contract work for have gone online. But that's ok because I am not spending as much. I am trying to stick to fairly strict budgets so I am not eating into savings too much. I haven't bought takeaway for months now, although my local coffee shop has reduced its prices, so I buy about 3 takeaway coffees a week because they are lovely peop;le and I want to support them. I have also 'bought' several coffees for people who are homeless or in need and I have joined a group helping health workers. I guess I am watching more TV than before and I try to do more surveys to keep me busy.
prod001
I'm doing a lot of cleaning, a lot of cooking, a lot of reading. I'm enjoying the silence, but missing the contact with family (particularly my grandchildren),. I am learning to be more patient, not to read too much about the virus. I am commenting more on social media as a way to reach out to friends. I haven't bought any frivilous things like clothes, mostly I just do grocery shopping. I have given up on buying sanitiser and made my own. It smells awful but it works.I am texting my children more and sending them photos of us (and they are doing the same). I have lost a significent portion of my income because the universities that I do contract work for have gone online. But that's ok because I am not spending as much. I am trying to stick to fairly strict budgets so I am not eating into savings too much. I haven't bought takeaway for months now, although my local coffee shop has reduced its prices, so I buy about 3 takeaway coffees a week because they are lovely peop;le and I want to support them. I have also 'bought' several coffees for people who are homeless or in need and I have joined a group helping health workers. I guess I am watching more TV than before and I try to do more surveys to keep me busy.
JS77
Hi prod001, it is very generous of you to remember the local Cafes during this time, especially buying coffees for others!
marcia1945
My husband and I have been isolating since all this started, and we are so blest as we were on the Ruby Princess the trip before and we got back to Sydney on the 8th February. I have kept busy and the go doing things around the home, things I usually get time to do we are both in our mid 70ies. I had to give up my volunteer work at the Nursing Home as I always went in on Fridays to do their nails and Pastoral visits. also the opp shop shut down and the Exercise group for the Parkinson Group so I was always on the go. My husband says if I don't stop washing all the time I will wear everything to pieces as I have been washing nearly day. I have OCD and I can't sit and do nothing so I have knitted a cardigan for a lady at our church in the past 6 weeks. My husband used to do all the groceries shopping and other shopping all the time and he gets very depressed that he can't go to the shops every day, but when he goes he wears plastic gloves and a mask always. I pray that this terrible disease will vanish and I pray for all who have lost loved ones especially Children. Stay safe and well everyone as we're in this together God Bless you all always
marcia1945
My husband and I have been isolating since all this started, and we are so blest as we were on the Ruby Princess the trip before and we got back to Sydney on the 8th February. I have kept busy and the go doing things around the home, things I usually get time to do we are both in our mid 70ies. I had to give up my volunteer work at the Nursing Home as I always went in on Fridays to do their nails and Pastoral visits. also the opp shop shut down and the Exercise group for the Parkinson Group so I was always on the go. My husband says if I don't stop washing all the time I will wear everything to pieces as I have been washing nearly day. I have OCD and I can't sit and do nothing so I have knitted a cardigan for a lady at our church in the past 6 weeks. My husband used to do all the groceries shopping and other shopping all the time and he gets very depressed that he can't go to the shops every day, but when he goes he wears plastic gloves and a mask always. I pray that this terrible disease will vanish and I pray for all who have lost loved ones especially Children. Stay safe and well everyone as we're in this together God Bless you all always
trishf
Things are so different for me now, 3 weeks ago I had a good job, went to work each day, weekends were spent doing shopping/cleaning and having grankids sleep over. Now I have no job, no income, can't see my grankids or my elderly parents. But we all have to make sacrifices if we are going to get through this.
AI
I do exercise at home twice a day like stretching, yoga and Taichi. Watched youtube a lot, sometime watching Japanese variety or drama, sometime listen to Japanese pop, rock or healing music.
Choir lesson had suspended. At first, I practised choir songs but now I sing a song with Nintendo 3DS Joysound as one song is free to sing a day. Also, in the morning, purify the air and environment with Singing ring and energize the each room with that instrument.
Caperteewaratah
I am a registered nurse, not in the hospital setting, but in occupational health. So we do medicals, drug and alcohol testing and immunisations.
We are currently doing medicals over the phone and skype and have to have PPE on for drug and alcohol testing and immunisations.
I am a bit sick of looking at computer screens and need to get up every half hour or so and walk around a bit. Not having much real human contact is very isolating.
There is a very real risk of contacting this virus when with other humans - as it is very contagious.
It seems like we are all getting to see what is was like before immunisations when many children died of measles, diptheria and may have been effected by polio, tetanus or even died of these diseases, among others.
The antivaxers should now be able to see, just what progess medicine has made to have kept these other diseases under control with herd immunity and vaccination.
We all hope to see a vaccination available asap.
musicmum
There is no such thing as anti-vaxxers it is a made up word by the vaccine companies to put down and isolate anyone who questions anything about vaccines, those who care about what ingredients are used and the rise of too many vaccines, and the damage some of them have done.
crumpy
I brought an old dolls house from Marketplace and been restoring it for my daughter. No idea what I’m doing but I’ve found a lot of help online. Also I have been getting up at 5am and going for a jog which I rarely used to do as I’m not as active now I’m stuck at home!
I used to go food shopping a few days at a time but now I do one weekly shop which is weird. I like fresh food but I freak out whenever I have to go into a shop! I also get my shop done in less than ten minutes whereas it used to take at least 20.
renee2786
I am making home a place to enjoy the lockdown by making sure there is plenty of entertainment and activities for my kids and relaxing bedtimes and wake up times now there is no school and work.
I mussel have started doing crosswords again and crocheting to pass the time and taking part in arts and craft activities with my children.
I have not developed any healthy habits if anything I am indulging a little bit more cause why not chocolate and yummy home made treats always make things better dont they not? lol
I am doing less of going out and about shopping online and seeing friends and going to restaurants as they are all closed and I am trying to save money by not shopping online for the short term
I have bought arts and crafts activities for the kids recipe bakes like cake mixes and signed up for netflix
stay safe all lets hope it is over soon
Cookie3095
Trying to keep grocery shopping to a minimum, instead of doing top-up shops. Working life for me hasn't changed much, being a nurse. I'm baking A LOT more these days, but I am trying to counteract the baked goods by increasing my exercise, going for runs/ walks. Trying to keep spending money on unnecessary items to a minimum due to my husband, like so many others, not being able to work. My kids seem to be adjusting fairly well but homeschooling has been a little challenging so far. I'm sure it will get easier as time goes on. Missing my family and friends but grateful that we are all safe and well.
amazon69
I got stuck in Darwin, things here are much better than the rest of the country fortunately. Luckily picked up a house sit prior to the lockdown. Have watched alot of movies during this time. Cycling around Darwin is fantastic best cycleways in the country.
My biggest complaint would be the stupidity of people hoarding toilet paper, flour, meat and rice as well as other items. Completely selfish and taking advantage by price gouging fellow Australians
Ben31639802
Hi cafe study.
Life in lockdown for us is working from home. My office is in the kitchen, which is better than some of my colleagues in fairness. I've got my work desktop here and have taken over a third of the space
I'm taking a more liberal lunchbreak which means I get out and walk - something I didn't do when in the office. But my active movement is down given I don't ride to work or walk to the train anymore.
We're keeping a fairly similar routine to the old normal with tv, cooking, eating, sleeping. What's been good is appreciating the fresh air when we can.
Impulse buys have been kept to a minimum, but I'm thinking of getting some resistance bands for my home workouts
pjohnw
Managing to survive so far, first few weeks in lockdown were fine, kids on holidays, everyone getting along , just life as normal as could be, except not being able to go out . Quite surprised that my teenage daughters ( 16 and 13 ) were happy to stay home and spend their school holidays alone, kept in contact with friends on line so they were happy.
Today has been a bit of a challenge, back to school from home for them, two in high school, one in primary, two teenage girls were fairly well prepared, only glitch was school internet set up, took near an hour for them just to log in, and it kept dropping out, but they managed to get it all sorted and completed all work needed.
My primary school aged son was a bit different, apart from the fact he has Austism, his school is using a different system and it was a nightmare to try and work out, plus having to help him with every part of his work. To be honest my 13yo daughter set up his ipad and account for me between her own classes.
Must say that after only 1 day i have a kinder outlook on teachers and what their day must involve, hoping that once i get into a routine with my son and his school work , things will run a lot smoother, i'm praying that it is so, as the Victorian Govt. has indicated that home schooling will be with us til at least term 3 , 10 weeks away................OUCH
One benifit of home schooling is i have not had time to think much about the lockdown today, just hoping that this all gets better soon, and that everyone stays safe and well, cheers , Peter.
musicmum
I homeschooled my son and it was the best time ever, he is now 19 and still studying at home. Good luck and enjoy the time, follow the lead of the kids, and take a walk when needed.
LMO
Life in self isolation for me is great. I get to spend so much more time with my daughter because she isn't at school and her afternoon activities. We have been walking the dog twice a day and enjoying our own fitness/zumba inspired circuits in the back yard or garage. We have been doing a few craft activities and bullet journal making during the day. We are growing some vegies, but add to our supply by buying once a week from a set up road side stall.. In fact, we are eating so much better, as we have time to prepare and then cook amazing meals. We have been relaxing and watching movies from our dvd supply. When on-line school starts next week we are ready. I get to help my daughter and she gets to show me what she can do. We will break up her learning time with our isolation activities. Overall, feel healthier, fitter, more relaxed and less stressed.
Alex S
I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm on a temporary work contract until the end of June and I am able to work from home. I'd feel a lot more comfortable if I had a permanent job, but any work at the moment is a plus. By working from home I have the same income but far less expenses, so I'm able to save a bit more than usual. Unfortunately I can't get to the gym, so I've been finding other ways to get adequate exercise in, but motivation is hard. I'm writing this as a means to procrastinate going for a run. It's so much easier to go to the gym and do what a trainer tells me to do than figure it out for myself. But so far so good. I might look into personal training at this time while I have less expenses. The only problem is that I need to consider what happens once my work contract ends, and build up adequate savings to see me through. I can't complain though. I have a job and a roof over my head.
Jude30693100
I am a very extroverted person who likes being out and about. Lockdown and isolation is a big change for me but with two young daughters, I remain occupied and sane. I am working from home and today we begin schooling at home which will be a challenge with two. We have had to make some purchases like a better office chair and my husband bought materials to start building a deck so that's been a hit to the finances but I'm lucky to still have a job. I miss seeing family and friends and our holiday has been cancelled but I'm learning guitar and enjoying family time.
sandy
I have been alternating between a very hard jigsaw, crosswords and trying to de clutter. A friend of mine bought me a new craft to try before the lock down so I have started that. it is called diamond dotz.I am also trying to downsize all my material goods. So there is not a lot for my children to sort when it comes my time to pass on ( which won't be for someime yet I hope.) I live in a over 55's village and have plants on my back porch flowers and edibles. I also have a vege patch at the back of the village.I never had time to do this when I was working and i have my 17 year old cat to keep me company.When I was on the farm as a child there was sisters 5 and 6 years older away at boarding school, anda brother 5 or6 years younger so I had to learn to entertain myself.I have cleaned cupboards and cooked recipes I have always wanted to try.Sandy
Goulah
My (mid 40s) niece does diamond dots and loves it. It seems to take a lot of patience but the results are lovely.
Bernd
It has been hard not to physically touch the Grand Kids, but due to technology it has been lovely to see and talk to them on Skype. Also I now spend more time phoning friends and writing letters to people I know just to keep in contact.
The best thing is keeping the mind more active otherwise you could easily get depressed, by not being able to go out and enjoy yourself actually visiting loved ones and friends.
bev1410
I have taken up gardening. Very time consuming, very satisfying and most rewarding, tidying up areas that weren’t used and a bit of an eyesore. Also one hours keep fit and exercise a day.
Nikki67
Basically being in lockdown has been very hard, at home I have been doing a lot more art and crafts, with my grandson - outdoor exercising on the trampoline, gardening and slip and slide. Indoors we have been doing a little more learning activities, writing and painting, drawing, letters and numbers, dancing and making cleaning fun. we have all as a family been very mindful of sanitisation and washing our hands and showering if we do have to go out for essentials. Health and mental stability is of the utmost importance so keeping busy is good.
Rynni
I'm only half in lock down. I work in a supermaket and are classed as an essential worker.
I'm thankful to have my job, it does become trying sometimes but that is life. In addition to my working life at home I've made changes.
I eat whatever I want within reason, to maintain my help and my sanity.... not deemed as a healthy mentality at the moment but with my anxiety I have found it works. Plus customer abuse is something that I can only tolerate for a short while.
I've caught up on my old favourite games and movies that I loved as a kid while at home. I clean my house differently, instead of the end of the week, I clean a bit each day and set myself something to do. This helps eliminate boredom eating and not being active outside if work hours.
For food and essential shopping, I do bigger and less frequent shops, to avoid going out unless for work or absolutely essential. I want this pandemic gone. I had major plans like many others did this year and they have fallen through unfortunately.
To continue my activity levels outside if work, I am looking into at home gym equipment.
The biggest thing that I do take as a massive positive is that my credit card debt is lowering each week as my gym membership has been stopped for a while, and obviously no one can go out anymore so I do appreciate that I have a job and are able to continue paying my bills. My thoughts go out to all those less fortunate than I at this time.
Izzy bee
With the coronavirus virus it is hard to just go for a simple walk. Unless you are going to work shopping doctors the ones that you are allowed too. Nothing is simple now everything is so expensive to buy as people started buying and hoarding so now everyone is suffering. Food prices have gone up too I don’t know why. But it is frustrating and not fair on the community.
Hopefully it will slow down and get back to normal soon. Feeling bad for the people who have died from the virus and their families.
musicmum
You are allowed to go for a walk it is part of exercise.
Brad
We're thankful we live in a rural location, on a ten-acre property where we aren't at all housebound. We've been a l-o-n-g time preparing for Winter and our gardens and orchard produce organically-grown food. What have we been doing? Cutting, storing and stacking firewood; gardening, skyping friends and relatives here and abroad... and riding our eBikes long distances along dual-use cycle paths and deserted bush tracks.
Things we miss? Dinners with friends, enjoying restaurants and wineries; boating, camping and fishing... and being able to visit our sons in Canada and the US. Oh, we also miss wholemeal flour (due to hoarding?) Who'd have guessed that all our supermarkets would be short of flour? Are we Aussies becoming a nation of bakers?! :)
Brad
Pretty special, isn't it, Chocogirl? Maybe it evokes fond memories of our grandmothers' baking, when we were little kids(?) During today's quick once-a-week shopping blitz, we noted the absence of wholemeal flower, yeast, frozen blueberries, and prunes.
Had our free flu' shots at the local pharmacy today. Rang ahead for appointments. Lots of paperwork (and we had to produce four different cards: DL, HBF, Medicare, Seniors) but immunisation might help us prevent four strains of conventional flu' this Winter... .
chocogirl
I agree with you, the aroma of home baked bread is wonderful, I love making bread at home too and I am missing wholemeal flour, have not seen any in weeks.
Brad
Hi Musicmum,
Yes, we're very grateful to be able to enjoy this lifestyle. It was a l-o-n-g-held dream... and we endured many years of remote desert living (out-in-the-middle) to get here.
We don't eat a lot of carbs, but avo/eggs on homemade toasted bread... and fruitbreads... are a once-a-week breakfast treat! My wife's multi-grain bread (linseed, oatbran, pumpkinseeds, sunflower seeds, etc) is pretty special. Our fruitbread contains chopped dried fruit we grow and later dehydrate, with nuts and seeds... and is pretty amazing, too.
I think I'd really miss the aroma of home-baked bread, especially in winter, when our wood stove is fired-up... and I'm anticipating a newly baked crust or two!~
musicmum
How lucky are you to have 10 acres and lots of organic produce!! Maybe you need to think out of the box re; bread making, you can make bread out of other things or just give up bread, I no longer eat bread and do not miss it.
Sandy
I'm over 70 so in self isolation. Found a couple of jigsaws in the cupboard and have plenty of reading and of course Surveys on the computer. I only go out once a week to the grocers, between 7 and 8a.m. and the chemist if scripts needed. I still walk in the nearby park each day and do a few exercises also.
Lee31358851
Stay safe Sandy. Enjoy those jigsaws and your daily walks and focus on the return to normality some time in the future.
JS77
Hi Sandy, it is good to go get some fresh air by exercising at the park!
Caperteewaratah
Hi Sandy, I also live by myself but I have a job 3 days per week as a registered nurse. Our company is having to do medicals over the phone and computer - and if necessary we may have to see some of them if they have risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol, in person and gown up with full PPE.
I was just thinking when I saw your comment, good old jigsaws - I have some also and used to do a lot of them on holidays as a kid but they are really good for your brain and kids learn by matching shapes and colors - they may also learn some patience as some of them are quite hard to do.
rokit
Hello, fortunately i am not in lock-down, little has changed for me, less work, less income, trying to manage finances etc with a small business, trying times ahead.
Sandy
Good luck with your Business. Our NAB has just closed without warning and can't get my pension or transfer money to the credit card. Have severe arthritis in hands and not keen to internet bank.