Life in Isolation
The latest news from Cafestudy
Posted by: Caféstudy
6th May 2020 01:32pm
Life in isolation has challenged all of us to adapt to the current state of abnormality. We asked you how you have been impacted by the lockdown and what you were doing to adapt to it. It has been revealed that while change is compulsory, using isolation as an opportunity is optional.
Changes
All of us have had to make changes during this period, with the two biggest changes coming in the form of employment arrangements and social interactions.
Those still with their jobs have adapted well to working from home, as technology is being relied upon even more so, with the increased usage of Zoom, Slack and other communication tools. Unfortunately, many have had their work hours reduced or have even lost their jobs.
The situation has forced me to take a step back and live a bit of a 'slower' life (as I have no job anymore).
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.
Easter was very different this year. A day that is usually spent with loved ones, Easter became a reminder for many that those big family gatherings will have to be put on hold for the time being.
I miss catching up with friends and family.
Not being able to visit my elderly Mum, who has congestive heart failure, has been the most difficult thing to deal with.
Opportunities
Many have seen their time in isolation as an opportunity. Technology has allowed for us to resume many activities such as exercising or talking with friends/family, while being able to learn new skills such as learning languages or learning new recipes in the privacy of our own homes. Others have used their time in isolation to complete projects around the house, such as renovations or gardening.
I’ve taken up my Spanish lessons again.
I am following exercise routines such as Activ8 on Zoom.
Adapting to change
When forced to adapt people have been inventive, opened their eyes to new opportunities and structured their lives to be the most productive within constraints/confines. Brands and businesses can learn a lot from how everyday people are coping with this new normal. It is becoming obvious which businesses are ahead of the curve and which are desperately playing catch up or keeping their heads buried in the sand. This is not a time for 'Business as usual’.
Being adaptable & flexible has allowed me to accept the situation as it is.
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.
Comments 13
mongi2145
All I've heard from friends and family is fear + negativity during the lockdown but I see it as a great opportunity to take back "me time". To do everything I said "I've never had the time for" when I was working. The fact that I have my 9 - 5 back + the additional time (which I normally use to go out and see friends) is a good change.
It's a fun change of pace being and I'm enjoying the silence.
purplrab
purplrab
I am pretty secure financially (aged Pension) but I really miss all the activities and friends associated with them - music group, writer's group (now on Zoom), poetry group, singing and other incidental group meetings. There is a U3A Current Affairs group which meets on Zoom. I hate it. Several people dominate and it seems to make me feel even more isolated and lonely. The writer's group on Zoom is a bit more friendly. I hate Zoom!! I hate having to wear a mask. They are so uncomfortable. I took my dog to the vets yesterday for some booster injections - all communications through a barely opened slide window. I was standing on their verandah in the cold wind for over half an hour. It was freezing! We had snow in our area (Central Highlands, Victoria) that morning. Getting fed up!
William Tell
I miss going back to my land of birt to Switzerland to see my twin sons and their children
PGS
No major changes, life is much the same, just not spending on train fares.
flo
No real change for me as I am retired and spend most of my time at home in the garden, but must admit to sanitising and washing hands more often after shopping
saintrobbie
not a problem for me as im on lsl pre retiement
Jodiddleo
As an aged pensioner I think I’ve been treated very well, apart from not being able to see my family, I was able to continue my online shopping, speak to the Dr with phone appointments, have my flu shots and the Government gave me $750 ! I definitely want to support local businesses, forget the supermarkets for meat, I found a butcher that delivered to restaurants & clubs before the pandemic but went into home deliveries, I’ve never tasted such great meat, the local hamburger shop now delivers for $5, such a good deal ! Let’s put them back on their feet by supporting the hard working local business !
wendel
Nothing changed for me, I'm retired.
ventnorgirl
I have missed flying to see my 9 grandkids ,miss their hugs and kisses . hope to see them before Xmas
Brad
Adapted pretty well until poorly-maintained 19th century technology (poles and wires) went out in a storm. Two daze without electrickery! Solar panels and battery back-up look pretty good... even at Synergy's _miserable_ 7.135c/ kWh FiT rebate.
jjdrer
One of the hardest things for me is not being able to see my great nieces and great nephews. I saw one very briefly today.
Where he would normally run to me he wouldn't even talk to me for a few minutes. Initially he didn't want his favourite chocolate milk. A few minutes later he asked for it. Social Distancing means that all community and sports events are postponed or cancelled completely until further notice. I think that is what effects most children. The older toddlers know the routine but don't understand why they can't go.
I worries me even more that some could catch a combination of CORVID19 and Flu. Our Local Medical Centre ran out of the first batch of vaccine within a few days because they didn't get as many as they told the Govt, they would need.
Jimmyfish
Isn't it interesting that people need to be told to wash their hands and be hygienic over the most common things we do on a daily basis. Isn't it also interesting that less than 100 people have died (most elderly or with pre existing conditions) over this whole period, but the media and government fail to mention that on average 400 - 500 people die every day in Australia, do we hear about that, strange we do not. Because the media love the hype, focus on one topic and keep on it until people believe this rubbish.
It is unfortunate that people have passed away, yes, but we really need to be sensible and move on with what is really important.
How many people died of influenza last year? How many people died from suicide, car accidents, murder, domestic violence?
Apparently there is nothing else happing in the world due to this VIRUS, truly amazing.