Summary
So, if I had to summarise what to do during that self-isolation period. We would advise the following. However, you have to remember that a lot of this advice was not available until day 10 of my self-isolation, yes, yesterday…here is that link again, plus a few more, followed by our advice
https://icmanaesthesiacovid-19.org/
COVID-19 – Your one-stop resource!
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/
https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
And for Podcast lovers, there is this https://www.nbmedical.com/NBPodcasts
For advice on mental health, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#collapsef0341
If anyone is interested in statistics? https://who.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ead3c6475654481ca51c248d52ab9c61
To conclude, our top tips for isolation (remember this was from a bunch of healthcare workers):
- Plan a daily routine with a variety of activities and stick to it (avoid the tempting midday nap!)
- Create messaging groups with other self-isolators
- Exercise regularly (try and make a routine…even if it is press-ups, hoovering or even stair-reps). As a suggestion, The Whitlock Workout book is a suggestion. Max Whitlock (Team GB’s Double Gold Olympic Medallist) has put together exercises you can do at home using your sofa and pillows. ISBN number, 9781472268143 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07TMW63W1/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
- Plan your deliveries so that you have a selection of food, drink and activities (time slots are at a premium)
- Prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing; consider mindfulness apps and yoga. Mental health charities have good advice on their websites.
- Use your time productively:
• Write a list of things you want to achieve over the two weeks
• Update your portfolio, finish writing your manuscript, read the most recent journal articles, complete accredited online Continuous Professional Development and upload the certificates, revise if you have a future exam
• Do the household chores, sort out your bills and emails
• Try an indoor hobby you’ve been thinking about doing for a while but never had the time
• Use it as an opportunity to catch up with old friends - When people offer to send a package, please ask if they can kindly ensure it does not require a signature on delivery!
- If caring friends or family send board games, please ask them to consider the number of players the game requires!
And if you were wondering how many texts our #Selfisoation WhatsApp group sent during the last 11 days, the stats are as follows, that’s right…4006 messages. To put into perspective, our family group chat have sent 15,182 messages….over the last three years!!…
On a personal note, I have to say I am very grateful for all the support I have had from my colleagues at work, Public Health England, my colleagues on the #SelfIsolation Group chat through this journey…But most of all I would like to thank my wife for putting up with me these last 11 days.
My last tweet on the matter is as follows,
“Day 11, #SelfIsolatedDr really glad 2receive this text. It means I am not in #SelfIsolation anymore. Cannot tell you how much I’m looking forward 2going out & back 2work on Monday 2help my colleagues who have been working really hard during this challenging time. @RCoANews @NHSuk @PHE_uk #sharedviainstagram”
But before I go….I am sure you would like to know…Today’s shirt on the twitterverse? FC Metalist Kharkiv (Ukranian Football Club based in Kharkiv)…as I said, this guy has all sorts of football shirts….some I have never heard of. We have however decided that we will put a final photo up with both of us wearing a football shirt…and as we are Liverpool fans…I am sure you can guess what that will be….I wonder what will be on instead of Match of the Day tomorrow?…no Premier League football for a while.
@LeDyslexicMedic Blog 