I have been self isolating now for twelve days. For the first two weeks after the corona virus self isolating rules were introduced, I decided that I would keep working. Even though I’m in the high risk age group, and work in a high risk sector, coming into contact with many people every day, in the course of my work, I made the decision to take the risk. This decision was mainly based on the fact that I am quite healthy and fit for my age.
My partner had decided, on medical advice, to self isolate, due to an underlying medical condition affecting his immune system. For the first week after his self isolation, I noticed there were many customers who didn’t seem to be taking the corona virus rules seriously. Every day for a week, I went to work, feeling very concerned that I would take the virus home. I felt that I couldn’t keep working in a position where I had contact with hundreds of people daily, as the risk of bringing home the virus was very high. It didn’t take me long to decide that I needed to self isolate also.
Life in Isolation
Having made the decision, I found it a huge relief to stay at home, and not have to be at work at this difficult time. The past month at work has been the most stressful of my working life. I’ve been self employed for most of my life, and even the most stressful times in running a business are nothing compared to the stress caused by toilet paper panic and general supermarket panic. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been abused by customers, I’ve seen customers crying because they couldn’t get toilet paper or some other household item that people had been stockpiling. I’ve seen elderly customers at the end of their tether and very upset, and I’ve seen customers arguing over the contents of their trollies. When it came to making the final decision to self isolate, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
At first I was quite concerned. I wasn’t sure how I would cope with not working and self isolating at home. I needn’t have been concerned. I am living my new life in isolation! I’m just as busy as I ever was when working, but these days, I am busy doing what I love when I want to do it. I’m especially loving being at home.
Every day I’m busy in the garden as is my partner. We are quickly ticking off those jobs that have been on that seemingly never ending list. I love that we can tick off those jobs at our leisure. Usually, everything gets done in a rush, on a day off, or after work. It really does feel like luxury to not have to rush.
Most days, we are both busy, as we complete jobs on our list, but at the same time, we are more relaxed than we have ever been. There is no rush, no panic, and there are no deadlines. A huge bonus is not to have to do the 45 minute drive both ways, to and from work. I don’t miss that at all.
Please don’t get the impression that all we are doing is work. We are relaxing and spending more time together than usual. Now that we have so much time together, we are able to go out together to exercise, whether that be walking with our toy poodle Oscar, or riding our bikes on the rail trail, and on the bush trails around our house.
I do understand, of course, that self isolating can be difficult, depending the living circumstances. But for us, it has been not at all difficult. We don’t live in a big, fancy house, and we live quite a simple lifestyle. What we do have, that is very precious at the moment, is space around us. We live on 20 acres, in a bush setting surrounded by a national park. We have a large garden where we can lose ourselves and which gives us our long ‘to do’ list. We take a step outside our front gate and we are in the Bendigo National Park, where we are able to spend hours walking. Just down the road is the O’Keefe Rail Trail, which is perfect for cycling or walking.
Naturally, all is not perfect in this life of self isolation, and I don’t mean to make it seem as though it is. There is the worry about family and friends staying safe. Then there are the constant news updates, both on TV and on social media. We’ve decided not to follow the corona virus news all day, but to check in for updates morning and night. This is definitely helping to contain corona virus stress.
Another problem we have had during isolation is that we have had no phone or internet services over Easter. Today makes seven days since we lost our connection, after a huge rain storm caused damage to the phone lines. I’ve been able to check in occasionally when leaving the property for groceries or exercise. We have been promised that we will have connection again tomorrow. Our fingers are crossed.
For me, to be told that I have to stay in isolation at home, for a long period, is a dream come true. Or I should say, it would be a dream come true, if not for the dreadful reality of the corona virus.
Please take care and stay safe.
How has life in lockdown been for you? Are you enjoying it? Or are you perhaps climbing the walls. I’d love to hear how you’re experiencing being in isolation and promise to reply to all comments.
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Thank you for sharing your experience. I think it is especially helpful and meaningful to hear about how folks are coping in other countries. (I am in Pennsylvania, in the US) In my situation many things have forced me out of the house, including needed surgery and physical therapy. I am still hoping to have the time to just be at home, with no outside needs. My biggest worry at the moment is that the stay at home orders, precautions, etc. will be lifted too soon, before it is really safe. Hope your connects get restored soon.
Hi Michele I also worry about restrictions being lifted too soon. The slower we do that the better in my opinion
Sounds not too bad Jen I have decided I need to start my veggie and herb gardens both on my to do list and being able to walk at the beach is saving me
Thanks for popping in Brenda. I do turn green when I see your gorgeous beach photos on Facebook. Take care and stay safe x
I absolutely empathise with you. I am normally content at home, but I find the whole lockdown thing very unsettling. I am slowly coming to terms with it, but it isn’t easy.
The world has changed immeasurably over just a few weeks.
#MLSTL
It’s been such a quick change and a lot to deal with. Take care and do stay safe
Hi Jen, I think it is all to do with attitude as with anything that happens in our life. If we have a positive attitude then the situation won’t be as difficult. Yes it is stressful especially for those who have the uncertainty of whether they will have a job to go back to etc. However, like you I’ve been just as busy if not busier during this time. Take care and keep enjoying your time at home. I’m glad you are out of the stressful work environment. xx
I do agree Sue. Take care and stay safe
Hi Jen, I’m a nurse so normally I would be in the thick of it at work but the lockdown came at the same time as me having surgery so I’ve been recovering at home. I’m a real homebody so I have enjoyed my time in lockdown! And like you, I’ve been busy doing the things I want to do, when I’m not resting up. One of my sons was stood down from his retail job so he’s been able to help me with walking the dogs and other chores. My other son and husband have been flat out at work because they’re in high-demand industries. I do think it’s a lot to do with our mindset and individual circumstances as to how well we deal with something like this. I try not to watch too much of it on TV because it’s designed to get a reaction. I prefer to read the official news releases from Qld Health that I’m lucky to get due to being employed there. Stay safe, regards Christina
I agree Christina watching too much news causes stress. I like to do morning and evening catchups and leave it alone for the rest of the day
I work fulltime from home so haven’t seen a huge difference. We still drive the (short) distance to the beach each morning to walk, and in the afternoons after I log off I do another walk, but locally. I’m grateful that I still have a job, grateful that I’m still busy, and grateful that I live where I live.
Jo as much as I love our bush environment, I am slightly envious that you get to walk on the beach each day.
Hi Jennifer – the discoveries you’re making are very similar to what I made last year when I stopped working in that stressful, emotionally draining job and decided to stay home. The sheer joy of living life at my own pace – doing what I want to do when I want to do it – is still as fresh today as it was a year ago. Lockdown has intensified that and hasn’t been a problem – the only difficulty I’ve had is not being able to visit or be visited by our kids and grandgirls, but that will pass and life will go back to normal. I wonder if you’ll return to the daily grind or whether this will be the beginning of a new phase for you?
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
Leanne I did think of you as I was writing my post. As with you I have found myself suddenly in this situation. I could never have pre imagined that I would enjoy it so much. Not sure what will be in the future. At the moment I can’t imagine ever going back to work
Oh gosh, Jennifer I am glad you have chosen to self-isolate. No-one needs that stress from people in the shop. I have another friend who works in a pharmacy and she cannot get over the rudeness of some (older) customers who also will not obey the number of people who can be in a shop.
I am glad you hare finding the peace of where you are so helpful for you and your partner’s health. Crossing fingers the internet is back!
Denyse, #mlstl
Still waiting for the phone and internet Denyse. I also saw a chemist worker being abused by a customer a couple of days ago. It seems the pandemic is bringing out the worst in some people
I’m glad you have such a nice environment to isolate. I have a large home and beautiful property too. I spent a lot of time in the garden until we got a blizzard on Easter Sunday. Now I’m stuck in the house again until the snow melts. Visiting from MSTL.
I hope the snow melts soon for you Amy. Dealing with snow sounds so romantic to us Aussies
I’m in Day 33 of our self-isolation. We started it as they began canceling gatherings. Our state started variations on shelter-in-place early, and while there are cases locally, the hospitals have been able to keep up with the demand. But going from a full calendar of activities – doctor/dentist appointments, multiple types of classes, lunch/dinner dates, theater events, etc. to nothing was a challenge. I’ve learned to Zoom, take on-line yoga classes, and I plan at least one girl-friend chat a day – by phone or other connection. I’m cooking more, tackling some long-standing home projects, and reading a lot. My biggest challenge is I am not getting outside as much as I had hoped. Today’s 40 degree weather is just not calling to me! I’m hoping for some better weather and hopefully for things to begin to get better… that second one might be longer than I expect!
Hi Patricia good to hear you are keeping well and happy in isolation. It’s such a change to our lifestyles which can be a challenge
Hi Jennifer, your lifestyle sounds very much like mine at the moment! It’s quite a funny feeling not to have to rush off somewhere and now when i do go out for supplies, I can’t wait to get back home. It’s a safe spot. I’m sorry you’ve had communication problems, thats the last thing you need! I worry about my family and we’re in touch more than we were before and making the most of video calls to the grandchildren. It is a scary time but I’m so glad to hear you and your partner are coping OK. Have shared for #mlstl
It’s very challenging times Deb. But we are so lucky to be coping with this in the age of technology. It makes staying in contact much easier.
Hi Jennifer, I have to say how much I envy your 20 acres! I’ve lived in flats for the past 18 years, and really miss the connection with the earth that having some land brings to us.
I’m sure if I didn’t have internet access right now, that lasted more than a week, I’d be crazy with stress! Well done for dealing with these life ‘tests’ with grace and understanding.
I hope that you and your partner continue to get through all your ‘jobs’ while you’re at home. I love your attitude, you’re so positive! Take care. 🙂 x
Thanks for your lovely kind comments Cheryl. Take care and stay safe x