Lockdown Feelings - How Are You?

Haven't watched the news in a long time.

I check BBC and RT websites every day, but that's about it.

It's the charity adverts on TV that really do my head in.

I've been working, sorting out the garage and house, getting wound up by people who wouldn't usually bother me such as neighbours and a few online but spending some quality time with the other half so it's mostly good. I've also used the time to focus on a bit of personal development via learning new skills and taking advantage of free business networking so I can come out of this stronger in business. I've also been watching some of my favourite DJs online and have my equipment setup ready to do a bit of that myself. News-wise, I'm only really watching and reading bits to keep track of what the guidelines are. I'd suggest to anyone that it is better to watch stuff like the Matt Lucas porgramme. It highlights the lighthearted side of life during such a weird (and tough for some) time. How are you?

If the word "lockdown" isn't the most used word in 2020 then I don't know what is.

I limit the news to a five minute watch to see if the numbers have reduced but it's not good to watch every report. I recently binge-watched Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. It was unbelievably un-PC, sometimes very funny and I enjoyed it with no apology.

I am really pleased with what I have accomplished so far. I have sanded and gloss painted both sides of kitchen door, frame, out into hall, skirting boards, up both sides of stairs and upper skirtings. I have also emulsions the downstairs hall. Washed nets and curtains, started landscaping garden and improving the corner fairy garden. Done lots of cooking. On entertainment side have got through about 10 books, and lots of box sets!

I’m always busy, never bored. I’ve re-organised cupboards throughout the house, cleaned my carpets and deep cleaned everywhere. I’m now focused on weeding the garden which has taken its revenge! The biggest issue is living alone. I’m using video conferencing to stay in touch with my sister, who is hospital based 70 miles away. I’m carer for my mum (88),40 miles away who’s had two strokes. We spend 11/2hrs on the phone everyday when I play word games with her to stimulate her memory and comprehension, something seriously impaired by the strokes. She has a recurrent uterine cancer, but her appointment was cancelled so I’m praying it’s currently dormant. We took a family decision not to go there before the lockdown to keep her safe but I won’t pretend it’s easy. I’m only visiting every eight weeks to set up medication boxes and take food supplies. When I shop I do so for two elderly neighbours on lockdown as well as my mum. I’m also receiving and printing off schoolwork for the little girl next door. Evenings feature daily calls to my cousin on Merseyside who is a high functioning person with autism. He’s really not coping with isolation in a 2 up 2down with only a yard big enough for two wheelie bins. I’ve a purpose and that’s getting me through. x

I've been lucky that I started online CBT just as lockdown kicked off so it was great for helping with talking out fears as much as dealing with everything else. I've stopped watching the news and following so much on social media. I've a daily news email that gives information rather than opinion which I found helps keep anxiety at bay

Well here I am again. Doing ok apart from profuse nosebleeds preceded by excruciating headache. Dr says it’s hay fever related. Saw mum this week. She’s looking very tiny and tired. She was so pleased to see me after 11weeks of phone calls only. Last night my sister told me her beautiful rescue greyhound, Jack is paralysed after what may be a stroke. We’re in pieces. So I’m propping her up too now. Feeling quite exhausted at the moment. How much more is this dreadful time going to deliver? Off to queue for neighbours’ shopping now....Take care everyone