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Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 19 March 2020

As we move into varying degrees of home quarantine, stay home setting and lockdown, Shital Raval compiles a list of tips for handling this situation. As psychotherapist H'vovi Bhagwagar said in the webinar (video link below), its important to start with Acceptance of the situation. 

The word “quarantine” first came into place during the Plague epidemic in Italy. But to be clear, quarantine and isolation are two different and separate things. Quarantine means confinement of individuals who have or may have been exposed to an illness or organism. While isolation means separation of the sick and diseased from the rest of the population. It’s imperative that the quarantined are not mixed with the isolated to prevent cross-contamination.

Although there are no specific rules or regulations on self-quarantine at home, all precautionary protocols are applied. The aim of every quarantine is to prevent any and all spread of contamination of the infectious disease and/or organism. In case of an epidemic or pandemic, such quarantine measures may be enforced to ensure public safety.

The standard guidelines for Corona virus are staying indoors for a minimum of 14 days with no contact with outsiders. As we now move into lockdown with more and more people asked to go into self-quarantine, let’s look at some of the ways you can make the most of this time.

  1. If you have work from home, then this will largely occupy your time. With no time lost in commuting, you will have more time to achieve targets and catch up on professional goals.
  2. Focus on personal growth. Read the book gathering dust on your nightstand or reread your favorite book. Get back to your unfinished projects or pick up a new hobby.
  3. Enjoy your time at home. Do things around the house that you have been putting off like arranging the closets, reorganising the kitchen, gardening, painting, DIY etc.
  4. Get cleaning. This is the best time to put your gloves on and scrub the house inside out. Spread the work out over the weeks so you don’t tire yourself out. Ask family members to help.
  5. Spend time with your loved ones. Enjoy playing with your kids, spending quality time with your spouse and connecting with your parents and close relatives. Put off the screens and take out the rusting board games or kits, legos, ,or playing cards that are interactive and multi-player activities.
  6. Cook or take the opportunity to learn to cook. Several online videos and cookbooks are easily accessible. This is the best time to avoid outside meals and eat homemade food. Cooking with the family is a great bonding exercise as well.
  7. Boost immunity to protect yourself and your family members from contracting any infection. This can be simply done by eating healthy foods, sleeping for minimum of 7-8 hours a day and exercising at home daily. All preventive measures on hygiene and distancing are to be strictly followed.
  8. Buy online: Learn this skill. But start small.
  9. Opt for e-payment solutions! Avoid handling cash which may have exchanged several hands. Plus, it saves you the trip to your ATM.
  10. De-stress! There is a lot of anxiety and panic around during such uncertain times. If reading or watching news and forwards on social media is upsetting, switch off the screens periodically. Avoid speaking to people who are high-strung and cause you to become anxious. Practice deep breathing daily, meditation, yoga or tai-chi are great calming forms of exercise. Try some soothing chamomile or your choice of fragrant teas. Occupy your mind with work, activities, family time, hobbies or chores around the house.
  11. Think and be positive. This is a technique that can be learned with practice. Positivity is known to scientifically have both physical and mental health benefits. Listen to motivating videos or read books that help you achieve a more positive approach towards life and everyday situations. Gratitude journalling also helps.
  12. Self-care is important but often brushed aside as we are too busy taking care of others and their needs. Remember that you can only look after your loved ones if you are fit and healthy yourself. So indulge in some self-upkeep. Take your medications and supplements on time daily. Focusing on your food, taking time to exercise and resting are all essential and need to be incorporated in our daily lives. Self-grooming and beautification are small ways to make yourself feel better. Set aside some time out to just chill and relax as well!