Isolation Self Care

---

To begin, it is with a heavy heart that we are announcing that the end of year graduate fashion show we have been planning has been cancelled due to Covid-19. We are going to push to try and reschedule the event for a later date. If not, we are working hard to figure out an alternative. The designers have worked incredibly hard and what they have done is amazing. We want to give them the showcase that they truly deserve and we will do everything in our power to accomplish this. Our thoughts and love are with them all at this time.

---

As the Coronavirus crisis worsens and the advice given to people to stay inside, it is a priority to search for ways to adapt and cope when in the confinements of your own home. There is a growing array of ways you can keep yourself distracted and entertained when trying to pass the time. We are going to provide you with a list of many things you could do to ensure you are taking care of your wellbeing.

Of course you could read a book, sit outside in the sun, play with your animals or go for a walk; but we are going to discuss the unique and wonderful ways to cope, including such things which you could learn something new and pass the time in the best and most imaginative way possible. It's a difficult time for all of us, but if we come together as a community and share our creative processes, we can get through this together.

• One of the most difficult things about being inside is the lack of socialising with friends; it's great to know the we live in a time where they are just a phone call away. But if you're looking for something slightly different, why not download the House Party video messaging app; allowing you to communicate with up to 8 people at once and can even play games together like pictionary! And why not have a cheeky drink together too, after all we could all do with a laugh.

• This next one is not quite as fun but hear me out; tidying can really help your mental state and make you feel like you've really accomplished something and feel comfortable in your surroundings. Maybe even have a move around of your bedroom! There's nothing better than feeling good about a new layout, something that would feel great at this time especially since you are most likely in it most of the day while isolated. Even better, why not go through all of your clothes and start to collect some to sell or give to charity when we are all allowed out again! Everyone loves some preloved clothing barga

• Get active! It's so important to try and squeeze in a bit of exercise instead of sitting around all day; but make it fun! Get a family member involved to motivate each other or why not do an online dance class! There are so many to be found and you could learn something new! You could also find workouts to improve your flexibility and even learn to do the splits!

• Be creative! Learn a new art skill or stick to what you're used to; do that painting that you've been putting off, draw pictures of your favourite things. If you're not as confident, why not follow a Bob Ross video on YouTube? Not only is he full of reassuring positivity, but you could create a beautiful landscape by the end of it. You could take up embroidery or clay modelling! There are some amazing kits that can be found on Amazon which are very reasonably priced. Writing is also a brilliant way to vent your feelings, write a diary or write something creative. It's a great way to get thoughts out of your head. Maybe even document what you have been doing each day, it'll be an interesting thing to look back on in years to come when we are no longer in lockdown.

• Learn a new language! There are so many free websites and apps to start learning. One in particular which would be very beneficial to learn is sign language! There will always come a time where it would be useful and what a fantastic thing to say that you can do!

• Podcasts! There is such a variety of podcasts out there! Easily found online and they really get you thinking. It would certainly be a positive activity as you are listening to new voices and provide a personal experience. Meditation and hypnosis videos are also brilliant for relaxing and grounding yourself, these are especially good if you struggle sleeping at night. This is also a brilliant way of tackling anxiety. It is a struggle to cope with anxiety but these videos really help to control your breathing and to remain calm.

• Practice makeup! One thing I love to do is practice new makeup looks but just don't have the time! But now we do! Even if you aren't going outside, it is a huge confidence booster to have makeup on as it sets you up for the day and makes you feel motivated. Also a perfect opportunity to take some lovely selfies to update your Insta!

On the topic of social media, it is very important to take a break from it all. Turn your phone off for a few hours or even a whole day or two. Give yourself a break from the madness spread by the news and clear your head for a while; it's good to detox from your phone and to just focus on yourself and relax, even if this means binge watching those series on Netflix, listening to your favourite music whilst sitting outside or having a good ol nap! Don't ever feel bad for doing a few days of absolutely nothing. It is vital to care of your mental health as well as physical, so if you want to sleep all day and stay in your pyjamas, feel great about it!

We hope that you have enjoyed this blog post and it has inspired you! It is an incredibly difficult time for all of us right now but must adapt as much as we can. Distracting yourself with fun and different activities can drastically improve your outlook and not to think of isolation as something negative. We send our love to you all, stay safe. X

---