How to Prepare Your Home for Self-Isolation

With the number of coronavirus cases worldwide now reaching over 200,000, many have been urged to self-isolate, helping to fight the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable in society. You may have self-isolated because you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, have visited a high-risk area (e.g. Italy) or are categorised as vulnerable.

Being infected with the virus could seriously affect the health of those classed as vulnerable, a group which includes those who are over 70, have long-term conditions, a weakened immune system, or are pregnant.

Whilst self-isolation may be necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, it can leave some feeling stressed, lonely, and at-risk of developing [cabin fever] – link to cabin fever article. 

There are a range of different measures you can take to try and stop this from happening, one of these being to properly prepare your home for self-isolation. Below are some of our top tips to create the optimal environment for self-isolation: 

• Clean the house
• Ensure you have enough food (but don’t go crazy!)
• Have things to do
• Ensure your home is comfortable

By taking these steps, you could help to create the perfect environment for self-isolation, alleviating stress and anxiety during this difficult time.  

Clean the House

Having a deep clean can significantly improve your environment, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation from the order and aesthetics of a freshly cleaned home.

It can also help to reduce feelings of anxiousness and distress by promoting a sense of structure throughout your environment, encouraging you to follow suit in your daily activities. This can further help to normalise the situation by adding a sense of structure you would otherwise experience in normal life - easing your transition away from the standard routine.  

It’s also important to maintain the cleanliness of your environment during this time, as it can prevent you from falling into a slump. Keeping up with the housecleaning not only helps to maintain that structure and order to your environment, it also keeps you occupied and moving throughout the day.

Ensure You Have Enough Food (But Don’t Go Crazy!)

If you’re going to be in the house for a prolonged period of time, it might be a good idea to stock up on food. However, it’s important to not go crazy with this! Around the world, panic buyers have been clearing the shelves at supermarkets, leaving many unable to get the essentials they need.

Supermarkets have urged shoppers to stop buying more than they need, assuring there is enough to go around if everyone works together. Therefore, whilst it’s good to make sure you have enough food for the period of self-isolation, it’s important not to overdo it. 

Alternatively, you could also get a family member or a close friend to help you out, bringing over supplies if and when needed.

Have Things to Do

When at home, it’s common to laze around and not do too much. However, when doing this for a prolonged period of time, it can leave you feeling bored, unstimulated and distressed. By making sure your house has enough things to do, you can help to reduce the risk of feeling this way, and upkeep your mental state during this time.

If you are working from home, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary equipment to do so e.g. a laptop.

If you are not working during this time, it might help to plan out your day, and make sure you have enough stimulating material to last for the period of self-isolation; including books, magazines and games.    

We also have our 1-hour of exercise allotment so be sure to use this and always make time to get fresh air everyday. 

Ensure Your Home Is Comfortable

Another major way to prepare for self-isolation is making sure your home is comfortable, and promotes a sense of calm. You can to this by using scented candles, dimmed light, and adding soft throws and pillows to your bedroom and living room areas.

A weighted blanket might also help to create a sense of calm, known to relax the body and help us drift off to sleep. Our heavy weighted blankets are made with ultra-soft velvety plush fabric and come in range of different weights to help alleviate stress and anxiety whilst also promoting sleep. You can view our range of calming products by visiting this page.

Sources:

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51883440