So you have found yourself in quarantine!

Think of it more as “reviving” in quarantine – it’s the ideal time to rest, recharge and re-think.

I always said that I would love two weeks alone with no wifi – well that wasn’t really true when it happened. I had to quarantine on my return from Sydney to the NT just as this current outbreak was happening back in June this year. Travelling for work, I now always pack for the “just in case I need to quarantine” emergency stuff. I look a little silly with a big suitcase for a short trip – but this time it paid off as I manage to have my exercise mat, personal laptop and portable speaker with me (no judging …).

In the NT you are not able to quarantine at home and must got to the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility.

So I have some tips that you may find useful if you find yourself in quarantine:

Establish a routine – and stick to it. That includes getting dressed – don’t be seduced into lazing in PJs. There is a real mindset shift in showering and getting dressed ready for the day – even in quarantine.

Build some exercises into your routine – I did mine first thing in the morning. I was lucky because at the time I did quarantine you were able to exercise off your verandah twice a day for 20 minutes wearing a mask. I hate walking but made myself do it – and guess what I still do it 3 months later!! I also used items in my room to build on the exercise routine – soft drink bottles are great to use as weights and the bed or chairs for doing squats (I am not that fit!). Be creative and see what you can invent to support a program of activities that stretch and bend all your muscle groups. There are also plenty of ideas online.

Use your networks – For the nurses reading this – I asked the FB “Nurses Strong” tribe for ideas on books, movies and yoga videos – and as I expected they delivered. Video chats really helped. I am sure I annoyed my daughter in law the most! Seeing people was really nice and made it a bit more normal.

Day 5 was the hardest for me. I think this was when reality really hit. My brain was rested and calm, and I really understood where I was and how someone else now had control over what I did. I felt a mix of sadness, frustration and loneliness. I also felt guilty as I knew my work colleagues were flat out and I was “relaxing” in quarantine. That was the day I smashed reorganising my files on my work and personal computer. I did such a good job I am still trying to find things I filed with perfection.

Keep a sensible diet – The food was pretty impressive with plenty of snacks. I did a bit of ‘click and clack (collect)’ – there are some things you just can’t live without. Live healthy even in quarantine.

Know what you enjoy – I am not a big reader (need to have more than one thing going at a time) but I managed to read two books, enjoying the morning sun on my little verandah. A great way to start the day and also part of my routine. I ordered a colouring-in book and some pencils. This was a great distraction and got my creative right brain exercising.

Netflix binging – I think I have watched every Christmas movie on Netflix – I love Christmas. I usually did this after lunch – BUT – avoiding having an afternoon nap as this will kill your night time sleep. This speaks to the routine you need to establish and live by. The last thing you need is sleeping in bits and pieces over a 24 hour period – it will make for a VERY long quarantine period. The facility was quiet and I felt very safe so actually got to sleep OK. 

Time to learn something new – Think about looking for short courses that you can do online – I started my immunisation course – which made me dust off the old cob webs on things I had learned many years ago. Proud to say I have finished that now.

I played games online with my family every few nights – House Party is the app. That was fun and usually killed about 2 hours.

Finally find a buddy that will coach you – one that will find the positive aspects. I can still remember my buddy telling me on day five when I was having a tough time that “hey you only have single digit days to go” – never thought of nine days in quarantine like that!

Quarantine is what we do to keep each other safe and COVID free.

While sometimes tough and lonely, it had to be done and you know what – I survived and so will you.

Toodles