The AllThingsStampy guide to surviving self-isolation

I regret to say, I have suspended all in-person events for the time being and am exploring other options to help see us all through the current pandemic. One thing which will be at the forefront of many people’s minds is how to cope without their regular craft sessions, or working from home without their colleagues to chat to in the kitchen.

I’ve worked from home for many years, with varying degrees of success. I was surprised to learn that even an introvert like me can go stir crazy with a sufficient level of isolation. The hardest times were when I didn't feel part of a team but I was required to be at my desk for most of the time.

Some people – particularly extroverts – will find social distancing and/or self-isolation harder than others, so here are my tips for coming out of the other side of this with your sanity intact. Feel free to share with your self-isolating friends:

👭 1. You need your “tribe”.
Stay in touch with the mates who make you laugh - the ones who will happily spend half an hour debating the best biscuit, if David Tennant is still sexy now that he's too skinny or if Matt Lucas is a suitable replacement for Sandi Toksvig on Bake-Off. And not just by text or messenger. Phone them or video chat – seeing their faces make it so much more real. Best of all... you only have to be dressed from the shoulders up.

🌳 2. Go outside
At the moment, self-isolation doesn't mean staying indoors 24/7. In uncertain times, when anxiety levels can be high, the constancy of nature can be very calming so if you can get to some trees, try to do this every day. Google shinrin-yoku for proof of its value – there’s a scientific reason why it works.

Walk the dog, walk somebody else’s dog, walk to the postbox to send a card to a friend. If you can, meet up with someone to walk with. Just remember to stay the required distance apart – so no hugging!

🗣 3. Enjoy a natter
Visit a neighbour and chat in the garden. Chat to the strangers you meet on your walk. This comes naturally to us in Derbyshire but I understand it is unusual in some parts of the country. Use this as an opportunity to spread the habit; people tell you all kinds of weird and wonderful things when they think they’ll never see you again!

🦆 4. Appreciate nature
If you can’t get out, open all the windows to let some air in. And get a bird-feeder. Watching nature in action is a great distraction from boredom or anxiety. Not convinced? Read Bird Therapy by Joe Harkness.

✂️ 5. Stay creative.
Last but definitely not least... keep crafting! Having a creative outlet has been proven to be beneficial to our mental health. Concentrating on making something pretty can take our minds off the world outside. And if you make a card, you can share the benefits by sending it to a friend.

How will you be coping with reduced (or no) in-person contact? Please share your ideas below and help make this easier for us all. 

And finally...