13 Tips To Survive And Thrive During Home Confinement

Since we’ve all been self isolating to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we’ve had to find ways to keep ourselves busy. Many have taken this time catch up on Netflix shows, embark on movie marathons, try out some new recipes, and some have even started fun and quirky challenges such as the toilet paper challenge.

And some have gotten creative with their activities and cleverly adapted.

Isolation and social distancing, in general, has been put in place to keep our community healthy during this stressful and dangerous time. But while we’re in our homes we want to do more than just survive…we want to thrive.

Sydney-based interior designer, Judith Bruce shares her insights on how to make the most of our time indoors.

Here are her top tips to thrive at home:

• Wash all the cushion covers – make everything feel fresh.
• Throw open the windows and let the sunshine in.
• Buy a houseplant and watch it thrive. If you have one already, give it some water, love and dust its pretty leaves.
• Make a playlist of your favourite music or podcasts and get listening.
• Add a throw to your sofa; somewhere to snuggle with a book or Netflix.
• Light a scented candle.
• One which will remind you of more innocent times; a coastal fragrance to evoke holidays at the beach or a woody fragrance that transports you to family holidays.
• Change all the bed linen, either straight from the washing line full of fresh air or fresh from the linen press.
• Clean sheets are one of life’s simple pleasures.
• Create some ambiance: turn off all the downlights and turn on the softer lamplight.
• Create some special areas of retreat and make each one comfortable; at the kitchen island or a chair by a window.
• Have magazines at one space and a journal at the other. Make each a destination for reading and reflection.
• Ring a friend; check in with family and friends as they are stuck at home too. Or even send them a gift so that they know you are thinking of them.

While your inside don’t forget to stick the strict health guidelines proposed by the World Health Organisation which include:

Washing your hands frequently

Keep your hands clean with water and soap often throughout the day kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Our hands touch many surfaces throughout the day. By touching your face you can transfer bacteria and the virus to the eyes, nose, and mouth where it can then enter the body.

Practice respiratory hygiene

This means covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze with your bent elbow or a tissue.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

If you’re feeling unwell, stay at home. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.

What have you been doing during isolation? How are you thriving at home? Let us know in the comments below.