COVID-19 pandemic: tips for families self-isolating

Whatever your living situation we’ve collected tips from the extended Red Cross family to help you get through during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hints and tips for surviving COVID lockdown

Shona Whitton, Red Cross National Coordinator – Recovery and Psychosocial Support, provides an insightful presentation that compares the similarities between lockdowns and disaster recovery, how the stress of lockdowns affects us and what we can do to address it.

Part 1 (12 minutes)
Disaster versus Pandemic

Part 2 (14 minutes)
Disaster distress -
Stress and its effects on you

Part 3 (10 minutes)
Tips for bringing more joy to your day

Tips for families with children

For parents who need to work from home, take turns working and parenting.
Set up video chat ‘play dates’ with school friends
Don’t forget about your own needs. Keep up meditation, yoga and exercise.
Take time to prepare meals together, get creative, let the children take control!
Perfect time to Marie Kondo your child’s bedroom, together.
Got a crafty skill like crochet or knitting – share the skill with your family.
Make a short movie – stop motion using household items, a drama or comedy.
Not creative? Colouring in is very calming, frame your favourite piece!
The Miniroos have some great tips for parents and teachers for keeping young ones active and occupied.

Self-improvement ideas

Dig out the guitar and commit to learning some tunes.
No instrument? Apps for instruments are fun with plenty of online options.
Take a course or try first aid training or Pet First Aid online.
Always thought you had a novel in you? A biography? Now’s the time to sit yourself down and get started.
Napoleonic wars? Codes? Viticulture? Geography? Impressionism? 1980’s TV shows? Indulge your interest and study it like you’re going on a quiz show.
Brain training apps – puzzles and lateral thinking. Crack cryptic crosswords.
ABC iView
ABC podcasts
TED Talks: learn something new with over 3,300 videos
Start an online bookclub with friends or neighbours.
Visit a world-class museum or your local library online.
Clothes need repairs? There’s a YouTube video for that.
Ensure your mental and physical wellbeing stays strong with Football Federation Australia's #PlayAtHomeChallenge

Ideas for maintaining your wellbeing

Make regular phone calls or video calls to people you know.
Being in close confines can be stressful, watch out for signs of stress among family members.
Work out a strategy to defuse any difficult situations or anger.
Watch movies or footy games together, virtually.
Get some sun every day – keep up the vitamin D.
Stay in touch with work colleagues. If you can, working from home could help you stay busy and connected.
Self-indulge and put on that hair mask you’ve had in the back of the drawer or give yourself a pedicure.
Now’s the time to do those household projects you’ve been putting off.

Ideas for having fun

Replace outdoor time, with kitchen dance parties or yoga in the sitting room.
If you have access to a garden, go out and pull out the weeds, mow and rake the lawn, trim the hedges, transfer plants, get dirty.
Start planning a holiday. Do your research and create your perfect itinerary, where would you stay? What would you see in a day? Where will you eat lunch?
Challenge yourself in the kitchen - try a ingredient meal or bake a soufflé.
Sort out all those old photos and videos.

Ways to help others

Reach out to others you know who might also be self-isolating.
Share on social the ways that help you stay connected, they can inspire others too.
Post highlights of your day to help spread the positive word.
Write a letter to someone. It’s amazing the effect it can have.
Haven’t worn it for years? Try your hand at repurposing and up styling or package up items for donation to your local Red Cross shop
Search online for items you can make and donate to others.

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Right now, we’re expanding and adapting our services to meet the demands of a world responding to COVID-19. More than ever, we need your support to help people stay safe, connected and supported. Please donate if you’re able.

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Tips for staying happy and hopeful during lockdown