Hi everyone, I hope you and your families are all safe and well.

I haven’t written a post in a while, and I’m sorry for that. Recently I’ve become a full-time carer for both my mother (who had major surgery in early March) and my father (who has vascular dementia).

Lockdown has been very had for my family; as well as many others. So, as someone with a lot going on, on top of the virus outbreak and as someone with a depression disorder and anxiety, I thought I could give everyone some insight on how I’ve been coping during isolation.

Firstly I’ve been watching A LOT of television (TV) series. For me, I’ve found that a great way to just escape for a while is finding a really good TV series to immerse yourself in. I recommend ‘Criminal Minds’ (which is available on Amazon Prime in the UK) and ‘Outer Banks’ (which is available on Netflix worldwide I believe).

For the non-TV lovers out there audio-books are amazing. I really, really recommend Audible, its a great service. I’m currently listening to ‘The Moral Instruments’ series, (also known as Shadowhunters) and it’s a great listen. All the voice actors are brilliant and really make you feel like you’re there in the story. I’ve found this really helps to calm my anxiety before I go to sleep.

For the gamers, if you have a Nintendo Switch I highly recommend the best game in the universe, ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’. You literally get to build and design your own world. It’s full of fun characters, and it’s all you. You decide everything. It really is an incredible escape and something that will always put a smile on your face no matter the circumstances. I promise!

Now, I’ve also been maintaining my studies which I’ve scheduled casually. So for me, this means I’ve given myself a certain amount of things to get done that day, but I’ve put no time frame on it. I can just start and stop as I wish. I’ve found that in lockdown having this relaxed timetable (where I don’t use times) has really helped keep me motivated and has helped me not feel majorly stressed.

Another thing I’ve been doing is walking my dogs. Having the short daily walk has been great. Just breathing in some fresh air, no screens, phone (I have in case of emergency, but don’t use it), just me and my doggies. I know this has probably been said a lot, but if you can go out for a short walk, do. It really does help.

Well I think that’s all I have for now! I’m planning on talking about my last minute exam prep and how I’m studying for take home exams. I should have that posted by the end of next week; just before my first exam eek!

Stay safe, stay kind, stay home.

Love from my family to yours, Natalie