The current state of our worldly affairs is both worrying and anxiety-inducing; every conversation having the central pull of the Coronavirus and the extent to which it will impact our daily lives; how it already has. There seems a mundanity in discussing the everyday topics like what nail varnish you’re wearing or what you’re having for lunch, although it has become a forced light relief amongst the health anxiety and slight anger that the government should be, yet isn’t, doing more. 

It also seems quite silly to write a blog post on fashion or sustainability as such a pertinent topic is usurped underneath the strength of the virus and its effects. At work, they’re trialling how efficient it is for the bulk of people to work remotely. Being part of the admin team, it is still a necessity to come in; for now at least. As I have a health condition – should I still be going to work? Is there a need to self-isolate before having symptoms? It is hard to articulate exactly how I feel or to navigate the worry that exists or will exist. It is, however, reassuring to know that such feelings are, to a large extent, communal. 

Amongst the panic buying and the cracks in our existing social system that have been flagged up by the virus, there is something to be said for looking outside and hearing the birds chirping, or sitting in bed for five minutes longer with a good book.
Yesterday, my mum and I walked into our local town, sat for a coffee and cake at our favourite independent cafe watching the world go by. Life continues as normal. Heads turned the moment someone coughed – a reminder that life isn’t continuing as normal in this pseudo dystopian environment. A second-hand quilt was then purchased to add to my room/creative studio/current safe environment.
Today I have started and finished Shelf Life by Livia Franchini, did some yoga, reserved 4 more books from the library and have vowed to write at least 2 blog posts, this being one of them. A wholesome Sunday, trying to ignore the news yet compelled to find out what is happening in the world. Taking time to think of things that keep me going, the retention of positivity. 

I saw an Instagram post about things you can do if you’re self-isolating which was actually quite a good idea if you have the time off, the documentaries are definitely going to be watched at some point. 

An extra few ideas (or things just to relieve the anxiety): 

• read a book on your shelf you have yet to pick up. Refer to: hurriedly purchasing and borrowing books from the library in case of a lockdown. 
• Learn how to sew, or crochet or knit if you have the resources.
• Learn up a new language
• Connect digitally – isolation without feeling isolated.
• Avoid the rapture of social media that will, after a few hours, feel infinitely worse than before. Take this time to go offline.
• Connect with the people you love digitally, or via the phone. Perhaps this is a time to reassess what is the more important 
• Yoga, meditation, a walk in the fresh air (if you can). May reduce feelings of anxiousness. 
• Start a Tefl course? I have very nearly finished mine and it was, including the classroom session, one of the most rewarding experiences. I completed mine with Tefl.org – please let me know if you want me to do a post on it! 
• If you’re well and have the means to do so, please donate to your local food bank; often if you just google it one will come up. Panic buying leaves the elderly and those who do not have the means to bulk buy in an even more vulnerable position. Now is a time for self-isolation, but an even greater need for community. Our town has a Facebook page and people are offering their helping hand.

To those of you elsewhere in the world who may be suffering/worrying/anxious, I am sending my love <3

Lots of love, eleanor xx