I started shielding in March and was nervous at the prospect of suddenly being stuck at home. I am energised by other people, and working with others is a big part of my job. But I went into shielding with a positive outlook, which possibly helped me to cope. You get more of what you focus on. I chose to focus on the positives. Looking back over the past months, my experience of shielding was much better than expected.
The uncertainty was difficult at times, but I took a pragmatic approach and concentrated on what I could do practically to look after myself, such as wearing a mask on hospital visits, even before official guidance was brought in. I recommend to friends and patients the website wellbeingandcoping. Another useful site is Stayingsafe. As a mental health nurse, I felt it was important to practise what I preach.
So, I made sure I had a clear routine and structure to my days, always getting washed, dressed even just into fresh PJs and eating regular, healthy meals.
Exercise is often recommended to combat the side effects of chemotherapy, so the limitations of shielding were difficult. But rather than feeling defeated, I found alternatives that I could do at home, especially yoga. I often teach mindfulness to patients, as it encourages them to be in the moment and focus on right now. I suggest simple breathing exercises, counting flowers in the garden, or even mindfully dancing to your favourite tune! When you get distracting thoughts β which everybody does β you just allow them to float by like clouds.
If you want a bit of help getting started with mindfulness, I recommend the apps, Headspace and Calm. Some people have used lockdown to start new hobbies or reawaken old ones, such as painting and gardening. I have spent more time in my garden and have grown plants from seeds for the first time, after a friend told me of the restorative benefits of the nurturing process. Lockdown has also presented some people with an opportunity to find new motivation to look after their own wellbeing.
