Self isolation tips for eczema, asthma and allergies

We are all settling into life in isolation now as we go into week four of lockdown so how are you coping? As someone who has become experienced in isolating and living alone I thought I’d share some of the things that help me. Most are common sense but they might help. Check out my interview with Rebecca Bonneteau the Eczema Expert for some brilliant tips for anxiety in the video below…

I also wanted to remind you all that you are not stuck at home, you are safe at home. Gratitude may be a word that’s bandied about these days but it’s something that if you can tap into it, it can really enrich your life.

I find it hard to understand people who say they are bored or getting frustrated being stuck at home.

Maybe it’s my daily gratitude practise, maybe I’ve just always been a busy person but I have the completely opposite experience… which also has its challenges. I have so much to do that I beat myself up when I don’t get enough done. Learning that if all you did was mow the lawn, read your book and make your tea, you’re doing OK, is part of the challenge of living positively.

And as anyone going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal will know,

“If all you did is heal today, that’s OK. You are exactly where you are meant to be.”

Just getting through TSW can be so draining, both emotionally and physically, so just be cool with that.

And when you can’t face the world because you feel so awful and also feel you look so awful, especially during TSW, self isolation is the solution. I’ve grown to love it, to have so many ways to fill my day with things I love, self care and self love.

I’m definitely in a healing crisis at the moment. My skin is so much better but I’m flaking off daily, losing hours in itching and trying not to scratch and being so tired I’m sleeping for eight hours and still feeling tired. My body is working hard so having an excuse to get up late, take time out and look after myself has actually been a relief. If I’d been struggling to events, going out and being social I’d definitely be feeling worse now.

So I am thankful. Not for this awful virus, or the terrible situation we find ourselves in. Not that. But the time that this gives me to heal. To hide away and just wait till it’s all over.

I love the term ‘mindlessness’ and no that is not a typo. Just do whatever you want to do right now because it’s tough, give yourself a break. You don’t need to be achieving, making, creating and being productive all the time.

Just be.

Be a human being.

Anxiety, Isolation and Eczema with Rebecca and Ruth

I joined Rebecca Bonneteu, The Eczema Expert this week to chat about how we are coping with anxiety, self isolation and eczema in these challenging times. Have a watch here:

You can’t ration my time outside!

Well actually, the government can restrict out outside exercise, and rightly so. One thing I’ve found that’s really positive is that I have 100% made the most of my one outdoor exercise activity each day. Observing social distancing obviously, but I’ve been for a walk or run every day and have also made more time for yoga online because it’s so much more accessible. Anyone who has tried to find a good yoga class will be familiar with finding them fully booked, struggling to find a good teacher and locking in your place. It is much easier to tap into yoga online and there is always YouTube, I would recommend Yoga with Adrienne.

Tips for coping with anxiety?

• Journal daily – I’m writing about the pandemic, the experience, the news, how the world is responding and hope it will be an interesting document to refer to in later years.
• Yoga – as mentioned above, there are loads of classes you can take advantage of at less than a normal class price. My favourite at the moment is Restorative yoga which is so nurturing; if your’e feeling anxious try this out. Somnatic movement is also an amazing release. I’ve been doing this after a run or first thing in the morning. Just get onto your hands and knees on your yoga mat, towel or rug and move, gently easing any aches, pains and tightness. Put on some relaxing music to help you get into a relaxed place and just let your body decide what it needs.
• Routine – Try to have a daily routine. Get up at the same time, it doesn’t have to be super early. But get up, get dressed, have a healthy breakfast and plan you day around your work, exercise and relaxation.
• Meditation – it doesn’t need to be for long, but taking time to be really quiet, peaceful and calm, even for just five minutes can really help move out anxiety and into a more grounded and nurturing place. I use the Calm app and really enjoy their guided meditations.
• Avoid news – I’ve not been watching the news or reading much about the current situation. I’ve been focusing on positive news, music and the brilliant and inspirational things coming out of this unprecedented situation.
• Talk – If you need help, ask for it. If you feel lonely, call friends of family. Don’t suffer alone, take steps to connect.
• Walk – There is something very calming and soothing about a gentle stroll, or a power walk! I also run a lot but the walks in nature help me to calm anxiety greatly. I am so lucky where I live that I have beautiful countryside literally outside my front door.

I was also really fortunate to have time to speak to a lovely friend, Vicki the FreeFrom Fairy who makes gluten free flour but who is also a life coach and therapist. We had a chat, probably for about an hour, where she tried to explain how we are all born with the mental awareness to be happy. I’m still working on that, but it’s a bit like being an onion. Right in the middle of your onion is you. Your source. Your soul. And over the years you’ve added layers. Layers of self doubt, unhelpful beliefs, fears, anxieties… until your onion is so old, tightly layered and dusty that your happy, calm, peaceful essence is completely trapped inside. I’m trying to peel my onion, but it’s making me cry a bit. Onions do that. But my layers are slowly coming off. I hope this makes some sense, and if you want to find out more, get in touch with Vicky on the link above, and go to Coaching on her website.

So I’ll leave you there. I’d love to hear how you cope with anxiety. What are your tips? How are you coping in isolation? Loving it like me? or going crazy!

NB. I would like to dedicate this blog to my step sister Michelle who cannot hide away. She cannot self isolate. She goes to work on a Covid ward every day and tries to save people who have caught this virus. She can’t save everyone. People die on her ward every day from this thing. So please say safe. Stay home and think Chelle, and all the staff at the NHS who can’t say at home. Who are taking care of our nation. I am in awe. I am profoundly grateful. I am humbled. And I am weeping for what these guys are going through. We are the lucky ones guys.