Social Isolation Sucks...

Willing2Learn

I think I have sussed out exactly where I am going wrong (aside from an apparent lack of willpower!)

Back in the day, I used to play a lot of games on the PC.  I would chain-smoke while playing.

I have now been stuck indoors for over seven weeks.  All I have to do, (apart from occasional emails SMS and phone calls) is to play games on the PC all day.  I thought I had broken the smoking habit though.  This is so frustrating.  G@D, I cannot wait for this whole thing to be over with.  Just another 5 weeks now and I will be free again....

Thanks for your continued support JD.  I will break the habit again.  I might start watching films on Amazon and Netflix instead of playing games.  It may make a difference...


I really need to get out...

joedenise

I think you're right Willing.  You need to change what you were doing before.  Do you have a garden you can get out into because if you can you could walk round it, you would still be in isolation.  The fresh air would do you good too.

enthusiasticsaver

I am a non smoker so not sure I can give much constructive advice there but since the lockdown I am definitely more tempted to go towards the biscuit barrel more. Do you think it is boredom or the stress of socially isolating which is making you turn to cigarettes.  Fear of that horrible virus and it being worse for smokers would turn me off them I think quite apart from the money side of things and it taking a massive amount out of your budget.  

I have found that splitting my day up and doing no more than 1.5 hours or 2 hours on one thing is enough to stop me getting bored.  So I am going from reading the newspaper on my ipad to spending an hour or so on MSE to a jigsaw puzzle to housework to book or gardening or exercise to playing the piano or watching a film/TV or baking to keep me from keeping bored. I also try and schedule at least one facetime or zoom meeting a day with family or friends. 

Willing2Learn

I am a bit stuck in the past.  I might have a pc, but I don't use things like facetime or zoom.  I don't really know what they are, but apparently google is my friend (so I'll take a peep).

Thanks for your comment


@joedenise
I live in a flat and share a lovely back garden.  I may start going out on one of the bikes since the weather is so nice.  A bit of fresh air and exercise has to be good for the mind 

Willing2Learn

oh yeah, do either of you know who Jacques Cousteau is?  I used to love watching his travels in to the deep blue.  I just want to follow in his footsteps...

joedenise

I've heard of him and have seen stuff on the TV but not a lot of it.  Used to like diving when I was younger but had to give up when I got high blood pressure as I also have COPD and apparently I could dive with one or the other but not both!

joedenise

How's today going Willing?  Hopefully you've managed to keep yourself occupied and non-smoking.

Willing2Learn

I've been biting my nails all day.  Only smoked this morning until I ran out.  Spent a lot of time on the forum today, so no gaming for me.

How are you keeping JD?

I'm going to start exercising (on one of my bikes) and take a trip down the canals tomorrow.  (Taking advantage of the fantastic weather)

joedenise

Good idea to get some fresh air as well as exercise.  Please keep away from the smokes!  You know it makes sense.  It's so easy to get addicted again.  

I'm keeping OK.  I'm glad I'm not on my own as I have my husband for company and I also have a garden and live near the coast - only about a 5 minute drive away so we often walk along the beach for our exercise.

joedenise

How's it going Willing?  Have you been out and got some fresh air and no cigarettes today?