This week has seen me well and truly in the thick of home-schooling and general lock down. I won't use the term "isolation" because I am never alone while at home thanks to my two young children and husband. I'm not complaining, of course. I am lucky to have social interaction all day whether I want it or not. I will admit I have taken to hiding in rooms for a few minutes of solitude and taking long evening walks to get some time out. As a self-confessed introvert who craves alone time, I have struggled.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While I am finding creative ways to take time out for myself, I am very aware of the fact many others aren't lucky enough to feel the need for alone time. I can't imagine the difficulty of being completely alone at home. Yes, part of me feels a little envious that others have time to rest, take up hobbies, read and binge watch television shows. I do understand, however, the reality is that this time is going to see a lot of people really struggle. Not only are we forced to avoid contact with friends and loved ones, we are also trying to find a way to make sense of this ever unfolding craziness and unprecedented change in the way we live.
So, what have I been doing to keep myself sane? Well, with two kids at home I am managing to keep busy. Screen time has become pretty standard in our house. As has 24-hour snacking by my children. I assume my youngest must starve all day at school having only set break times because, at home, she wanders into the kitchen every 30 minutes because she is hungry. My eldest child is just happy to have unlimited time with her parents and so most activities she does come with a request for one of us to join in. Not always easy when we are both trying to work, organise school work and generally run the house.
I have downloaded words with friends, but quickly discovered I have no talent there. I have finally given in to the lure of TikTok and lost a lot of time scrolling through the videos. I still don't really get it, but it's keeping me amused, so I wont question it too much. I have also had a lot of fun video messaging family and friends and listening to some amazing podcasts. I have taken my kids on walks around our neighbourhood to spot teddy bears and I'm pretty close to suggesting over-the-fence drinks with my neighbours. I am trying to keep positive and feel grateful that the weather has been beautiful and we can get outside. Remember, it wasn't long ago that the smoke blanketed the air so thickly we couldn't even open a window. While it doesn't always work, I try to remind myself often that "this too shall pass" and just hope it won't be too long.
- Christy Kidner is an editorial administrator at The Canberra Times.
