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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: Finley 1 on Sunday 29 March 20 12:42 BST (UK)
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My head is buzzing with FH research and Sewing and knitting and just being around... but without being able to have a full 6 month plan ahead.. I cant focus...
just want to sleep till this is sorted.. but I have always always attempted to fill my days beyond reason.. never put off till tomorrow etc... My Nan would be so angry with me..
I need to be able to focus.... but just have a dizzy stupid head that wont allow it.. How can we.. in this time
xin
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Try setting yourself a target each day. It will help to take your mind off the other issues.
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Thanks Craclyn
will try that x
Xin
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I've created a timetable for myself:
Physical, practical work in morning (Gardening, housework, DIY etc).
Nice long break in middle of day, time to read etc, for an hour or two.
Something like sewing or writing ( by hand) and minor tidying up of boxes, drawers, sewing supplies, in afternoon, as well as ringing one or two people, who I know are stuck in and alone, likely to be bored. Crossword too (generously provided extra to usual quota of them, by my daily newspaper of choice)
Later on in afternoon time online, prep of dinner etc to eat about 7.00, then television ( catching up on stuff recorded and never managed to watch) for a couple of hours, read and bed.
Seems to work.... so far!
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I'm finding it hard to concentrate too. Can't even manage to get through a TV programme at the moment. Will get better in a few days, I'm sure.
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I've created a timetable for myself:
Physical, practical work in morning (Gardening, housework, DIY etc).
Nice long break in middle of day, time to read etc, for an hour or two.
Something like sewing or writing ( by hand) and minor tidying up of boxes, drawers, sewing supplies, in afternoon, as well as ringing one or two people, who I know are stuck in and alone, likely to be bored.
Later on in afternoon time online, prep of dinner etc to eat about 7.00, then television ( catching up on stuff recorded and never managed to watch) for a couple of hours, read and bed.
Seems to work.... so far!
thats the old me :) almost to a 'T'
xin
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thanks decor
it is this being on the edge---- waiting ---- but not knowing what for..
take care
xin
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Xin - I drove myself into a right state at the beginning of all this (before the lockdown). I think part of it was the lack of any definites and partly because I was reading or watching the news too much. Also, I had had the heads up from the mother of an epidemiologist as to the expected time frame of the spread of the virus, which I told my friends about. A couple of them convinced me that I was panicking unnecessarily and it would be okay to meet up but lo and behold, within the week they realised that what I had told them was right and of course we didn't meet up. In the meantime I'd calmed down and thought of all the things I could do, many of which I still haven't got round to!
I would suggest limiting your news intake to once a day, preferably not just before bed. I usually have a cuppa and read a book in the morning to psych myself up to it. If there are any instructions we need to be aware of they'll keep till the next day.
Do something you really enjoy in 'normal' life. Obviously that excludes meeting friends or a night out at the pub! If you can do it, physical exercise is great for taking your mind off things, particularly if you can do it outdoors.
Hope you manage to get a bit more settled.
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I thought we may go into panic overdrive too. I have also set us a timetable but it is subject to change but only for the better.
A leisurely breakfast, manual work (deep-cleaning one room per day), with a break for coffee and toast after the first hour. When manual work is finished, another coffee. Relax on the computer (don't look at the news sites and keep to positive sites/threads). Then early dinner (about 2.00pm), then outdoors for some exercise. More coffee or tea then back on the computer with something relaxing like games or family history, a bit of light TV then bed.
Every third day we have a day 'off' where we can relax and read or do puzzles etc. Still lots of treats during the day though.
As others have said, try to avoid too much news. It is very depressing keep hearing about the death toll and you can do nothing more than you are doing about it.
Focus on one day at a time. Don't look too far ahead.
Stay safe, stay sane, stay indoors.
Rishile
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One day at a time is the answer, don’t make plans.
Wake up, say “what would I like to do today” and if possible do it.
I find it helps to ask myself “ what would I be doing today if the world was normal”
Often it is just the same thing I would do anyway.
Mike
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I'm glad I'm not alone with this...!
I too have been finding it hard to concentrate and focus. I was also finding it very hard to sleep, and when I did had terrible dreams:-(
Solutions, of sorts, - only watching the news once a day, spending as much daylight time as possible working in the garden, weeding, tidying, etc...
Trying to allow some time for tidying paperwork, looking at my worst family history Brickwalls again!!
Reading something light and cheerful. (Suggestions please, I seem to have a lot of gloomy books:-)
Romilly.
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I find I can't concentrate on family history, my main hobby. Just can't rely on myself as to whether I have found the right person or not.
My tablet, which up until recently needed charging morning and evening, gets charged once a day.
I still check my DNA matches once a day, other than that my subscriptions are wasted, to a certain extent.
In the warmer weather I have been out in the garden every morning, but today it was too cold.
I do try to keep to a routine, but family history seems to have gone out of the window.
Regards Margaret
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Romilly, do you have a kindle. I recently read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt something along the way.
Or for Brain Candy as my American calls them...
Any of The Brighton Mysteries by Elly Bryant, several in the series, start at 1 and keep going ;D ;D
Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon, funny and sad, but in a nice way.
MajorPettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson, I loved this one, a nice light read
I just gave up on an Isabelle Allende, It was just too heavy, maybe when we all come out the other side of this I’ll finish it :-\
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I find I can't concentrate on family history, my main hobby. Just can't rely on myself as to whether I have found the right person or not.
My tablet, which up until recently needed charging morning and evening, gets charged once a day.
I still check my DNA matches once a day, other than that my subscriptions are wasted, to a certain extent.
In the warmer weather I have been out in the garden every morning, but today it was too cold.
I do try to keep to a routine, but family history seems to have gone out of the window.
Regards Margaret
I took a couple of years out. I had just begun to get back to tidying notes, chasing the elusives and had made contact with a distant relative. Like you I just can’t seem to concentrate long enough to do anything serious. I’m hoping it will get better as the days go on.
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Thanks for the suggestions suey.
No, I don't have a kindle, I've always preferred books until now...
I have stacks of books here! (I read very widely:-) But everything that I've picked up recently, - I've then discarded as too depressing...
I will have a rummage through, and see if I have any of the titles you suggest.
Cheers, Romilly.
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For those of you who are struggling with Family History at the moment but don't want to waste their subscriptions, why not draw up a list of some of your surnames and search for Wills or Newspapers etc. Any records you find could be saved into a 'To Be Checked' folder for perusal later if you don't feel confident about adding it to your record at present. Reading old newspapers is always interesting even if you don't find anything relevant to your family.
Rishile
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So glad I posted this one xxxxx thank you all and it so helps to know you are not alone...
I am attempting dead rellie searching :) finding the blighters I couldnt find before... :) bless em all... love em all.. oh dear me.. now where is John Cooke ... ha ha ha
take good care each and everyone xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Xin
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I know exactly what you mean and find some days I feel quite positive and the next down again. Sleeping pattern can be up and down too.
We started social distancing from family and friends on the 16th March at the insistence of our daughter. So we are now 2 weeks without meeting up although we speak regularly on the phone and by email.
I do not walk very well after an accident to my ankle a number of years ago so my exercise is quite limited at the best of times. However, I am trying to get out for a short walk every day weather permitting. Unfortunately, it has not been all that good here in Edinburgh - cold and wet - so I am beginning to go stir crazy. Cannot even spend time in the garden. The clocks have now changed so I am trying to be positive and hope the weather will get better soon.
I believe we can overdose on the depressing news so am trying to switch off to it but my O/H hangs on to every word - silly old man.
Decide every evening what we will do the next day but do not beat myself up if it goes pear shaped. One day at a time is my motto from now on.
I had an email from a friend today asking for help with a WW1 Scottish Casualty so that is my challenge for tomorrow.
Keep safe everyone and remember we are only human beings so all our feelings are natural.
Dorrie
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Xin, I think we are all suffering from information overload. I don't see myself as a worrier but this has me really concerned for all my family and I believe many of us feel the same. It's easy to put on a brave face, but the concerns are never far the from mind. I only watch one news programme for updates and am staying away from CV related posts on here now.
My routine is pretty much the same except for seeing family and friends and the voluntary work at the Heritage Centre. I spend the morning doing chores and the afternoons, go for a walk. When not in the garden I just play it by ear, read, restore photos, sort my Family history files and listen to music, then a bit of time on here.
Xin.....get your paints out, play your favourite music and lose yourself for a while. Switch off, and find your happy place ;)
Take care and know that we are all here for you.
Carol 😘
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Thank you for all responses
Carol :) bless you you have helped me out a fair few times on this site now .. and I really appreciate it.. I can feel the warmth and it is good...
Please YOU take good care too xxxxxxxxx
Xin
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Though not in complete lockdown like many of you in the UK are, we have been keeping our distance from others, and family, and limiting time out of the house.
I am aware of what is going on and I try not to let it worry me, but OH mentions it often during the day, and is in the habit of sitting at the table chatting to me about it at dinner time - doom and gloom - “what would we do if this or that happens” - worst case scenarios .... this stays with me till bed time and I find I have difficulty sleeping - all those concerns are amplified when it is dark and quiet. I agree with steering clear of media reports which are often sensationalised and repetitive.
Any of you with a subscription who find it difficult to concentrate could maybe think about helping with lookups on rootschat. This way you could pick and choose what you wanted to help with, you could dip in and out as you wish, making use of your sub and at the same time helping others. (I’m sure many of you already do this)
I understand not being able to concentrate though, and I generally turn to cleaning. I could never work to a daily schedule, but everyone is different. When trying to read books I find my mind wanders but a good TV series can be compelling and give me something else to focus on.
Stay safe everyone. ;)
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Come in Xin and let us know that you are ok ;)
Carol
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:D
learning how to face time the family ---- oh my scary but fun
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Xin
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Oh good, well done, keep positive my friend ;)
Carol
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Could I recommend one other thing?
There are lots and lots of great podcasts now to listen to, which - unlike radio - don't suddenly stop and turn into a news bulletin you'd rather not hear just at any given moment.
Some of them are educational, some more entertaining, and with some like Desert Island Discs there are so many you can keep on listening to different castaways and their musical choices for ages.
I have a big list of podcasts I subscribe to and they keep me company whenever I need them.
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Cheers Carol xxx
We have so many great people on here ..
so lets xxx stick together ...
thank you xxx
Xin
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Good for you Xin have fun.
Dorrie
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I decide what I want to do ,but something is always more pressing.
Din’t know why,started to tidy out a big walk in box room full of shelves and boxes,I am not in a hurry,no one will visit so what is stopping me?
Everything out in the bedroom .now I realise I can not get rid of all I ought to stop being stupidly sentimental about,can’t get to tip and will it be accepted in the bins.
I can see it cluttering up the bedroom and ending up back in the darned cupboard.
But what is stopping me ,I am making nourishing meals, cooking for the freezer etc from what I’ve got in store and yet something is more pressing .
I think it is a form of stress ,but I am not really like that ,however one child has her own business ,and all is at a standstill .
I am very worried about that,as she also has quite a cocktail of auto immune
conditions,not least Pernicious Anaemia,monthly injections it is so severe.
The same for many many more.
I will have to pretend someone is visiting ,and do a thorough “ bottoming”
as a good Spring clean is called round here.
Many are in worse situations, I know .
For example, all tests for breast cervical and bowel cancer have been halted.
How frightening that must be.
I have been very restricted since Jan 10 th so am already fed up.
Perhaps that is part of the trouble.
Never mind eyes so much better, can go for a short walk,will get out in the garden soon.
So I have no great problems myself really.
But I must finish tasks I have started.
No Concentration!
Hope you are all well and managing.
Viktoria.
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Victoria, it helps to organise chores into categories.
Things I won’t do now.
Things I won’t do later.
Things I’ll never do.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I ought to just chuck the cards out and not look at them .
I will falter if I look at them .
I suppose it is conceit to want to read again nice things people have said about you ,
Like a picture of me ,on the front and the caption “Mrs———-, you are not old!”
Then PTO,and inside——“You are really!”
Pictures of me asking “ Is the floor alright?” When a child has fallen and they need distracting .
“Do you want an ordinary rub or a magic one?”
I haven’t looked yet, just remember them.
I have visions of my children in floods of tears reading them all after I have popped my clogs .Maybe then they will appreciate me!
Then again they might just chuck them out without looking. :'(
Hey ho, at least I have uninterrupted time to do it all.
No visitors, no rush.
I have radio, TV. RootsChat,phone and as yet walks in fresh air and essentials delivered thanks to online shopping and bank card .
A garden , and neighbours far enough away to pose no danger to one and another but close enough to be able to exchange greetings.
Loads of sewing to do,material for curtains and bedspreads etc.
So there we are .
Goodnight everyone ,kindest wishes to you all , we are in a very special time and one that will go down in history, if I don’t watch myself I might get above myself!
Viktoria.
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Xin....I'm waiting to see a painting of yours as your avatar ;D Are you more focused now.
Carol
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There you go Carol :)
this is a digital one.. for now.. little large will adjust soon and then find where I put those darn brushes.....
I have got a brand new easel 2 xmas's old a gift from OH .. still as new.. its a desktop one.. so WILL have to at least open it... :)
thank you xxxx
xin
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Ooo! Very nice. Lovely mood enhancing warm colours 8)
Carol
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What a gorgeous picture, so bright .
What was your inspiration?
Anyway ,just what we need in these dark times
Thankyou.Viktoria.
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thank you Victoria
inspiration was my time spent on a 3 month exchange trip to Seville .........
I was there for the wonderful Fiesta's :) I was a 'mature' student .... in 2002 :)
the memories will last a lifetime.. thank goodness..
xin
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What a beautiful painting Xin you are very talented and it is good to see such a wonderful avatar.
We all have happy memories and it is good to bring them out every so often and dust them down especially when times are not so good.
Take care everyone.
Dorrie
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Victoria, it helps to organise chores into categories.
Things I won’t do now.
Things I won’t do later.
Things I’ll never do.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Suey -- I just LOVE your way of thinking - I think I'll adopt your advice as my maxim!
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I didn’t think Fiesta but Flamenco came to mind, but I see it now.
But thinking Flamenco I visited Joachim Cortez,!!!
Well on my iPad .
The Rudolf Nureyev of Flamenco.
I am going to lie down in a darkened room now.
Thanks again.
Viktoria
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I listen to stories from Audible to distract me, I always have done to get through the mundane things in life.
Years ago it was tapes then CDs from the library, I was told you can download them over the net now with your library card.
I was given a subscription to Audible as a present and I download them on to my kindle fire but you can use most devices.
You can get a free months trial to see if you like it.
Some new releases are pricey but there are many cheap, free or two for one type offers often available.
I recommend listening to a story in the bath, lights out, candles lit with a G&T and nibbles ;)
My idea of heaven :D
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A touch of the Edvard Munch there Xin. Is it really that bad with you??
I sincerely hope not.
Malky
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Years ago I remember listening to what I think, were audio CDs from the library, whilst I was doing stuff like ironing!
The ones I absolutely loved were 'Mapp and Lucia' narrated by Prunella Scales. They were just brilliantly funny, narrated SO well.
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Oh I loved Mapp and Lucia,strange ending,floating away on a fable as I remember.Did you see the TV series?
Nigel Hawthorne in long curly wig being King Charles I think ,as camp as could be! For the pageant.
Such gentle humour .
Thanks for the reminder.
Viktoria.
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Viktoria -- I also watched the TV series -- was it Penelope Keith as Lucia and Prunella Scales as Mapp?
Must admit I don't remember Nigel Hawthorne. (Age related brain shrinkage probably).
I loved it -- but the audio books with Prunella Scales were wonderful too. They gave me such a good laugh.
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Viktoria -- I also watched the TV series -- was it Penelope Keith as Lucia and Prunella Scales as Mapp?
Must admit I don't remember Nigel Hawthorne. (Age related brain shrinkage probably).
I loved it -- but the audio books with Prunella Scales were wonderful too. They gave me such a good laugh.
We are watching it at the moment.
Geraldine McEwan played Lucia.
Viktoria, it didn’t end with them floating away. They returned after spending months on an Italian fishing boat off the coast of Labrador ;D
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A touch of the Edvard Munch there Xin. Is it really that bad with you??
I sincerely hope not.
Malky
I was thinking more Toulouse Lautrec Malky :D
Carol
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No Malky ---- I am collecting myself -- now thank you .. I am no worse than any of us in this time.. but due to my 'temperament' I express myself in my art... Yes I can see a slight touch of Munch and his 'Tree of life'... This is from the Flamenco dancers at the Fiesta in Seville... they had their own little family areas and were wonderful... such a special time and yes it is now we have to remember these times...
Yes Carol more Toulouse :)
Maybe we should all start to write it down and put it in a pressurised casket to bury for and in case of any future interest.
Thank you What a beautiful painting Xin you are very talented and it is good to see such a wonderful avatar.
So much appreciated xxx
going to get a cuppa and no more misso's xxxxxxx
behave now Victoria.. not good for our health is old Joachim..... lovely tho :) I have another one somewhere I will look out for you ... .. NO not today .. I have ooodles of dancers filed somewhere and I will loooooose track again..
I am actually doing some research with a fellow Sutherland hunter at the mo. So should get back to it.
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Ooooooh,Joachim does me a lot of good!
Have to ration myself though, ;) ;)
Viktoria.
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I also watched the TV series -- was it Penelope Keith as Lucia and Prunella Scales as Mapp?
Must admit I don't remember Nigel Hawthorne.
Of course I now remember Nigel Hawthorne! When he was mentioned I was thinking of Nigel Havers! Thank you also for reminding me that it was Geraldine McEwan who played Lucia.
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Viktoria -- I also watched the TV series -- was it Penelope Keith as Lucia and Prunella Scales as Mapp?
Must admit I don't remember Nigel Hawthorne. (Age related brain shrinkage probably).
I loved it -- but the audio books with Prunella Scales were wonderful too. They gave me such a good laugh.
We are watching it at the moment.
Geraldine McEwan played Lucia.
Viktoria, it didn’t end with them floating away. They returned after spending months on an Italian fishing boat off the coast of Labrador ;D
Yes and Prunella Scales.
I remember now, they came back in the books bu t must have missed the TV
episode showing that.
I think you will find Nigel Hawthorne ridiculously hilarious.
And the girl who was always dressed as a lad.
I can get it so will watch.
Thanks for reminding me.
Viktoria,
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Lost my job today. Not helping with the concentration. :(
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Oh Decor -- I am so, so sorry to hear your bad news. Is that a permanent situation or will your job resume after all this is over?
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Lost my job today. Not helping with the concentration. :(
Truly sorry to hear that,will you get any help?
Keep in touch ,at the least some contact and a laugh.
I realise you feel no reason to laugh at all, but stick with us ,it is really uplifting .
Very best wishes.
On another note, try your hand at writing ,many people have talents that until a time of adversity they never knew they had.
Viktoria.
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Sorry to hear your news Decor
hope something turns up xxxxxx
xin