A day in the life of a self-isolating Social Prescriber: day four

Hi again, I’m Megan, the Social Prescribing PCN Link Worker for Holderness Health at the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and welcome to day three of my daily blog. This blog will hopefully offer some support and information to anyone who may be in a similar situation to me, and give insight into how I am trying to maintain as much routine as possible.

For those of you who have been following my blog, you may have noticed that there was an entry missing, and that’s because yesterday was my birthday!

Yes – that’s right I spent my 22nd birthday in isolation. Although this was initially very disappointing, it’s significantly more rewarding to protect the health of myself and those around me at this challenging time. I am certain I will be able to celebrate in the future – anyway, two birthdays are better than one!

I spent most of my day facetiming friends and family and reconnecting with some friends who I haven’t spoken to for a while. I did a makeshift yoga class on YouTube (I highly recommend Yoga by Adrienne!) which was brilliant - it felt good to destress and refocus. I also enjoyed a delicious Monday Lunch (Sunday Lunch, but make it Monday) with lots of veggies, roasties and of course the classic Yorkshire puds!

 It was then time for the evenng address from the Prime Minister, to which he announced the UK would face lockdown and we must all only leave the house if absolutely necessary. I wanted to take this time to thank all of the amazing NHS staff, including my colleagues, who are working tirelessly and risking their own health to support and care for everyone in this country – you truly are heroes.

…

Moving on to today, it’s currently 24^th March and this is my fourth working day during isolation; my day began around 7am, to which I followed my habitual routine of coffee and breakfast. I began my day with several calls to clients who may be particularly vulnerable at the moment and offered them verbal support. I also signposted to the amazing community projects, which are beginning to develop services and voluntary groups to support the elderly and vulnerable.

I then participated in some Skype meetings – connectivity between the services at this time is crucial and makes us stronger in our position to support those in need. It’s astonishing how quickly people can come together to protect the community including voluntary food delivery services, befriending services and many more.

My top tip of the day is: to participate in some form of exercise, once a day. That might be doing some gentle chair yoga or even climbing the stairs a few times - anything to get your body moving!

Overall, day four was positive. I feel accomplished and optimistic today - it is so important that we all continue to support one another through these tough times. However, I must say, I do not feel particularly supported by colleague Bodhi (my dog), who I caught sleeping on the job – can you believe it?!

I’ll check in with you tomorrow to let you know how I’m getting on!

Thanks for reading,

Megan.