Three things to be alert for if you’re self-quarantining

This short list isn’t going to, as usual, contain an article or other objective authority supporting my position. These don’t need them. They’re common sense but simply not mentioned enough.

GET SOME SUN First, if you’re self-isolated because of a combination of age and susceptibility to conditions like respiratory ailments, being by yourself may keep you from getting outside into fresh air and getting a little sun. Keep an eye out for the population flow in your area (if you’re in an urban area and wait for a time when you can be guaranteed that you can maintain a bubble between you and everyone else that’s at least six feet or two meters in width. Once you have that level of physical isolation, periodically do find a bench or the like and sit in the sunshine for long enough to enjoy and to boost your Vitamin D without pills.

WATCH OUT FOR SIDE-EFFECTS OF YOUR PAIN MEDICATION Second, if your circumstances require that you occasionally take a heavy duty pain pill, be alert to the possibility that you are continue to interact with people beyond the point where you’re coherent or helpful. That means checking your recent emails or other communication formats. If you simply don’t make sense when your current pain med has kicked in, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or your medication to get close to receiving relief from pain without sounding like a total loony.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS EVEN IF YOU CAN’T DO IT IN PERSON Third, because self-isolation or self-quarantine sets you apart from everyone including family members you usually have the joy of cuddling with at night, you may find an increasing sense of loneliness or separation from all the other humans you know. Remember that physical isolation doesn’t prevent from you reaching out by phone or email. Those contacts shouldn’t be only about you. Try to discuss or share anything from past happy memories to future plans to even what books or movies are worth watching. You are not alone.

I’m currently recovering from a hip replacement while also fitting squarely into the category of individuals who should be isolating themselves. Even if that’s not exactly fun, I can at least keep alert for possible problems and for ways to keep myself from going buggy. Hard to do these days, but we all have to try.