The hopeful readers group discussion

So, the truth is, this is not a good time for me. The constant media coverage, the fact that my place of work was closed (we still get some pay through the government at least), and the constantly changing restrctions are not really helping me stay calm.

Is anyone else feeling this? And if so, what do you do to cope?

At the moment im trying to keep rather calm about it, although i am worried for my nan and my mum who are in the vulnerable categories. However i work in a school and we haven't closed completely yet although expecting too soon with new things happening each day. im with you though in that the constant changes and amount of stuff going on, makes difficult to not worry or think about.

For the time being coping wise ive been alright since trying to stay busy with coursework and still in work, also me and family plan to possibly do a full house clean and reogrganise. If going to be stuck inside it shall keep us busy and be nice way to spend time together, otherwise reading and videogames along with drawing are all things that relax me. Even just some music or tv shows i love is good way to just think of something else, escape for a while.

I'm trying to limit my cleaning time and go one room at a time, decluttering and cleaning as I go. I've been home for three days now, and I'm slowly relaxing and being able to enjoy a book. The first few days were the worst…

Yeah that's a good way of doing it, especially since no idea how things going with timing at the moment. I think that's what's most worrying so just the lack of actual clarification at the moment, changing daily.

I bet they were, I'm glad your able to enjoy a bit more now though xx

I appreciate you Andrea. Thank you for this outlet.

Gio wrote: "I appreciate you Andrea. Thank you for this outlet."

Thank you for joining <3

I know I need an outlet and someone to talk to, and with most of us confined to our homes most of the time, I think we'll all feel the need for more interaction sooner or later…

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...

Saw this this morning, and it made me smile. Hugh Jackman singing "You will be found" from "Dear Evan Hansen" and altering the lyrics a little bit.

That was very sweet, made smile
and cry a little. Very touching.

Right? I mean, that song is evil at the best of times, but now…

I actually heard it live from Hugh Jackman for the first time last year. I went to his world tour (he actually stopped by in Germany, yay!), and I didn't know this song or the musical, but it made me cry so hard. It's so clear how much he loves that song, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.

Andrea wrote: "Right? I mean, that song is evil at the best of times, but now…

I actually heard it live from Hugh Jackman for the first time last year. I went to his world tour (he actually stopped by in Germany..."

I did not know he was touring. That is fantastic. Although I am a tad bit jealous....lol

Yeah. He did a world tour last year, basically telling his life story through music, including music from musicals and films he starred in, but also stuff that inspired him or that he has a connection with.
He opened with "The greatest show" from "The Greatest Showman", and sang some songs from that (he also let one of the female singers sing "This is me" <3). It was an amazing evening <3 He has such a great presence and energy, his joy was really infectious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FHWd... (I think it's actually the whole thing?)

Andrea wrote: "Yeah. He did a world tour last year, basically telling his life story through music, including music from musicals and films he starred in, but also stuff that inspired him or that he has a connect..."

I will save this for later. I am very excited.

I hope you'll enjoy it :)

Andrea wrote: "I hope you'll enjoy it :)"

It was so good. It makes you feel like he is talking to you personally.

Right? I especially liked the things he said/sung about his wife (sigh), and about his charities. I didn't know that about him. And the Somewhere over the rainbow version was just beautiful…
And You will be found *sniffs* Oh, all of it was wonderful :D

Stephen Fry gave some excellent advice.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-519957...

Thanks for sharing! It's always good to have a voice of reason :)

I also follow Lorraine Pascale (she's British chef; has a recipe for Oreo Brownies that is to die for: https://lorrainepascale.com/oreo-brow...) on Facebook, and she often has some good tips on her page, too.

Andrea wrote: "Thanks for sharing! It's always good to have a voice of reason :)

I also follow Lorraine Pascale (she's British chef; has a recipe for Oreo Brownies that is to die for: https://lorrainepascale.co..."

Food is a bit of a problem here. The lines are long and they only allow 10 people in the store at a time. Then when you get in they are out of staples like flour, rice, etc. (not complaining, just saying, as I know many are worse off.)

But I found an App. Not sure if it will work everywhere but it is called

Supercook.

You put your ingredients from your pantry then it lists all the recipes you can make.

There are similar apps like this one.

Hope you're feeling a little better Andrea

How's things going for everyone?

Started feeling really anxious today :( Can't work out if it's my normal anxiety, or if the current situation is making things worse.

Gio wrote: "But I found an App. Not sure if it will work everywhere but it is calledSupercook.."

Cool idea. Things are about the same here. People are hoarding everything, but you can still get fresh produce and everything that spoils a little faster. Thank goodness for that....

Jen wrote: "Hope you're feeling a little better Andrea

How's things going for everyone?

Started feeling really anxious today :( Can't work out if it's my normal anxiety, or if the current situation is making..."

Hey you!
Glad to hear from you. Things in Germany are still pretty much the same. For some reason no one can put their finger on, we've had it pretty good so far. The death rate is pretty low at the moment. It's sad that that's a small blessing, when other countries have it so much worse. But of course that leads people to still think it's not so bad and ignore rules meant to keep it that way, so... oh well. I for one am grateful that I have it pretty good. Still have a job (even if I can't work much, we still get pay from the government), no one I know has been ill, my cold has not gotten worse than a case of the sniffles, I have a garden to read in. It could be so much worse, and I am beyond grateful for that.

But still. Anxiety is lurking around the corner every time I look at the news. I actually do what Stephen Fry advised in the interview (see Gio's comment above), and set myself three times a day where I look at it. I also try to stick to a schedule where I make coffee, paint some, play and walk with my dog, then read some, and do some exercise. The routine helps, I feel.

But I feel you. It's hard to know what's triggering it right now. I saw a picture recently I'll try to find, about ways to react. Basically it says to ask yourself what is wrong. Can I do something about it? If yes, what? If no, breathe and let it go. Easier said than done of course. Right now, it feels like there's not much we can do, but we somehow have to try and stay positive and talk about it. I think that's the most important part, that we don't just shove it aside because we know how bad others have it.

Am I making sense???

My anxiety is pretty high, I've got a 72 year old father living alone who was hospitalised for all of Sep/Oct - I really thought I was going to lose him and then had him convalescing with me through Nov/Dec, so he's only just starting to get back on his feet and has an ongoing condition and doesn't appreciate being told to stay inside. Then I also have a younger sister with MS who is also moving house tomorrow, so my family is pretty stressed too. I find the fact so many people are not taking the risk seriously at best annoying and worst worrying, because my family members are amongst those most at risk of death if they were to contract the virus.

I'm also a self-employed contractor who's contract is coming to an end at the end of May too, so I also have to contend with finding a new job. The working from home doesn't phase me as I often do 2-3 days a week working from home and I'm a bit of a functioning agoraphobic, so I sometimes struggle to leave the house anyway, though this is probably exacerbating that condition. All in all on paper it looks pretty bleak, but to control my stress and anxiety and prevent me from dropping into a depression that prevents me from actually get something done I'm desperately trying to stay positive and focus on things I can control and influence. So on the upside, I've updated my CV today and just need to get it out to agencies and onto the various job sites. I've been getting in lots of reading, enjoying the sunshine in the garden with my pooch Dexter and going for long walks. I've got some ideas for some art videos for craft projects that kids and families can do together recycling stuff in the house and hopefully I will crack on with doing some of my own writing on the romance novel I'm working on (my new year resolution!).

What's everyone else doing (apart from reading) to deal with the stress and anxiety?

Wealie and Jen,

Anxiety is the worst part. Not knowing how the virus is going to affect you or your loved ones.
I am worried about many of my friends and loved ones as they are so vulnerable.
Like you Wealie, my sister in law has MS and my brother is recovering from Cancer.
We have many friends who are over 70 and are terrified for them. Some have lung conditions.

I am worried about countries with informal living conditions. Rural parts of Africa and India.

My husband and I live in an Airstream fulltime so we are reliant on Parks staying open.
The power went off last night at the park we are in at the moment.
It is in California so it isn't freezing but it will make things that much tougher if we cannot hook up.
No power means no wifi, heat or microwave.

Next week we have to move to a different park. California has closed all the State and National Parks. These were our main resources now they are gone.

I am finding it hard to read anything that I don't know the outcome. Plot twist creates more anxiety for me.
I have been rereading old favorites to keep busy.

We can still go for walks and this helps but I haven't been sleeping so energy is a problem.

My husband and I have a debrief after we watch the News.
We talk about our worries and create the worst-case scenario then create a plan.

It really helps.

If anyone needs someone to do this with...let me know. Message me or we can start a thread if it is ok with Andrea.

BTW! Cell Phone companies are giving away free data in the US. Also Internet providers. I am not sure how other countries work but this might be helpful.
Kindle Unlimited is giving away 2 months free.

Andrea,

Painting is such a good idea. What are you painting at the moment?

I am thinking about dusting off my colored pencils but not sure where the inspiration will come from.

https://www.instagram.com/michelleobama/

I am finding comfort in some of my favorite Celebrities.

Gio wrote: "Wealie and Jen,
Anxiety is the worst part. Not knowing how the virus is going to affect you or your loved ones..."

I hope you find someplace nice and safe soon…

I like your idea of a plan, I can see how it would help. Feel free to add new threads anytime!

Nothing like free data over here, but that's nice. Makes it easier to stay in touch with people. I'll have to check if the KU offer is valid over here, too.

I actually bought a coloring book which promises calming, relaxing motifs, and so far, I really like them. I'm working on one that's a landscape with mountains, water, and a lot of trees at the moment. I'm not the most creative person, but this calms me a lot.

Andrea wrote: "Gio wrote: "Wealie and Jen,
Anxiety is the worst part. Not knowing how the virus is going to affect you or your loved ones..."

I hope you find someplace nice and safe soon…

I like your idea of ..."

Landscapes are a good idea. I have taken some photos that would make good colored pencil projects.

I bet :)

This weekend I'm going to be working on some art project videos for families to do with their kids, focusing on using recyclable materials and keeping costs down.

I’m so glad I found this,thanks Andrea. I’ve been an avid reader for years but I’m finding it so difficult to concentrate right now. Here in the U.K , it feels as though our Government are playing with people’s lives and my husband is a Paramedic so I’m in a constant state of worry every time he goes to work.

Stay safe everyone 💕

Judith wrote: "I’m so glad I found this,thanks Andrea. I’ve been an avid reader for years but I’m finding it so difficult to concentrate right now. Here in the U.K , it feels as though our Government are playing ..."

Judith,

I am so sorry. Stay Safe!

Judith wrote: "I’m so glad I found this,thanks Andrea. I’ve been an avid reader for years but I’m finding it so difficult to concentrate right now. Here in the U.K , it feels as though our Government are playing ..."

Your husband is a true hero Judith, virtual hugs from another UK resident xxx

Judith wrote: "I’m so glad I found this,thanks Andrea. I’ve been an avid reader for years but I’m finding it so difficult to concentrate right now. Here in the U.K , it feels as though our Government are playing ..."

Welcome to the group, Judith!
I'm so in awe of people like your husband at the best of times, but even more so now. I hope you both get through this safe and healthy!!!

I am reading articles and hearing reports that this could last for up to 6 months.

Gio wrote: "I am reading articles and hearing reports that this could last for up to 6 months."

They're talking about maintaining the lock down in the UK until June.

Andrea wrote: "Judith wrote: "I’m so glad I found this,thanks Andrea. I’ve been an avid reader for years but I’m finding it so difficult to concentrate right now. Here in the U.K , it feels as though our Governme..."

Wealie wrote: "Judith wrote: "I’m so glad I found this,thanks Andrea. I’ve been an avid reader for years but I’m finding it so difficult to concentrate right now. Here in the U.K , it feels as though our Governme..."

Gio wrote: "Judith wrote: "I’m so glad I found this,thanks Andrea. I’ve been an avid reader for years but I’m finding it so difficult to concentrate right now. Here in the U.K , it feels as though our Governme..."

Thanks so much!!
When this started I was watching the news constantly-now I’m terrified to turn it on.Not helped by the stories my husband comes home with.( still can’t bring myself to enjoy reading anything)

Sorry to hear you're unable to read Judith, I'm having the opposite problem, spending more time reading to avoid reality!

Wealie wrote: "Sorry to hear you're unable to read Judith, I'm having the opposite problem, spending more time reading to avoid reality!"

We’ve been binge watching Benidorm on Netflix ( sad I know!!)

I am reading old favorites but those are not enough of a distraction. Hopefully the BR with you all will help.

Wealie wrote: "Gio wrote: "I am reading articles and hearing reports that this could last for up to 6 months."

They're talking about maintaining the lock down in the UK until June."

It makes sense. Australia is talking about a 6-month travel ban.

We are Safe!

The place we are staying in is quiet and less populated. This equates to more food on the shelves and *gasp* toilet paper. LOL

The town is a bit more relaxed on the sheltering in place which is a bit stressful but It is easier to get away from people here so my husband and I are able to keep our distance.

I hope everyone is doing well. Please keep me updated!

That's great news! Thanks for keeping us updated!!

Gio wrote: "We are Safe!

The place we are staying in is quiet and less populated. This equates to more food on the shelves and *gasp* toilet paper. LOL

The town is a bit more relaxed on the sheltering in pla..."

That’s great news-which country are you in?

We are in the US in California. =))

Gio wrote: "We are in the US in California. =))"

I thought that had been quite hardly hit/but the news reports here in the U.K. seem mostly focused on New York and Trump.

I’m so glad you’re safe though-great to get a positive story out of all this ....

Wish I could say the same for the U.K. 💋

Judith wrote: "Gio wrote: "We are in the US in California. =))"

I thought that had been quite hardly hit/but the news reports here in the U.K. seem mostly focused on New York and Trump.

I’m so glad you’re safe ..."

California's Governor Newsom acted fast. He shut down everything.

https://news.yahoo.com/flattening-the...

Gio wrote: "Judith wrote: "Gio wrote: "We are in the US in California. =))"

I thought that had been quite hardly hit/but the news reports here in the U.K. seem mostly focused on New York and Trump.

I’m so gl..."

That’s great! Our Government are useless,unfortunately.

@Judith
I am sorry and hope they will wake up soon.

So. It's been almost a month now. How are you all holding up???
Things here in Germany are a bit strange. Because we haven't suffered as badly as most other countries, things are. Strange. Half the people around here seem to be expecting the worst (I saw one middle-aged man practically screech at a woman in line behind him to stay back even though she was at least 2 meters behind him), while the younger ones still seems to mostly ignore the safety measurements and complain. The other half is strangely calm and relaxed. It's very very strange.
I'm also strangely starting to miss work. I miss the safety of the routine. I miss people. Which I never thought I'd say..
I'm in a bit of a reading slump at the moment. The weather has been beautiful for the last couple of days, and I spent most my time outside in the sun. But I can't seem to be able focus on reading...
I hope you're all doing as well as possible!

Andrea wrote: "So. It's been almost a month now. How are you all holding up???
Things here in Germany are a bit strange. Because we haven't suffered as badly as most other countries, things are. Strange. Half the..."

My husband's job is extending the Leaves through July. We are doing OK.

Andrea wrote: "So. It's been almost a month now. How are you all holding up???
Things here in Germany are a bit strange. Because we haven't suffered as badly as most other countries, things are. Strange. Half the..."

Even though I live in Wyoming (90% of the population still think Corona is a Mexican beer) I follow the news from Germany (my homeland) daily and watch "heute" on ZDF.
So - last week they were talking about the case numbers and used the "doubling of cases" as a measure to loosen restrictions in Germany. When the doubling-in-cases-time were at 14 days they would start normalizing things, they said. They said it every day for a week and there it was. 14.6 days. 15 days. 15.9 days. The 14-day hurdle was clearly tackled. But no talk of changes anymore.
Why?
I thought you may have some insight, since you are at the source ;)