Time in isolation is not new for those of us living with cystic fibrosis. It's part of our normal life and something we are pretty much used to. In my perspective, everyone in the world is now living the life of a person with CF and hopefully gaining a new appreciation for what those living in isolation -- for a good portion of their lives -- go through.
As a person who is part of a vulnerable population at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, I can say with all certainty that life in isolation isn't all that bad. I can tell you from my experience that living in isolation isn't hard. I know it's easy for me to say because I am used to it, but it's all about perspective.
When I'm home in isolation doing IVs or doing some other treatment that requires me to stay put, I just simply find things to do that's not binge-watching every show on Netflix, Hulu, or Prime; but I won't lie and say I haven't been guilty of watching “Cops,” “The Witcher,” or “Stranger Things,” because I have. Being in isolation basically means that my home has become more than that -- it's my everything.
I read a lot of different books -- I enjoy comic books and fantasy novels. But whatever you like, read about it! I love cooking, so I use my time to try different recipes and methods of cooking. There's nothing wrong with knowing how to cook anything and everything you like. I also clean. I love organizing and being in isolation allows me to declutter my house and closet.
I work out too. Just because you are in isolation doesn't mean you can't work out. I like to do online workout videos. The lucky thing about living in a world where everything is accessible online is that everything is online! Yoga, cardio, aerobics, etc. And because you're isolated at home, you don't have to worry about looking silly in front of people. Just be active!
You can also spend time with loved ones (humans and pets). In a world where life is so busy and hectic, isolation kind of forces us to spend time together that we otherwise wouldn't find time for.
Fall in love again with your spouse or partner by getting to know them again. People change over time, so maybe discover something new about each other.
Get to know your kids and what they are up too. My husband and I do bad movie nights -- we pick a bad movie and watch it. We spend time talking about things at random and even play board games. I've discovered my hatred for checkers, and I am awful at rock, paper, scissors. But we have fun and enjoy each other. After 10 years together, it's nice to know that my husband and I are still goofy people at heart!
I also play video games. Not to toot my own horn, but I am pretty good at Fortnite. Isolation isn't that bad when you find ways to be productive and make the best out of a situation that you cannot control. Life is hard, and when you add isolation to it, it's not easy for those who aren't used to it.
Isolation is my normal and my way of living because I have CF, but it's also not bad when you turn lemons into lemonade and find a way to smile and be positive during hard times.
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