thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Evangeline Lilly Won't Self-Isolate Because 'Freedom,' And People Are Not Happy

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Here’s the tea on the response to Evangeline Lilly’s recent tea pic: It’s not great.
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Ant-Man actor recently posted on Instagram that it’s just business as usual for her, adding an image of her #morningtea with a caption saying she had dropped her kids off at gymnastics camp.
“They all washed their hands before going in. They are playing and laughing. #businessasusual,” Evangeline wrote.
Advertisement
Given that health officials at all levels have urged self-isolating or social distancing as an essential way of preventing the spread of the virus, some commenters were understandably upset.
Responding to a comment voicing concern that the 40-year-old star wasn’t staying home and social distancing, the actor noted that her father has Stage 4 Leukemia and she’s also immune-compromised, but “some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives”:
I am living with my father at the moment, who has stage four lukemia. I am also immune compromised at the moment. I have two young kids. Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives. We all make our choices. With love and respect.
The commenter brought up how it’s not just Evangeline’s life that she has to be concerned with, considering how contagious the disease is, and she replied again, saying the two of them would probably share a lot of similar views and she’s always “considering and reconsidering” her position.
However, the former Lost actor added that the current situation feels too close to the imposition of “Marshall Law” (sic ― that would be martial law) over “respiratory flu”:
Where we are right now feels a lot too close to Marshall Law for my comfort already, all in the name of a respiratory flu. It’s unnerving. I appreciate your engagement and the meaningful discourse. Let’s be vigilant right now. And kind. Watchful and gracious - keeping a close eye on our leaders, making sure they don’t abuse this moment to steal away more freedoms and grab more power, but gracious with each other as we try to navigate the unknown dangers of a modern, global world and power structure. Stay in touch. We’re in this together. Thank you for listening. I have heard you.
After Page Six reported on the comments, it went about as well as you’d expect on Twitter.
evangeline lilly should be exiled to a deserted island where everything seems weird and cool for like four years and then absolutely unwatchable for two more — Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) March 19, 2020
This is some next-level reckless shit. She lives with her father who has stage 4 leukemia, yet she's still sending her kids to gymnastics camp. https://t.co/rTZAqCbbx3 — Dana Bishop (@danafbishop) March 19, 2020
Advertisement
This is the craziest episode of Lost ever. — Alex Chung (@Alex_Chung) March 19, 2020
Evangeline Lilly being a COVID-19 truther was not something I had on my apocalypse bingo card I must admit. https://t.co/ExYIGN4tt3 — Katelynn McGinley (@katelynnmorgan) March 19, 2020
I never cancel anyone and I don't buy into it but I'll make an exception. @EvangelineLilly you're canceled. Shame on you. You value your freedom over other people's lives, especially the elderly and the immunocomprised. I used to like and respect you. Now I'm just disappointed https://t.co/kpPKe3d6Ys — Laura 🐺 (@wolfgirlsansa) March 19, 2020
Choose your fighter:
Vanessa Hudgens saying some people are just gonna die lol or Evangeline Lilly deciding her freedom is more important than her father who has leukemia. — Ryan Broderick (@broderick) March 19, 2020
"Lilly revealed that she’s living with her father, who has stage 4 leukemia."
I guess she values her freedom over her father's life as well? https://t.co/c4in0sU4sZ — Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) March 19, 2020
Advertisement
vanessa hudgens: *finally finishes digging her career’s grave and lowering it in*
evangeline lilly: *throws hers in beside it and fills it up with concrete* https://t.co/EbWcuPe4aj — diane says stay home, bitch (@dianelyssa) March 19, 2020
First Vanessa Hudgens saying she respects the virus and it's inevitable that people d*e now Evangeline Lilly saying she won't do self quarantine because values freedom pic.twitter.com/hl3CGJeU6b — _ (@ddl_needylover) March 19, 2020
Some even brought up the recent news that Evangeline’s former Lost co-star Daniel Dae Kim had recently tested positive for coronavirus.
Hey, @EvangelineLilly, your LOST cast mate tested positive for “respiratory flu.” Hope you weren’t planning on meeting him for lunch and going home to your immune-compromised father.
Do better. Be better. #StayHome https://t.co/fpdD6mMdc9 — Middle Aged Geek Yells at Cloud (@CrusherJoe1974) March 19, 2020
10am: Evangeline Lilly says she won’t self-quarantine because she “values freedom over her life.”
2:30pm: Daniel Dae Kim announces he’s tested positive for Coronavirus.
…there’s a lesson here. — david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) March 19, 2020
Advertisement
Daniel recently took to Instagram himself to talk about having COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and the importance of self-isolating.
“For all those out there, especially teenagers and millennials who think this is not serious, please know that it is,” he said.
“And if you treat this without care, you are potentially endangering the lives of millions of people including your loved ones, so for the sake of everyone else please follow the guidelines: socially distance, self-isolate, stop touching your face and, of course, wash your hands.”
Evangeline may not be into self-quarantining, but given the response and Daniel’s poignant video, she might want to social distance herself from social media.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--These Cheeky Little Pet TikToks Will Help You Fur-get About Social Isolation

HuffPost is part of Verizon Media .
Click ' I agree ' to allow Verizon Media and our partners to @ @ @ @ @ to access your device and use your data ( including location ) to understand your @ @ @ @ @ measure personalised ads .
We will also provide you with personalised ads on partner products @ @ @ @ @ we use your data in our Privacy Centre .
Once you confirm your privacy choices @ @ @ @ @ changes at any time by visiting your Privacy dashboard .
Click 'Learn more ' to @ @ @ @ @ Media and our partners collect and use data .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Social isolation during the coronavirus outbreak may be leaving you feeling less than bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
So we’ve decided to cute-rate a few funny TikToks featuring little, fuzzy pets like hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and more to help you ferret about it.
Advertisement
And if this list isn’t enough to subdue your boredom and stress, we have two other paw-some lists of cats and dogs for you to gobble up like kibble, catnip or pellets (depending on which list you decide to indulge in).
So, sit back, watch these videos and make yourself feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel ― in the absolute best way possible.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--32 Free Boxsets To Watch If You Don't Have Netflix Or Amazon Prime

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The need for good boxsets has never been greater.
While streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Britbox, Apple TV and Disney+ have certainly got plenty to offer, you don’t need to have loads of expensive subscriptions to enjoy brilliant TV.
Here’s our pick of the top boxsets available to watch for free (as long as you have a TV licence, obviously) courtesy of the BBC and Channel 4 and their streaming platforms.
Advertisement
1. Pose – BBC iPlayer
Set against the backdrop of ball culture in 1980s New York, Pose is an important lesson in queer history as it follows the story of Blanca Rodriguez, a trans woman who decides to start her own “house” to give back to the community when she discovers she is HIV+.
We promise that no show will make your heart swell and break in equal measure. And did we mention there’s an absolutely fabulous soundtrack too?
2. Derry Girls – All4
Advertisement
Set in The Troubles, this comedy series tells the story of a group of teens just going about their business, with countless hilarious mis-steps and cringe-inducing mishaps along the way. Yes, we said ‘The Troubles’ and ‘comedy’ in the same sentence. Trust us, writer Lisa McGee makes it work.
There’s Orla (living in a dream world we’d gladly inhabit), Clare (stressed, very stressed), Erin (trying to take charge and failing, slightly), James (the wee English fella) and Michelle (extrovert with a filthy mouth) – and every single one of them is hilarious.
3. Shrill – BBC iPlayer
OK, so it may not be as laugh out loud funny as the likes of Derry Girls, but there’s still so much to love in the US comedy drama, of which both series are on iPlayer.
SNL’s Aidy Bryant stars as Annie, whose life we follow as she tries to make sense of her world - her job as a talented but underappreciated journalist, her rubbish love life and how she feels about being a bigger girl than the idiot personal trainer she keeps running into.
Advertisement
It’s all brilliantly written, superbly acted and even though it feels like familiar territory, it’s a completely original take.
4. Spooks – BBC iPlayer
As part of the BBC’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, it uploaded a plethora of classic series onto the iPlayer, with Spooks being one of the ones we’re most looking forward to revisiting.
We remember the MI5 series being way ahead of its time, and it will certainly be interesting to see if any of the storylines bare resemblance to events that have unfolded in the nine years since it finished.
5. The Missing – BBC iPlayer
Advertisement
While spin-off series Baptiste didn’t quite hit the spot for us, its worth remembering just how brilliant The Missing was.
Each of the two series focus on detective Julien Baptiste’s hunt for a missing child, with the story told across two different timelines that expertly intertwine and keep you on the edge of your seat. James Nesbitt and Keeley Hawes also give stellar performances in their respective lead roles.
6. Cruising With Jane McDonald – My5
With none of us going on holiday for the foreseeable, we could all do with a bit of sunshine in our lives – and our Jane brings that in more ways than one.
It might sound like a cute little travel show, but if you know anything about (a) cruising or (b) Jane McDonald, you’ll know that it is a recipe for ridiculousness on the high seas, as each episode she boards a luxury ship and explores some hidden gems among the destinations she travels to.
Advertisement
7. Nighty Night – BBC iPlayer
You probably know Julia Davis as Dawn Sutcliffe in Gavin & Stacey, but in case you missed her comedy origins, you should definitely check out her deliciously dark, but devastatingly funny mid-00s sitcom.
Julia stars as suburban hairdresser Jill, a sociopath who pretends her husband is dead after he is diagnosed with cancer. She uses her “grief” to impose herself on disabled neighbour Cathy – who clearly can’t stand the sight of her, but is too polite to say – while also trying to seduce Cathy’s husband, Don. Gavin & Stacey’s Ruth Jones (aka Nessa) also plays her asthmatic assistant.
8. National Treasure – All4
Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters take centre stage in the story of a popular comedian who is suddenly faced with accusations of historical sex offences from decades earlier.
Advertisement
Screenwriter Jack Thorne, whose other credits include This Is England ’90, masterminded the four-part drama, which takes inspiration from the real-life events of Operation Yewtree.
9. Noughts & Crosses – BBC iPlayer
This series – based on the Malorie Blackman novels of the same name – is currently airing weekly on BBC One, but if you’re feeling impatient, or want to watch in one go, the whole series is already on iPlayer.
Tackling the topics of race, prejudice and ignorance in an alternative society in which Europe has been colonised by Africa, Noughts And Crosses tells the story of Sephy Hadley and Callum McGregor, who are divided by race but united by love.
10. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – BBC iPlayer
Advertisement
After years of waiting, British fans of Drag Race finally got their prayers answered when a UK version of the hit US reality show sashayed its way onto BBC Three last year.
If you’ve so far failed to get into the original series, this is a much more quintessentially British take on the format, but without losing any of the camp charm and sparkle that led it to become a global sensation. In the words of Baga Chipz herself, we promise it will leave you feeling MUCH BETTAH!
11. Giri/Haji – BBC iPlayer
Giri/Haji aired to huge critical acclaim on BBC Two in the latter part of last year, but it never really got the fanfare it deserved, meaning many people missed out on it.
It sees Tokyo detective Kenzo Mori travel to London in search of his brother Yuto, who was previously assumed to have been dead after being accused of murdering the nephew of an organised crime gang member. His hunt brings him into contact with dangerous elements of London’s corrupt criminal underworld.
Advertisement
12. ER – All4
Admittedly, you may prefer to stay away from anything medical-related at the moment, but it would be remiss of us not to mention the fact all 15 seasons (that’s 331 episodes!) of the critically acclaimed US hospital drama are available for free of All4.
A pre-Hollywood George Clooney stars as the dishy Dr Doug, while later series see the likes of Alex Kingston, Maura Tierney, Mekhi Phifer and John Stamos heading up the emergency room.
13. Dawson’s Creek – All4
Likewise, there’s also the entire back catalogue of US teen drama Dawson’s Creek available on the streaming service for you to relive your youth with.
Advertisement
While still gloriously late 90s, the complicated love lives of Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen et al still feel so contemporary, and honestly, I Don’t Want To Wait to hit play on all 128 episodes.
14. Catastrophe – All4
Co-written by and starring Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, this sitcom follows self-centred and hot headed Sharon and alcoholic Rob as they enjoy a one night stand that ends up lasting a week.
Sharon finds out she’s pregnant and he relocates to London from the US to give things a go. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare, but somehow they make it work.
15. Escape To The Chateau – All4
Advertisement
In a nutshell, the series follows husband and wife Dick and Angel, who move to France and buy a 19th century chateau. As you do. We follow them – and their two young children – as they restore the 19th-century Château de la Motte-Husson to its former glory, thanks to Dick’s engineering skills and Angel’s eye for design.
It’s basically a Changing Rooms/Location Location Location/A Place In the Sun hybrid fairytale, so it’s perfect escapism – and what’s more, there’s a whole six series to enjoy.
16. His Dark Materials – BBC iPlayer
His Dark Materials is based on the trilogy of fantasy novels from Philip Pullman and follows a brave young woman called Lyra, whose quest to find her kidnapped friend leads her to uncover a secret organisation’s sinister plot, forcing her to protect dangerous secrets.
This fantasy series, which first aired last year, is a journey across multiple parallel worlds, featuring many extraordinary beings, and will fill the Game Of Thrones-shaped hole in your life very nicely.
Advertisement
17. Killing Eve – BBC iPlayer
If by some miracle the phenomenon that is Killing Eve has so far escaped you, there’s no better time to find out what all the fuss is, as both series are still available on iPlayer.
Based on Luke Jennings’ Codename Villanelle novella series, and adapted by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the story follows Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), a bored, low-level MI5 officer on her hunt to track down an expert, seamless psychopathic assassin, Villanelle (Jodie Comer). As the series progresses, both women become obsessed with each other to a degree that resembles something close, almost implicitly romantic.
18. Friday Night Dinner – All4
Like with Friends and Peep Show, Friday Night Dinner has fast become one of those comedies you can just stick on and feel instantly comforted.
Advertisement
And ahead of the sixth series’ debut later this year (which is also rumoured to be the last, sob!), there’s no better time to sit down for dinner with the Goodman family again.
19. Race Across The World – BBC iPlayer
The second series of BBC Two’s sleeper hit is currently airing, but if you’re feeling a little left out of the party, the complete first series is available to catch up on.
The show is exactly what it says on the tin, with teams of two racing across the world with the aim of being the fastest to reach their destination using any method of transport other than a plane. It’s fantastically cast with a colourful bunch of characters, who we’d quite like to go on holiday with – when we’re allowed to travel again, that is.
20. The Capture – BBC iPlayer
Advertisement
This six-part drama aired on BBC One last year, but in case you missed it, it’s a gripping watch as it delves into the increasing reality of the “post-truth” era, looking into the effect that fake news and deep fakes have on the criminal justice system.
It tells the story of former soldier Shaun Emery, who was convicted of an unlawful killing during active duty amid a global media storm, but is acquitted on appeal because of flawed video evidence. But he must then fight for justice again when damning CCTV footage from a night out comes to light.
21. Skins – All4
If you’re in the mood for a big hit of 00s nostalgia, good news – Channel 4 has all series of Skins available.
Admittedly, things started to go off the boil a little bit after the third series, so we’d forgive you for stopping there, but catching up with the likes of Tony, Sid, Cassie, Chris, Jal, Maxxie and Michelle will remind you of simpler – if not much wilder – times.
Advertisement
22. This Country – BBC iPlayer
Along with Drag Race UK, This Country is BBC Three’s stand-out hit since it moved online in 2016. But like all good things, it’s soon to come to an end, with the third and final series having just debuted.
In case you’ve missed out so far, the mockumentary-style sitcom has elements of The Office, Little Britain and Gavin & Stacey as it follows the day-to-day lives of cousins Kerry and Kurtan, who live in a small village in the Cotswolds.
23. Luther – BBC iPlayer
First, a disclaimer: if you’re of a nervous disposition at the moment, Luther probably isn’t the right show for you, as it’s disturbing to say the least.
Advertisement
However, if you’re a big Idris Elba fan or love scaring yourself silly, then there’s a lot to enjoy about this BBC thriller – all five seasons of which are available now.
24. Call The Midwife – BBC iPlayer
Call The Midwife evokes a particular cosy, warm-hearted feeling when it airs on a Sunday night in the depths of winter – and that’s certainly something we wouldn’t say no to right now.
Luckily for us then, every single episode of everyone’s favourite period maternity drama are available to watch.
25. Absolutely Fabulous – BBC iPlayer
Advertisement
If ever there were a time to allow Eddy and Patsy to take you over to the dark (yet Absolutely Fabulous) side, this would be it.
There’s five series and four stand-alone specials available for streaming so pop open a bottle of Bolly and get comfortable, sweetie.
26. French & Saunders – BBC iPlayer
And if you can’t get enough of Jennifer Saunders after devouring all of Ab Fab, there’s also all of her work with Dawn French to enjoy.
The duo’s sketch show is still as brilliantly off the wall as it was back when it started, and by opening it up to a whole new audience, there will hopefully be an appetite for a new series. We can dream, right?
Advertisement
27. Gavin & Stacey – BBC iPlayer
If you missed out on the excitement of the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special last year because you didn’t watch the original series, then it’s finally time to find out what all the hype is about.
The family-based comedy is simultaneously relatable and completely ridiculous, and never fails to raise a smile, whatever might be occurin’ in the real world.
28. Miranda – BBC iPlayer
Listen, it may not have been as achingly cool as Fleabag or as critically-acclaimed as Gavin & Stacey, but Miranda Hart’s eponymous sitcom will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Advertisement
Unbelievably, it’s been over 10 years since we were first introduced to the 30-something single joke shop owner and followed her hapless adventures. We promise that watching it all over again will be – as Penny puts it – such fun!
29. Line Of Duty – BBC iPlayer
Line Of Duty amassed a whole new legion of fans after it moved to BBC One for its fourth series, but how many of you have gone back and binged your way through the first three?
In our humble opinion, series two and three are up there with some of the best British drama ever produced, and you’d be foolish to not catch up on them if you’ve only joined for its latter series – and not just because many of the story strands will suddenly make sense.
30. Ashes To Ashes / Life On Mars – BBC iPlayer
Advertisement
After you’ve finished The Missing and Line Of Duty and fancy exploring more of Keeley Hawes previous work, you’d do worse than checking out Ashes To Ashes.
The period police drama was the follow-up to Life On Mars (which is also available on iPlayer), but always seemed to stick out as the better of the two in our minds.
31. Chewing Gum – All4
There’s a reason Michaela Coel won a Bafta for this E4 sitcom – it’s bloody funny.
For the uninitiated, it was created and written by Michaela, who stars as a 24-year-old shop assistant Tracey Gordon, who is (a) religious and (b) a virgin wanting to have sex and learn more about the world. Robert Lonsdale, Susan Wokoma, Danielle Walters and Tanya Franks also star.
32. Ladhood – BBC iPlayer
Advertisement
Adapted from radio, Ladhood follows Liam as both a grown-up and teenager through flashbacks that trace issues in his present day life back to his suburban adolescence in Garforth. It’s like a smarter, more touching Inbetweeners, without being painfully woke.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--How To Eat Healthy While Working From Home

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Working from home during the coronavirus pandemic means distractions like water coolers and small talk are in the rearview mirror, but in the era of social distancing, one major work-from-home distraction remains: the refrigerator.
Have a deadline? Sure, but first, you should probably check on last night’s leftovers — just for a quick little bite. Starting a project? You’ll need brain food, obviously. Of course, you’ve already had breakfast (and lunch — and snacks).
Advertisement
Food can be a remote worker’s worst enemy, and sometimes the efficiency of working from home leads to people straight-up forgetting to eat at all.
Since overeating and under-eating aren’t sustainable habits, we talked with veteran remote workers about their tried-and-true strategies for eating healthily while working from home.
Stick To A Schedule
Successful freelancers swear by routines — washing your face, putting on real clothes and setting smartphone boundaries — and those recommendations extend to eating. Nutritional therapist and longtime work-from-homer Wilma MacDonald told HuffPost that snacking here and there is the biggest mistake she sees new remote workers make. She recommends setting up your day like any regular working day, with a lunch break, a few smaller breaks and a focus on the most important meal: breakfast.
“Eat breakfast away from your desk before you start work,” MacDonald said. “Think of something like warm oats with nut butter and fruit, or avocado and eggs on toast. Protein-rich breakfasts keep you full and keep your sugar levels balanced so you’re not looking for a snack in an hour.”
Advertisement
Prostock-Studio via Getty Images Try not to eat within reach of your desk while working remotely. It's important to take mental breaks and unplug.
Lucille Whiting, founder of jewellery brand Sophia Alexander, has juggled working from home with five kids for the past 14 years. She recognises schedules are a bit crazy, but finds following the needs of her children works best. “I try to eat when the children are eating, so breakfast with my toddler, lunch together before his afternoon nap and dinner all together in the evening,” she told HuffPost. “I buy or make cakes and biscuits for the children after mealtimes, but often make just enough for them to help me avoid temptation.”
When You Can, Eat Away From Your Desk
It’s easy to think eating breakfast or lunch at your desk could help you end the day early, but work-from-home veterans know it rarely works this way. There’s always something more to do, and your focus dwindles without dedicated breaks. That’s why MacDonald suggests eating all meals away from not just your desk, but your tech.
Whiting agrees — she institutes a no-tech at dinnertime rule — but she will work through lunch when her kids are occupied. For her, parenting while working from home is all about being flexible. “Having a total break from work helps clear my mind, but if I’m on my own when the children are sleeping or out, I almost always eat lunch at my desk,” she said. “There’s always the temptation to keep working and get as much done as possible. Having the children around gives my day a healthy structure.”
Set Caffeine Boundaries And Increase Hydration
Those new to the work-from-home lifestyle are often astounded by how much coffee they drink. If you brew a pot, you don’t want to waste any, and you end up drinking way more than you ever would at work. Surprisingly, this isn’t the worst thing you could do for your health. The FDA says 400 milligrams (the equivalent of four to five cups of coffee) is typically safe, depending on the person. The important thing is timing.
Advertisement
“If you drink caffeine, have your coffee between 9 and 11 am.,” MacDonald said. “This is the best time to have caffeine so that it doesn’t interrupt your natural sleep and wake cycle by triggering a release of adrenaline and setting you up for a crash in an hour.”
yagmradam via Getty Images Try not to drink coffee after 11 a.m., to avoid disturbing your sleep cycle.
Coffee gets people out of bed in the morning, but the same can’t be said for water. A 2016 report by the CDC showed most American adults between 20 to 60 years old drink barely enough water, while adults over age 60 drink less than recommended. In addition to hydration benefits, MacDonald says water can help people feel full, because thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
Whiting’s go-to hydration trick is to make water easily accessible. “I keep a pint glass of water on the worktop at all times,” she said. “The glass sitting there acts as a reminder, and it helps me avoid unnecessary snacking when I’m not really hungry.”
Keep Healthy Snacks Ready
You don’t want to overdo it with snacking, but you also don’t want to starve yourself. That’s why MacDonald recommends taking personal inventory prior to hitting the refrigerator. “Before you head to the snacks, check in with yourself,” she said. “Are you eating because you’re hungry or because you’re bored, stressed, annoyed or lonely? We eat our emotions from time to time. Feel those feelings — especially now — then have a drink of water.”
Advertisement
When it is hunger, not procrastination or emotions, MacDonald leans on go-to snacks like chopped carrots, pepper, celery with hummus, or stuffed dates with nut butter. “Smoothies are also good to have because they’re hydrating and you’re getting a boost of goodness,” she said. “Start with a base of a green vegetable, add fruit, some protein like chia seeds or protein powder, and some fat like nut butter.”
Whiting says fruit is her favourite snack, and it’s something her children can enjoy, too. “I have loads of apples and pears around, which is easy with small children,” she said. “I buy a lot so they have healthy things to snack on, and I buy extra for whenever I get hungry between meals.”
But sometimes, snacking isn’t the answer. Judy Bartkowiak, author and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) trainer and 30-year work-from-home veteran, sticks to a disciplined, no-snack approach. “I eat a big healthy breakfast, and stick to eating three times a day,” she told HuffPost. “That way, I don’t even think of going to the fridge during the work day except to get something at lunchtime.”
Keep A Food Journal
Nutrition is highly personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why MacDonald recommends journaling during your first few weeks working at home. “Keep track of how you’re feeling over the course of the day energy-wise, and keep a food diary to see any patterns emerging,” she said.
At the same time, self-isolation due to a pandemic is different than casually working from home. It’s all about adapting to these emotional weeks and months, and taking life in stride.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--24 Relatable Tweets About Love In The Time Of Coronavirus

Do not go to a man’s home for a hookup right now. You could get quarantined there and they don’t even have sheets. They definitely won’t have toilet paper. Maybe one bag of hot pockets. A can of Cheeto puffs. That’s all you’ll have. Is that what you want


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Six Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

Recently retired firefighters under 70 could also be asked to help.
The NHS has also said that on top of retirees, it was also offering temporary work to final-year medical students and student nurses.
To “boost the ranks” of doctors and nurses, the health service sent a rallying call to former employees who have left the NHS in the last three years.
Some have already declared they will be returning, including Tory MP Maria Caulfield, a former nurse:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Photographer Captures Trump's Handwritten 'Chinese' Virus Revision On Speech Script

LOADING ERROR LOADING
An enterprising Washington Post photographer captured a startling image of President Donald Trump’s altered news conference script Thursday showing what appeared to be his own handwritten change from “corona” to “Chinese” to form “Chinese virus.”
It appeared he used his favourite reality-altering tool: a black Sharpie.
Photographer Jabin Botsford posted the close-up on Twitter amid raging criticism of Trump over his repeated insistence this week on incorrectly calling coronavirus the “Chinese virus.” Critics have slammed the implied racism of his tactic, which they say is aimed at blaming a nation and a race of people for the pandemic to distract the American public from the dangerous failings of his own administration to battle the virus.
Advertisement
Close up of President @realDonaldTrump notes is seen where he crossed out "Corona" and replaced it with "Chinese" Virus as he speaks with his coronavirus task force today at the White House. #trump #trumpnotes pic.twitter.com/kVw9yrPPeJ — Jabin Botsford (@jabinbotsford) March 19, 2020
Trump on Wednesday dismissed the idea that the term “Chinese virus” was in any way racist. “It comes from China,” he said. “It’s not racist at all. I want to be accurate.”
It’s not accurate. Trump’s own top health advisers, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield have said it is inappropriate and inaccurate to label the novel coronavirus as the “Chinese virus.”
The correct term is coronavirus (officially SARS-CoV-2), which causes the disease COVID-19. Those are the terms international scientists, the World Health Organization, US health officials, physicians and much of the general public use.
Advertisement
A report by Human Rights Watch on Thursday linked Trump’s use of his term Chinese virus to the fueling of “anti-Chinese sentiment” as anti-Asian hate crimes soar in the US.
Representative Ted Lieu, in an opinion article in The Washington Post on Wednesday, slammed Trump for “stoking xenophobic panic in a time of crisis” and shrugging off blame instead of doing his job to help Americans survive the pandemic.
A closeup of Donald Trump's news conference statement Thursday shows where the word "corona" was crossed out and replaced with "Chinese" virus as he speaks to reporters. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Dear @WhiteHouse: This virus has an official name, Covid-19 and an unofficial name, Coronavirus. Your language will cause more discrimination against Asian Americans.
What would help is if you can get hospitals & first responders much more test kits & protective equipment. https://t.co/BrMvEjABfO — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) March 18, 2020
Trump complained on Thursday that China “could have given us a lot earlier notice” about the spread of the disease there, which began in early December. Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization on December 31. It wasn’t until this week that Trump first pledged to ramp up testing in the US, which remains far behind other nations and the current demand.
Advertisement
Trump actually thanked the Chinese in January for their efforts against the illness and for their “transparency.”
Words matter!@hrw found COVID19 motivated anti-Asian hate crimes including physical attacks & beatings, violent bullying in schools, angry threats & discrimination in workplaces.
Instead of warning against that, our president is stoking those fireshttps://t.co/YVujtDgQJF — Akshaya Kumar (@AkshayaSays) March 19, 2020
Perhaps it's now time for someone to use a Sharpie to cross that out and write 'Trump'.#TrumpVirus
Trump's exceptional incompetence is making this pandemic far worse. — Steve Herzfeld 🌊 (@american2084) March 19, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Joe Lycett And Friends Unveil Cheeky (And Very Sweary) Response To Gal Gadot’s Star-Studded Imagine

Joe Lycett And Friends Unveil Cheeky (And Very Sweary) Response To Gal Gadot’s Star-Studded Imagine Video

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Gal Gadot had the very best intentions when she and her Hollywood mates recorded themselves singing lines from John Lennon’s Imagine in a bid to lift our spirits during the coronavirus crisis.
But after it went viral (and not always for the intended reasons), it wasn’t going to be long before some wag did their own version.
Advertisement
The comedian has gathered his showbiz chums to record their very own version of the John Lennon classic.
And who needs Jamie Dornan and Mark Ruffalo when you’ve got Greg James and Paul Chuckle in your contacts?
Needless to say, their version is... well, why don’t you find out for yourself below (WARNING: It’s very sweary).
Made a video with some friends pic.twitter.com/12DV9DU1Ep — Hugo Boss (@joelycett) March 19, 2020
Advertisement
Gal shared her video on Thursday, after being inspired by a video of an Italian man playing Imagine on his trumpet.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--‘I Have Never Felt This Ill’: Linda Lusardi Updates Fans As She Battles Coronavirus

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Linda Lusardi has given an update on her health after she revealed she has coronavirus symptoms.
The former Loose Women star admitted she had “never felt so ill” as she self-isolates with husband Samuel Kane.
The 61-year-old took to Twitter to update fans on her condition, saying she “wouldn’t wish” the virus on anyone.
Advertisement
Linda Lusardi Empics Entertainment
“I want to thank you all for your good wishes,” she wrote.
“Sam and I have had COVID-19 symptoms and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else.
“We are taking it one-day-at-a-time, that’s all we can do. But let me tell you we’ve never felt this ill, EVER!
“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. So stay safe everyone and follow the advice of the experts - please take care of yourselves, loved ones and each other xx”
I want to thank you all for your good wishes. Sam and I have had COVID-19 symptoms and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time, that’s all we can do. But let me tell you we’ve never felt this ill, EVER! — Linda Lusardi (@lusardiofficial) March 19, 2020
Advertisement
Cont’d. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. So stay safe everyone and follow the advice of the experts - please take care of yourselves, loved ones and each other. — Linda Lusardi (@lusardiofficial) March 19, 2020
The former page 3 model’s condition came to light on Thursday when she responded to a fan’s request for a message to her grandfather.
Linda replied: “Sorry Kerry. I am extremely ill with Corona at the moment.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Top Tips For Surviving A Lockdown – From The People Living It Right Now

Britain is in lockdown. On Monday 23 March Boris Johnson ordered people not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary, and gave police powers to break up gatherings and fine people flouting the rules.
People may only go out to shop for essentials; for medical reasons or to care for the vulnerable; to travel to work that is “absolutely necessary” and cannot be done at home; and to exercise – once a day, alone or with a member of their own household. Libraries and places of worship are shut and weddings are banned, though funerals are not.
Advertisement
As the UK gets used to this dystopian situation, we asked HuffPost colleagues in Italy, Spain and France – all of whom are in nationwide quarantine and weeks ahead of us – for their experience, and tips on getting through it.
(And yes, toilet paper is an issue everywhere.)
A woman and her son run in the deserted Sainte-Catherine street in Bordeaux, southwestern France NICOLAS TUCAT via Getty Images
How have people behaved? Have they followed government advice?
In the UK, prior to the announcement on Monday 23 March, concerns had been raised about people flouting ministers’ advice, continuing to gather in groups, use public transport and visit pubs – including the PM’s own father. Businesses had come under fire for forcing people to carry on working.
The picture was initially similar in Spain, HuffPost Spain editor Marina Velasco said.
“At the beginning, people just didn’t understand that we couldn’t go out,” she added.
“Now, there are people who still try to ‘cheat’ and pretend they’re going to work, or to the supermarket.”
Advertisement
Spanish media has reported that police, who are enforcing quarantine measures, have issued about 100 fines in each large city.
A supermarket worker in Seville, Spain. Europa Press News via Getty Images
In Italy, latest government rules mean people cannot leave the house without good reason, with police filing reports on those who flout them.
Federica Olivo, from HuffPost Italy, said 46,000 reports were made in a single week.
″[That is] not so many, I think, as there are 60 million inhabitants in Italy,” she added.
“Government could introduce other restrictions to get people to stay more at home. For example, running isn’t officially forbidden, but [our] sports minister yesterday said that government could consider placing a complete ban on outdoor sport activities.”
A poll carried out by HuffPost France revealed 93% of respondents approved of quarantine measures, said editor Lauren Provost.
Advertisement
“There is clearly a difference between now and before the lockdown was declared,” she added.
“One minute out in Paris is enough to see that the streets emptied, that all the cafes and restaurants are closed. On the roads, you only see a few cars, taxis, buses and a few Deliveroo bikers.
“But there is still activity in the streets of the capital. People are going out to buy their bread or a few things on the local markets, to purchase cigarettes or to the drugstore. You also notice people doing a quick run. Exercise, alone and around your home, is still allowed. It may give us a sense of normality.”
Have there been any food shortages, or problems getting the essentials?
“Sometimes. It’s especially difficult to get toilet paper (we still don’t know why) if you go to the supermarket in the afternoon or evening,” said Velasco.
“It’s almost the same with other essentials, like milk or meat, but it also depends on the area.”
Spanish supermarkets have introduced measures similar to some UK chains, opening their doors for an hour early in the morning to allow at-risk groups to shop for essentials and avoid crowds.
In Italy, Olivo said, shops are not short of stock, but customers were initially worried about having access to what they needed.
Advertisement
“People were afraid, especially in recent days, of not being able to stock up on food and other essentials,” she added.
“There have been long lines to enter in supermarkets, especially in the cities, especially a few hours before the prime minister [Giuseppe Conte] announced more restrictive measures against coronavirus.”
In France, shelves were cleared of rice and pasta during an initial period of panic.
“People were anxious and making unnecessary stocks of food,” said Provost.
“But the government have already announced that there will be not food shortages and that is true, if people stop buying provisions for months.
“The only things that are out of stock are the ones medical staff need more – masks and hydroalcoholic gel.
“This is a shortage we are following closely and that is already problematic in hospitals, and for the workers still in contact with people like cashiers, professors and staff looking after the children of the medical workers.”
Advertisement
What’s been the hardest part?
“The feeling of uncertainty. Nobody knows when this will end, or how,” Velasco said.
While the Spanish government has approved economic relief measures, including a 200bn Euro “coronavirus package” worth 20% of the country’s output, many are still losing jobs.
Velasco added: “I think the hardest part is the emotional one. To understand that you can’t go out, see your relatives or friends in person; to assume that if you need bread, you’ll need to spend time and wait in a queue to get it; to accept that the weekend comes and the sun is shining, but you’ll remain at home.
“There are good and bad moments during this confinement. The good thing is that people know that we are united to fight the virus.”
A homeless person sleeping under porches in Bologna during Italy's quarantine. Massimo Cavallari via Getty Images
Olivo said she found the first days in Italy’s quarantine the most difficult, when she realised normal life would have to be put on hold.
Advertisement
“I knew it was the only right thing to do, for the community, and I am following all the new rules, carefully and responsibly,” she added.
“But it is complicated to change your life in a few days, not knowing how long this situation will last. For people who live alone, I think it’s even more complicated.
“Fortunately, thanks to social media, we are able to stay in touch with friends and relatives. But staying away from each other, even if necessary, is difficult. We can’t hide it.”
Have people found hope and positivity in surprising places?
“Balconies, without doubt,” said Velasco.
“People are applauding every evening at 8pm in solidarity with health workers and other professionals, or simply playing songs, talking to their neighbours, singing them happy birthday.
“There has also been many young people who [have] offered to do the groceries for older people in their neighbourhood.”
Advertisement
French people have joined the 8pm applause for medical staff, and have found solace in phone calls, group chats and playing games together online, Provost said.
Balconies have also been a lifeline in Italy – after footage of residents in Siena singing together went viral – but not everyone is supportive of the move.
“The first time was last week, when, through social media, it was proposed to sing the national anthem from the balconies,” Olivo said.
“Next day, at midday, there was a big round of applause dedicated to doctors and nurses. Since then, every day at 6pm, from the windows and balconies of Italy there are people who sing.
“For some it is a way of gaining strength and feeling close staying at home, but there are those who criticise this habit. They consider it not respectful of the people who suffer and the many who, unfortunately, are dying of the coronavirus.”
Advertisement
Residents on balconies in Rome. NurPhoto via Getty Images
What might be useful things for people to do while they still can?
Forget hair and beauty appointments, Olivo said, as many people won’t be leaving the house much.
“It could be useful go to dentist or optician while you still can,” she added, and said that while some services may still be able to operate, it could take longer than usual to get an appointment.
“Until this morning, I thought this wouldn’t be a problem, but I woke up and I found out that my glasses were broken.”
Velasco said she is glad of the things she did in the weeks leading up to the lockdown, which people might usually take for granted.
“I feel lucky I could do a trip to Portugal just before the quarantine, I feel lucky to have a balcony of my own, to have seen my parents a couple of weeks ago, to have been able to go for a last run before this happened.”
Advertisement
Provost said in France, a home printer is useful if you need to print certificates to leave the house.
“It is also very helpful for parents printing homework for their children and colouring activities,” she added.
“Also a video game console, board games for two and more, books, because book stores are closed, a computer keyboard and second screen to have a good set-up for an extending working from home period.”
What’s the best piece of advice you could give to help people get through a lockdown?
“Thinking that this is for a good reason, and that it’s temporary,” said Velasco.
“Try not to get obsessed with the news, to relax a bit, do some exercise at home and speak to family and friends.
“Try something new you’ve always wanted to, but never found the time.”
Velasco added that she is passing the time listening to Deforme Semanal, a Spanish podcast led by two feminist women “who ‘analyse’ the cultural and political situation with a lot of humour”.
Advertisement
Olivo said: “Practical advice: make sure you always have at home everything you need during the day. It’s not difficult and you can do this by going out to shop once a week.
“Emotional advice: in moments of despair, think about the future. When everything is over, it will be beautiful to do again what we took for granted just a few weeks ago – having coffee with friends, walking in a park, going to work.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--How To Open And Clean Delivery Packages During The Coronavirus Pandemic

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Part of what makes the coronavirus pandemic daunting is how, even for those of us lucky enough to be healthy and safe, many daily routines have completely changed. There are all kinds of things we took for granted before that we now realise we have to pay extra close attention to.
One such thing: receiving deliveries.
Whether it’s food delivery or something ordered from Amazon, these packages were put together at some other location and passed through many hands before arriving at your doorstep.
Advertisement
Mail carriers and couriers are working harder with the increase in online shopping, and many of the restaurants that have closed are still offering takeout and delivery as a way to supplement their lost income. And lots of kind people are taking initiative to help their neighbours by picking up food, medication and other essentials, putting themselves at risk so that other people have what they need.
So, in this age of social distancing, how do we safely and responsibly receive a package? Here are some tips.
cybrain via Getty Images
Request a contact-free delivery
Luckily, delivery people leaving packages on your doorstep without actually interacting with you is already the norm in many cases. Most food delivery services are already doing it, or at the very least letting customers request it (often in the “notes” or “special instructions” section). The risk of transmission through food is very low, epidemiologist Stephen Morse told The Atlantic: “Cooked foods are unlikely to be a concern unless they get contaminated after cooking.”
Advertisement
Others are taking extra precautions by no longer requesting signatures when they drop off packages. Delivery orders of this kind are also relatively unlikely to transmit coronavirus, although you should still wash your hands after opening them, just as a precaution.
The contact-free delivery is more for the delivery person’s safety than your own: they’re particularly at risk, given how many people they interact with in a day.
So, if you’re ordering something for delivery, be sure to put in the work so that the deliverer doesn’t have to touch or interact too closely with you: ask them to leave the package at the door and knock or notify you, explain why you’re requesting that, and don’t pick it up until they’ve left.
Consider opening the package outside
The virus can live on cardboard, but a new study suggests that it disintegrates quickly on cardboard, unlike plastic or steel. So deliveries in cardboard boxes are unlikely to spread the disease.
But, if you want to take extra precautions, you could open your packages outside, using the method Kristen Bell laid out on Instagram.
Advertisement
Taking this route involves using gloves to open the package outside, putting the cardboard packaging in an outdoor recycling bin, and then wiping down the contents with disinfectant and bringing them inside.
Dispose of packaging quickly
Once you’ve taken your items out of the box or bag they were delivered in, get rid of the packaging — that’s what was out in the world the longest. After that, sanitise any of the surfaces in your home that the packaging touched.
Thank your concierge / security
Buildings with concierges or security are likely at risk too, because of how many people they interact with. If you have a concierge where you live, practise social distancing when you pick up your package for both your sakes, thank them for their work and make sure they have access to lots of hand sanitiser.
Wash your hands
We know you’ve heard this approximately ten billion times by now, but just keep washing those hands. Wash them before you pick your deliveries up, and after. Wash them for 20 seconds, many times a day. It’s easy to do, and it’s one of our most thorough protections against the virus.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Soothing Tones: 8 Podcasts To Listen To If You're At Home And Want Company

LOADING ERROR LOADING
If you’re feeling a little cooped up being inside more than usual or are trying to adjust to your new, quieter workspace, a podcast is a great way to feel less alone, learn something new or laugh out loud.
To make the upcoming weeks a little easier, we asked the HuffPost UK team for their podcast recommendations. Enjoy!
Advertisement
Batareykin via Getty Images Modern Painted Blue Headphones on Pink Background. Creative Design in Minimal Style. Trendy duotone effect. 3D render Illustration.
Recommended by Rachael Revesz, Acting Opinion Editor
“I love listening to Fortunately with Fi and Jane, from BBC Sounds. The lighthearted banter and discussions about worthy subjects such as ‘cutlery chuff’ (gross bits in your cutlery drawer) are a delightful distraction from the crazy times we are living in. They tend to have a lot of genuine fun with their guests, and occasional passers-by in the canteen. I always feel light and breezy by the end!”
Recommended by Jess Brammar, Editor-in-chief
“As a pregnant person under isolation and wondering where she will be giving birth amid all this, I’m really enjoying The Positive Birth Story Podcast, which is just women talking through their positive birth experiences with a Swedish midwife. It’s really honest, sometimes graphic (and a bit sweary), and is definitely helping me feel less anxious about what’s coming!”
Recommended by Brogan Driscoll, Life Editor
“I was recommended this podcast by a friend and after the first listen I was hooked. Each episode is a recording of real couple’s first relationship counselling session, facilitated by Esther Perel, a well-known Belgian psychotherapist, with issues ranging from infidelity to impotence. I love it because the anonymity allows you to eavesdrop without feeling guilty, and because Perel offers such incredible insight to the way we think and behave.”
Advertisement
Recommend by Charlie Lindlar, Commissioning Editor for HuffPost Personal
“I never tire of this podcast, which features first-person stories of significant life events from an unfathomably unique and diverse cast of characters. Each story is richly, expertly told and never quite goes where you’d expect – but always leaves me both inspired and stunned at the strength of the human spirit.”
Recommended by John Johnston, Senior Video Producer
“I’m quickly coming to the realisation that the 1990s were the pinnacle of humanity and if you were a kid growing up in the 90s, this will bring you back to the best time of your life. While 2020 bludgeons us over the head, have a sit down with this as a host of comedians and footballers with 90s links talk to Josh Widdicombe and Chris Scull about the moments in football you’ll love as you recall your defining memories of the class of 92, Football Italia, Ray Houghton scoring that goal and the definitive formation for Champ Manager.”
Recommended by Amy Packham, Life Editor
“Happier by Gretchen Rubin is a dream to listen to, as the author of “The Happiness Project” talks about small tips and practical things you can do to make your life happier. Her co-host is her sister, and they have great banter on the podcast so it’s an easy listen, too. They propose try-at-home ideas (one was to sort out your messy wardrobe, and I did it and it genuinely helped!), simple happiness hacks, listener questions and stumbling blocks we may come across. I’ve found. It’s a great way to lift my mood and rethink habits.”
Recommended by Louise Whitbread, Life Reporter
“This podcast, newly created by Francesca Specter a journalist and self-confessed reformed extrovert, is very fitting for the current climate as it celebrates the positive side of spending time alone. Learning to value your time alone is a lesson we could all benefit from, and while it’s only on it’s first episode, it’s an uplifting, chatty one to get in on. Specter’s first guest, Alain de Bottom, shares his insightful perspective on pop culture, Bridget Jones, distinguishing the difference between being alone and being lonely and what fulfilment looks like in this day and age. It’s an easy listen and I’m really looking forward to seeing who the next guests will be.”
Recommended by Rachael Revesz, Acting Opinion Editor
“I often listen to podcasts as much for the voice and personality as the content, to be honest. That’s one of the reasons I really enjoyed Dawn O’Porter’s series of interviews for her podcast, So Lucky, with her celebrity mates, including Sara Pascoe. Dawn’s voice is warm, earnest and friendly - it’s the audio equivalent of holding a warm mug of tea in your hands.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--8 Positive Things That Happened This Week That'll Lift Your Spirits

LOADING ERROR LOADING
It’s been another tough week around the world as the coronavirus pandemic continues. But, when in crisis, humanity has a habit of finding hidden joy.
To help give you that Friday feeling, here are eight positive stories you may have missed this week.
Advertisement
1. Some penguins went on an adventure.
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago was closed to visitors this week, but the penguins didn’t mind one bit. Staff caught them on camera waddling out of their usual habitat and exploring the rest of the exhibits just like a human would.
The adventure continues! 🐧🐧
This morning, Edward and Annie explored Shedd’s rotunda. They are a bonded pair of rockhopper penguins, which means they are together for nesting season. Springtime is nesting season for penguins at Shedd, and this year is no different! (1/3) 👇 pic.twitter.com/VdxN3oQAfe — Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 16, 2020
If that’s cheered you up, there are plenty of other cute animals who are gorgeously oblivious to what’s going on. Check out our animal round-up.
2. PrEP is finally here.
Reminding us there’s news to be celebrated outside of coronavirus, NHS England announced the anti-HIV drug, PrEP, will finally be routinely available. The drug, which is up to 100% effective at stopping HIV, has – until now – only been available via a capped trial.
Advertisement
HIV charity The Terrence Higgins Trust called the move a “game-changer” for HIV prevention. “We know PrEP is highly effective at stopping HIV and now it can be properly utilised to make good on the Government’s commitment to ending HIV transmissions by 2030,” chief executive Ian Green said.
3. St Patrick’s Day ‘parades’ still went ahead.
It was St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday and while most official gatherings and parades were cancelled, families put on their own versions at home. Dancing, music and toys all round!
Can’t let a pandemic stop the parade over here in Co. Clare ☘ Happy St. Patrick’s day #virtualparade #RTEVirtualParade #StPatricksDay2020 pic.twitter.com/CNit7lMYKh — Nicola O' Halloran (@nikkioh101) March 17, 2020
A family in Ireland staged a St. Patrick's Day parade in their backyard, complete with toy cars, trucks and tractors—some carrying hand sanitizer and toilet paper—to celebrate the day, after parades were canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic. https://t.co/ORFKnbOQR1 pic.twitter.com/7TddbEcUUg — ABC News (@ABC) March 17, 2020
4. Music brought the world together.
During this difficult time, the universal language of song has bonded us more than anything else. There are dozens of videos that have gone viral this week, showing people in quarantine singing together or playing instruments to cheer neighbours up from afar.
Advertisement
We particularly love the new online choir, The Sofa Singers, made up of hundreds of people in insolation around the world. Top marks to musician James Sills for setting it up.
@jsillsmusic you absolute joy maker. Thank you for the most wonderful 90 minutes singing with almost 500 humans in #SelfIsolation from across the globe #TheSofaSingers #StayConnected #SingingForTheSoul pic.twitter.com/TIBw3HgEHg — Uná Meehan (@Una_Meehan) March 17, 2020
5. ‘Britain’s loneliest dog’ found a home.
A pooch dubbed ‘Britain’s loneliest dog’ finally found a home this week, having been at Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, Kent, for more than 10 years.
Bess found her forever home after staff launched a viral campaign focussing on her, which soon led to offers from as far as the US.
A spokesperson from the shelter told Kent Online: “It was very emotional for everyone as she set off to her new life, but also very rewarding, as a loving home is what we want for all our dogs, and finally we have one for our Bess. Thank you to everyone who offered Bess a home.”
Advertisement
In a world of doom and gloom, here’s some brilliant, joyful & positive news...Bess, from Last Chance Animal Rescue, in Edenbridge finds new home after ten years...Bess, from Last Chance Animal Rescue, in Edenbridge finds new home after ten years #goodnews https://t.co/RkwXwA0CKX — Steve (@SJL0175) March 19, 2020
6. Teachers rose to the challenge.
As schools across the UK prepare to close their gates for the foreseeable future, teachers have been offering their support. Many have posted online – on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other community groups – to detail their qualifications, share advice, and signpost online resources to parents.
In one community WhatsApp group, seen by HuffPost UK, a teacher offered to do online teaching via Skype for the children on her road in south west London.
Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, has also launched a free 9am “PE with Joe” class from his YouTube channel to keep kids active.
😀 PE WITH JOE starting Monday morning at 9am on my YOUTUBE channel: The Body Coach TV 📺 Please please share this with as many people as you can ❤ Our kids need this more than ever. Share it on your stories, your wall, your Twitter, whatsapp and school newsletters ❤ pic.twitter.com/ioFGeFRpuK — The Body Coach (@thebodycoach) March 19, 2020
Advertisement
7. National Trust scrapped fees.
To help the nation enjoy the great outdoors while social distancing, National Trust announced it would open many of its gardens and parks for free.
We're aiming to open many of our gardens and parks for free during this difficult time, so the nation can use open spaces to relax and refresh, while following the government’s social distancing guidance. We will be closing our houses, cafés and shops this week. pic.twitter.com/ETY1oEo8VZ — National Trust (@nationaltrust) March 17, 2020
And elsewhere on social media, people have been sharing relaxing photos of nature to spread a sense of calm.
A new week and I am guessing it is going to be an intense one. I will keep posting my nature photos as they give me a feeling of calmness and go for my random walks. Sending you a virtual Hug. Look after each other 💕 #wecandothistogether #RandomActsOfKindness #hugs @ThePhotoHour pic.twitter.com/biWLwalEZj — Veronica in the Fens 🧚🏼♀ (@VeronicaJoPo) March 16, 2020
Happy Spring ! Nature is unaware of #coronavirus enjoy nature during these times of social distancing ! Go for a walk sit outside read a book ! Watch birds at a bird feeder ! #firstdayofspring pic.twitter.com/YibEF28Kto — Debbie 🐝Ahern 🇺🇸 💙🌊✨✌🏽✌🏻 (@savetheturtles2) March 19, 2020
Advertisement
8. The kindness continued.
From buying supplies for elderly neighbours to writing letters to curb loneliness, kindness is still alive and well.
If you’re in need of a positivity boost during the day, simply look through the hashtags #RandomActsOfKindness, #KindnessIsContagious and #SpreadKindness on Twitter. You won’t be disappointed.
Elderly neighbours sorted for a week. That is three elderly neighbours, and has definitely earned me some brownie points when my cat needs looking after.
£40 has prevented elderly neighbours having the audacity to leave their homes.
I forgot sherry for Betty. She’ll be livid. pic.twitter.com/6ljSZCmEvX — Nicholas (@helloimnicholas) March 18, 2020
We were inspired by a report on @itvnews last night about the elderly feeling particularly lonely as a result of measures being taken, and wanted to make sure they know we care for them #community #SpreadKindness pic.twitter.com/z1RBc7D7AS — RoundhayY6 (@RoundhayY6) March 19, 2020
Surprise flowers on my doorstep! Even my cat is happier! Thank you! #RandomActsOfKindness pic.twitter.com/XZeCkrxQx4 — Holli & Stacie (@RARepUSCentral) March 19, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--The Etiquette Of RSVPs In The Coronavirus Pandemic

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Group gatherings are, sadly, a no-go at the moment, with Brits being asked to avoid all “non-essential” contact with others. But while many of us have digitalised our social lives, not everyone is cancelling face-to-face plans.
Some appear to be taking social distancing less seriously, determined to stay out and about while they can before any potential “lockdown” comes into place. So how do you navigate invites to such events, when the organiser of a get-together is convinced it’ll still go ahead?
Advertisement
Even harder to steer, perhaps, are the RSVPs to big events like weddings, which you may have already said ‘yes’ to months ago.
In these exceptional circumstances, etiquette coach William Hanson, executive director of The English Manner, says the onus should be on event organisers to make the first move. “Really, hosts of any form of gathering should be cancelling or postponing the event, to save their guests from making the call,” he tells HuffPost UK.
However, if the organiser of a gathering shows no signs of cancelling, etiquette consultant Julia Esteve Boyd says it’s best to be direct.
HuffPost UK
Advertisement
“Tell the organiser that you’re taking the social distancing seriously and won’t be attending,” she says.
“Offer an apology and say you’d love to attend another event when the situation changes. It’s only fair to let them know as soon as you can.”
If you have an upcoming wedding invite pinned to your chalkboard, Hanson recommends waiting to hear from the bride or groom first. “The couple and wedding party will be under enough stress as it is, virus aside,” he says.
Advertisement
“Clearly, if the wedding is scheduled in the next few weeks or even months, it won’t be going ahead. Let the engaged couple communicate this to guests and be as understanding and sympathetic as possible.”
But if you have a close relationship with the couple, it’s likely the topic will naturally come up anyway. “Show you’re concerned about them and their big day,” advises Esteve Boyd. “If you’re not so close, you could wait a while before asking. It’s more than likely they’ll cancel or postpone the event sooner rather than later.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--How To Tell If An App, Game Or Show Is Actually Educational For Kids

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Due to the social distancing measures necessary to combat the coronavirus pandemic, parents are stretched thin as they balance working from home, improvising home-school, feeding everyone, disinfecting the house and coping with general coronavirus anxiety. Thus, strict screen time rules are understandably falling by the wayside, but there are ways for caregivers to vet their children’s programming as they spend a little more time on their devices.
Indeed, kids today have access to a seemingly endless reserve of games, apps and shows that claim to be “educational.” Still, there’s quite a range in quality for media with that label.
Advertisement
HuffPost spoke to experts to find out how parents can make smart decisions and determine if an “educational” game, app or show will be beneficial for their children.
Ask If It Builds Skills
When it comes to educational apps and games, interactivity is key.
“Look for media that gives kids agency and choice, and focuses on building skills, not just drilling facts,” Tanner Higgin, the director of education editorial strategy at Common Sense Media, told HuffPost. “Kids should have a lot of freedom to explore, experiment, think and create. Learning and fun should be intertwined and indistinguishable ― not placed in opposition.”
Educational apps and games shouldn’t feel too rote or didactic, as if the user is “playing through a worksheet,” he added. Otherwise, children will likely get bored quickly. These sorts of apps and games should also give kids feedback on their learning, so they know where they are, where they’re going and how to get there.
The same logic can apply to determining if TV shows and videos have real educational value.
“Similar to apps and games, quality children’s television and video involves kids in the experience, and gets them thinking critically and reflecting on themselves, their world and their place in it,” Higgin said.
Advertisement
Look Into The Creator
“Parents should get in the habit of doing a little digging on apps or games before downloading them,” said Higgin, who advised looking at the developers’ websites and learning about their background.
Tom Odulate via Getty Images
“It’s important to understand that in the app stores, really anyone can call their game educational, so you can’t just go by the words written on the app.” - Sara DeWitt, vice president of PBS Kids Digital
Some useful questions are: Who made the game? Do they have learning or curriculum experts on the team? Do they talk about their approach to learning and pedagogy?
“Also look into if they’ve conducted any research,” Higgin advised. “Third-party research that’s not published by the developer or conducted in partnership with them is best, but rare.”
Advertisement
Get Recommendations From Experts
“It’s important to understand that in the app stores, really anyone can call their game educational, so you can’t just go by the words written on the app,” said Sara DeWitt, vice president of PBS Kids Digital. “Really, this is an instance where you need someone to help you make the best decisions.”
She suggested emailing your child’s teacher or librarian to ask what kinds of things they use in the classroom. Library websites also have recommendations.
Both DeWitt and Higgin recommended Common Sense Media as an expert-backed resource. The nonprofit has rated thousands of apps, games and websites for education potential and curated them into a number of helpful lists for families, including a special downloadable list of “50 Favourite Tools for Learning.”
Consider Privacy And Security
Privacy and security are also important considerations when choosing an app or game. Higgin pointed to Common Sense’s privacy evaluations, which inform parents about the options that prioritise safety and security ― and those that don’t.
“Try to see if it’s actively collecting any information about your kids. Does it require a strange login? Is it tracking location?” DeWitt advised.
Advertisement
“I’d also avoid commercialised products with ads or aggressive ‘freemium’ business models that bombard kids with pop-ups for upgrades,” Higgin added.
Test It Out Yourself
Although parents are understandably busy, it can be very valuable to take a few minutes to play around with a game or app and see if it’s a good fit for their kids. This will help determine if it adheres to the above criteria.
“Look to see if the show or creator or channel has resources for learning or parenting that go beyond the program, such as discussion activities or lessons. That’s a good sign they’re thinking about learning and not just entertainment.” - Tanner Higgin, director of education editorial strategy at Common Sense Media
“Play with it yourself before handing it to your child,” said DeWitt. “That can also help determine age appropriateness, which is often a confusing situation. If it’s not age appropriate, it won’t be educational because it will be frustrating for the child.”
When It Doubt, Go With A Trusted Source
The simplest move is to stick to a trusted source of educational media.
“Look to see if the show or creator or channel has resources for learning or parenting that go beyond the programme, such as discussion activities or lessons. That’s a good sign they’re thinking about learning and not just entertainment,” said Higgin.
Advertisement
Know That You Can Make Most Media Educational
“Don’t forget that all kinds of media ― even those that don’t seem enriching ― can be adapted into great learning experiences,” Higgin explained. “Find ways to take things that your kids already love and seem drawn to and connect them to other activities that extend and deepen learning.”
For example, you can ask your child to create stories or drawings based on any TV show or game they like. If you have time to co-play or co-watch some kind of media with your kid, you can then discuss what they like or dislike about the app or show or ask thought-provoking questions about it.
“One thing that has been so consistent in the research I’ve been engaged with in 20 years of kids’ media is that if a parent has a conversation with a child about what they watched or played, the educational gains are going to be greater,” DeWitt said.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Orgies Changed My Relationship With Sex, For Better And For Worse

HuffPost UK Getty Images
You’re reading Sex Diaries, a HuffPost UK Personal series about how we are (or aren’t) having sex. To share your story, get in touch on ukpersonal@huffpost.com.
You might not know it, but in suburban neighourhoods and hotel suites everywhere, people are hosting sex parties.
Advertisement
I’m not talking about Illuminati, Eyes Wide Shut-style soirees full of CEOs and politicians, I mean normal people. Everyone from the office introvert to the ten you saw on Tinder last night are congregating and satisfying one another’s hidden desires.
I found out for myself two years ago.
After a rough break up and protracted recovery from a four-year relationship, I started dabbling in online dating. The apps are fun and I met lovely people, but they weren’t enough. Like a lot of guys my age, my life is tethered to the internet. I write in Google Docs, game online to unwind and mine Reddit for entertainment – it was only a matter of time before I swapped algorithm-based apps for the world wide web.
Reddit quickly became my pornographic hub – it’s a quick jump from r/videos to r/nsfwvideos – and I’ve always been interested in older women, so I searched the website for everything I could. It was here where I first learned the term ‘hotwife’ – a married woman who seeks outside sexual partners (bulls), and from r/hotwifes I found websites such as Swinglifestyle and Fetlife, all full of people sharing amateur content and hosting events. The sites are basic forums, with multiple cities listed and groups dedicated to everything from BDSM appreciation to gangbang queries, so it didn’t take long to discover a party – one where I’d hopefully meet an older woman interested in a scrawny fool like me.
“For once, I wasn’t limited to old classmates or random digital faces in my area, literally anyone could be on the other side of the door...”
Advertisement
I’m not saying I felt comfortable or confident going to that first party – the 12 mile-drive provided plenty of time to fixate on my anxiety – but part of me was obviously excited. For once, I wasn’t limited to old classmates or random digital faces in my area, literally anyone could be on the other side of the door, and I was hopeful the promiscuous environment would at least make me comfortable enough to shoot my shot with some beautiful women who normally wouldn’t consider me in the outside world.
As a single man, I had to pay $60, so I had to accept gambling on a potentially weird or unsafe night. Fortunately, things went better than I could have imagined. The party was held at a non-descript house where every bedroom was transformed into a snug play area with porn playing overhead. A young woman asked if it was my first time and gave me a tour after collecting my fee, leading me through dim rooms littered with couples already stripping down before finally leaving me near a big group deep in action. After a few minutes of curious watching, one of the horizontal ladies beckoned me over, playfully commenting on the noticeable bulge in my pants, but I quickly darted away painfully aware of my nervous self.
That first night still feels like a porn I watched in another lifetime, each frame permanently embedded in my memory. It was crowded but I introduced myself to a few people outside and shared my wine with them. After some light conversation, I learned how quickly things proceeded as an older Russian woman requested we go inside. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, another person we were talking with, a beautiful woman with gorgeous, curly hair, followed us inside to watch and join in on the action.
I’ve done a lot since then, but, in my head, nothing surpasses the intoxicating feeling of that first night. As a man in my mid-20s, I’ve since played with women in their 40s in front of a crowd and been invited to their place for more, participated in group sex with some of the most beautiful, dominant women on Earth, and fufillled a woman’s fantasy of being spanked on stage for thirty-five minutes straight. But there are also nights where nothing happens, no connections are formed and I leave having wasted money on what is essentially live, smelly porn. Yet I’m still chasing that first high, occasionally bringing dates and friends along to hopefully recreate that initial thrill.
“I’ve taken breaks, vowed I wouldn’t party solo again, but I keep finding myself nervously clutching money in my pocket and knocking on the door”
Advertisement
These parties have an inherent seedy, gross quality: the locations are never really clean and there’s always creeps determined to participate. I’ve seen desperate men weasel their way back near a woman after explicitly being told no; I’ve been harassed by an older European woman multiple times and whenever I tell her to flirt with someone else she casually plops her naked body on my lap, rubs my leg and whispers “oh, you jaded boy, let mommy help”. No amount of fun can erase the memories of naked men – penises in hand – trying to make smalltalk with me as we watch someone get railed atop permanently stained sheets.
Beyond boosting my confidence, I don’t think attending these parties has changed me – I still love my family and obsess over current events – but my attitude towards sex has definitely evolved. I won’t divulge numbers, but I’ll say that before all this I considered sex an intimate act to be shared exclusively with romantic partners... and now I take certain people home after first dates or seal the deal almost immediately if there’s chemistry at a party.
These parties are comparable to Pandora’s Box, and now that I’ve unleashed what’s inside it’s hard to close the box no matter how badly I may want to sometimes. Sure, I’m happy to check boxes off my sexual bucket list, but to do it I often prioritised parties and mindlessly swiping on apps over my personal projects and sleep in a way that leaves me embarrassed and disappointed.
I’ve taken breaks, vowed I wouldn’t party solo again, but I keep finding myself nervously clutching money in my pocket and knocking on the door. It’s hard to be in the proper, sincere mindset necessary to look for a ride-or-die partner knowing there’s a kinky world without limits just out of view.
Sex is great, whether it’s with “the one” or a group of strangers – but I can promise from experience that the act alone will not make your problems go away. No matter how rewarding it may feel to be called “daddy” by a 46 year-old grandmother, I’ve learned focusing on sex may distract you from what you should be working on: yourself.
Advertisement
Sam* is a journalist in Los Angeles, writing under a pseudonym


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus Will Be A Final Test For ‘Selfish’ Millennials

Clearly, I’m not the only one who doesn’t like being told what to do, especially when it comes to social distancing. Getty Images/iStockphoto
I hate being told what to do. I always have. Maybe I was spoiled as a child, or am too much of a stubborn Libran. Perhaps it is because I am millennial — the root cause of most bad things. After all, we are a generation who have been brought up to believe we can do anything we want. And while it hasn’t all been plain sailing — we entered the job market after the 2008 crash, we endured a decade of austerity — we still happily partake in a culture of determined individualism. Just take a scroll through Instagram.
Right now, we are all being told what to do, all of the time (although admittedly, for large groups of people that advice is still confusing). Somewhere between the government’s U-turning, the countless experts in newspapers and on TV, and those on Twitter who have taken it upon themselves to offer public service announcements, life has felt like it is on pause until the next press conference, tweet or comment for a ‘senior government source’.
Advertisement
Clearly, I’m not the only one who doesn’t like being told what to do, especially when it comes to social distancing. For many in this country, taking government advice is a luxury when you have to go out to work to earn money to pay for rent and feed your children. But that is not the case for others. Walk around my neighbourhood (where a lot of millennials live) and you’ll spot groups of people in the pub or having lunch in the local restaurants. Further afield, we’ve seen people congregating in packed out beaches in Florida, honky tonks in Nashville and arenas in Manchester. Obviously, millennials are by no means the only culprits: there are also the boomer parents who think their Blitz Spirit will beat the virus. But arguably youth’s faith in its own invincibility, when entwined with a sense of entitlement, is particularly problematic.
Which poses a problem in light of a report from scientists at Imperial College London, whose mathematical modelling has found that suppression, China’s lock-down approach, is what is needed to control the virus and curb the death toll. According to the report “a minimum policy for effective suppression is population-wide social distancing, combined with home isolation of cases and school and university closure. To avoid a rebound in transmission, these policies will need to be maintained until large stocks of vaccines are available – which could be 18 months or more.”
This means, therefore, a continued line in being told what to do and a society-wide reliance on long-term sacrifices made by younger people.
Advertisement
While I’d like to believe everyone was selfless and committed to a greater cause (when they can afford to be) the numbers of people in the pub in Peckham on an evening right now might suggest otherwise. And so a friction will inevitably start to rub, one that perhaps taps into an already simmering generational divide, seen in things like Brexit and the election. As Times journalist Andrew Ellson wrote on twitter “if the best predictions science can muster are true, the biggest challenge facing the government is the huge mismatch between who must pay for the cost of coping with the virus against who benefits. We already have a society divided by age. Prepare for that to get much worse.”
“If society is calling on us to make the sacrifices for the long haul, we have to find a source of strength and motivation that can keep us going.”
Yet however upset over Brexit you might be, I vehemently believe in behaving like a responsible adult in an unprecedented public health crisis, especially if you’re privileged enough to have a job that allows you to work from home. Which means we have to find a way forward, and for me, the route through these strange times is taking ownership in what you are doing, and what you can enjoy, instead of fixating on the opposite.
For the first time, possibly ever, I’m working through my New Yorker, cover to cover, and that is bringing me a surprising amount of satisfaction. When we sit in our little garden as the sun comes out, the warmth on our skin feels hopeful. Last night we watched an old ITV Poirot. It was comforting in its certainty, reassuring in its familiarity, joyful in its detachment from reality. Every time I change the water in the tulips, I wonder if there is a name for that precise shade of dusty purply-pink.
Social distancing means a re-focus on what is in our homes, and what is in our capabilities when the outside world is harder to reach. It means looking at the same things in different ways. A couple of weeks ago I felt overwhelmed at the thought of attending a friend’s art show because I had a big trip planned and still had lots to organise. Now I can’t go on the trip or attend the show and I wonder why on earth I would have missed such a joyful occasion. I hope when we’re out the other side, we remember how we felt. Perhaps we will confront another millennial trait — our delight in cancelling plans and staying in. Funny how quickly a luxury can feel like a chore when you are being told what to do.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--We've Been In Coronavirus Lockdown In China For Eight Weeks. Here's What You Should Know

Courtesy of the author HuffPost UK
We are living in China with our children, and for the past seven and a half weeks we have been largely confined to our home, working and going to school remotely, due to the outbreak of covid-19.
We are watching the news and talking with family and friends back in the United States and in Europe. They have had questions about what quarantine has been like for us and what to expect as the coronavirus continues to spread and things grow more restrictive country by country. We obviously can’t predict how it will play out in each different setting, and we don’t presume to have answers for what everyone should do. But we do have some experience in how to stay reasonably sane and productive through the challenges of being confined indoors for weeks on end.
Advertisement
We are both teachers at a school where our children are also students. Our city is hundreds of miles from Wuhan, the epicentre of the initial outbreak. Millions and millions of people live in the city, and the number of cases here is reported to be in the low hundreds. Still, the restrictions have been significant.
Early in the crisis, walls were put up around our neighbourhood, and roadblocks were set up to limit who can come in or out. Curfews were established and no visitors could enter from outside the neighbourhood. We were given special IDs that show we have not left the country or traveled around China. Until recently the only stores that were open were groceries and gas stations. Every time we go to buy food, we have to scan an app on our phone that tells the government where we are.
“We obviously can’t predict how it will play out in a different setting away from China and we don’t presume to have answers for what everyone should be doing. But we do have some experience in how to stay reasonably sane and productive through the challenging experience of being confined indoors for weeks on end.”
Schools have been closed all over China since the Chinese New Year in January. We started working from home at the start of February, and our children have attended school remotely sitting together at our dining room table. The initial closure was for two weeks, and then was extended into March. As of today, the return date is still uncertain. So while we have not been under formal quarantine, we have been very limited in where we can go and what we can do. In this time we have had to adjust to a life very different from what we were used to.
Advertisement
This is some of what has worked for us:
Set Up A Routine
We understand many people already work from home as a normal part of their jobs, but it was new for us and it took some adjustments. Teaching is typically a very face-to-face kind of work. Homeschooling is also something people do, but it was also new to us, and a challenge to keep up with while we are also working.
Early on there was a sense of Groundhog Day, as one day blended into another. Creating structure and routines has helped. We set an alarm and get up just a bit later than we would on a normal workday. At the start, we joked about wearing pyjamas all day every day, but that soon got tiresome. So we get dressed.
We do the same with our children. It was important that they understand this is not an open-ended vacation from school. They do sleep in a little later than they would on a normal school day, but then they come downstairs, eat breakfast, and get set up in the dining room for a distinctive type of school day while we go into a spare bedroom set up as an office.
We have been taking a lunch break every day around noon. We all stop what we are doing and eat together. We have been watching The Price is Right or The People’s Court while we eat. It feels a little like the best part of staying home from school when you were sick as a kid. It’s a small pleasure, but something we couldn’t do under normal circumstances. And then we get back to work.
For the kids, it has been important to set limits on how long they work. Even though they are getting their assignments digitally from their teachers, it has been important to check in with them throughout the day. Tasks can sprawl, and more than once we have come across one of them close to tears because they worked on an assignment far longer than required. Their teachers are doing great work, but it can be difficult to estimate what an assignment looks like to a middle schooler who wants to do their best but who has no immediate feedback or classmates around to whom they can compare themselves.
Advertisement
We also try to stop work at a reasonable time. The kids wrap up early in the afternoon. As teachers, it has been trickier for us. Many of our students are not keeping regular hours, or they dispersed to their home countries, so they are turning in work throughout the day and into the night. Work often spreads into the evening, and we work longer hours now than we would on a normal workday. We have not found a solution to this. But getting to watch “The Price is Right” has been some consolation.
See The Value In Screen Time
Like a lot of parents, we are aware of our children’s screen time and worry about it, despite having watched vast amounts of TV when we were their age. If we left it up to them, we might not have an upper limit on how much time they played video games. And they would happily spend unbroken hours messaging friends and watching YouTube videos.
“We have been taking a lunch break every day around noon. We all stop what we are doing and eat together. We have been watching 'The Price Is Right' or 'The People’s Court' while we eat. It feels a little like the best part of staying home from school when you were sick as a kid.”
Under normal circumstances, we set limits and try to move them toward more productive pursuits. We have not given up on this, but we have become more forgiving and see the value in some of the games they play. Just Dance on the PlayStation has them exercising. Minecraft can be a remarkably clever game. Even Fortnite has its value as we listen to them talking and strategising with friends across town and around the world.
We’ve been watching more TV and Netflix than we ordinarily would. We also understand that ‘watch TV’ is not necessarily original or helpful advice, but we have expanded into a pretty broad range of viewing habits. We have watched some really high-quality movies (The Lighthouse felt particularly relevant and we’ve taken to quoting from it), but also a lot of terrible reality shows and repeats of favourites. Old episodes of The Office and Rick and Morty hold up remarkably well. And as a family, we started watching Survivor again. (We have mixed feelings about Boston Rob.)
Advertisement
In an attempt to get away from our screens, we have also broken out some of our board games. It’s been really nice to transform the dining room table from a middle school classroom back to a place to be together. And in our defence, the whole family is reading a lot, from Harry Potter to Infinite Jest.
Follow More Cake Decorating On Instagram
The temptation to hit refresh on news sites over and over is very real. It feels constructive and there is value in being informed; but at a certain point overconsumption of the news becomes a vice, like poking at a wound. Along with all the news, we have often kept a browser tab open for too long on the Johns Hopkins map of coronavirus. Originally, we were trying to make sense of the growing numbers of cases in China, and then as they’ve slowed in recent weeks, we began to look at the global numbers. It can be a dangerous rabbit hole to go down, as we moved on to academic articles on epidemiology and, worse, into online conspiracy theories. We’ve also found the temptation to enter into online debates with strangers to be particularly poisonous.
There is value in sometimes putting your head in the sand. It’s okay to take a break. Instagram has been an excellent destination for mindlessly scrolling through pretty pictures for a reprieve. We’ve been looking at a lot of cakes. (Open Instagram and search #cakedecorating.) It is incredibly soothing to watch someone put a cake on a plate, spread icing all over it, smooth it out with an icing spatula, then swirl on brightly coloured, sugary flowers, maybe add some sprinkles. They are beautiful and there is absolutely nothing to argue about.
Get Exercise Where You Can
Before all this started we had been very good about going to the gym and lifting weights. It made us stronger and was great for maintaining sanity. But the gym has been closed along with everything else, so that stopped being an option.
Initially, we were encouraged not to go outside at all. The virus was so new and people were scared. It was also cold and grey for a lot of January and February, so it was not such a big deal to be inside most of the time.
Advertisement
We tried some online workouts, doing old-fashioned calisthenics and bodyweight exercises. We found old running shoes, put on our face masks (even though they serve very little purpose when you are outdoors away from crowds) and started running.
Now that the weather is warming up and the gym is still closed, running has become a not-terrible, even pleasant, part of the routine. We have started seeing more and more of our neighbours outside with us (all of us wearing masks and keeping our distance).
“There is value in sometimes putting your head in the sand. It’s okay to take a break. Instagram has been an excellent destination for mindlessly scrolling through pretty pictures for a reprieve. We’ve been looking at a lot of cakes.”
Take Turns Fearing The Worst
We have each gone for stretches – sometimes a few days – feeling like things are okay and that this experience is just something we can patiently wait out. Then a sense of worry, shading into anxiety and even fear, creeps in and it all comes crashing down a little.
These fears and anxieties have ranged from simple ones related to getting work done, or concerns about doing our jobs well enough, to bigger anxieties about the effect all of this is having on our children, and onward up to crushing existential fears about worst-case scenarios. Everything feels worse when it is compounded by a sense of being trapped and isolated in your house.
Advertisement
So far we have done a fairly remarkable job of having these crises one at a time. One of us has a bad afternoon or whole day, while the other can be a calm voice of reason. And then a day or two later, we have to reverse roles and offer the other the same simple advice we just received.
If it happens that everyone is panicking on the same day, or if you live alone, meditation has helped us. It has also been helpful to send out texts to a wide group of friends. Surely one of them is having a moment of calm and can help you catch your breath. We have not been in this alone.
What felt intolerable at times has largely become a part of normal life. Everything we see and read says there is tremendous value in social distancing wherever possible. We recognise that while this has been exhausting and challenging, we are also fortunate that we have been able to work from home and still have jobs at all. We know this is not the case for many, many people.
What’s To Come
Over the past week, there have been some indications of changes here in China. There have not been any new active cases being reported in our city. Some deliveries have started coming into our neighbourhood and, for what it’s worth, we learned this week that Apple stores in China are opening right as they are beginning to close everywhere else.
At the same time, rumours about the date for reopening schools keep pushing it out later, and now it may not happen until the end of April. The walls and roadblocks are still up, and restrictions on people returning to China from outside the country have grown more strict recently. Fears that the virus will start up again here are significant. And we remain almost entirely in the dark about what comes next.
Advertisement
For now we continue to be as calm and patient as we can, as we work to keep our sanity. We wish the best to people around the world who find themselves in a similar situation.
This article first appeared on HuffPost US Personal.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--This Is The List Of Key Workers Who Can Still Send Their Children To School

Health and social care
This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.
Education and childcare
This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach.
Key public services
This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.
Local and national government
This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies.
Food and other necessary goods
This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines).
Public safety and national security
This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.
Transport
This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.
Utilities, communication and financial services
This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.