What is 14 days Mandatory Hotel Quarantine in Australia like?

Wow! What a roller coaster the past two weeks have been. From no flights one minute to having to be packed and ready to leave in  24 hours the next. I had almost given up on the fact that we would be able to spend Christmas with the kids, knowing so many other Aussies are stranded overseas. I feel so grateful to be writing this from mandatory Hotel Quarantine.  So here I am in Sydney in Hotel Quarantine, sometimes happy, sometimes a little flat but mostly grateful for being able to find a flight to Sydney and spend Christmas with my family. 

I have mentioned many times how anxiety is not my friend, and although I know many of the triggers, I had not realised that being cooped up for 14 days would be one of them. Let me not over dramatise things here, I have not had a panic attack of any sort, but I have at times had the feeling that I would love to walk out on the balcony and scream out of utter frustration. 

Let me start by saying this is nothing like the self-isolation in Singapore or Australia that I have experienced previously. This is 14 days locked in a hotel and escorted by armed forces…

A few Do’s and Don’ts in Hotel Quarantine.

Do

STAY POSITIVE  – little affirmations do help, I promise!

STAY ACTIVE  A Workout in the morning and a nighttime yoga routine does change your mood. 

KEEP IN TOUCH If you are on your own in a hotel room, facetime chats and phone calls are essential.

EAT HEALTHY although what is delivered at our door is out of our control, you can still make choices in what you choose to eat. 

KEEP BUSY– Although, for some of us, we have work commitments; and even if you don’t: keeping busy in other ways is important, read that book, make that call, start that hobby.

MAKE YOUR BED clean, fresh bed makes all the difference. 

Don’t – 

LIE AROUND ALL DAY even if it is tempting, in the long run, it makes you more sluggish and unmotivated.

WAKE UP LATE it is a mindset, you want to enjoy as much sunlight as possible even if your window doesn’t open.

ORDER TAKE AWAY– it is tempting to order fast food and junk food but try not to, the healthier you eat, the better you feel.

COMPLAIN – yep some are luckier than others when it comes to the lucky dip of hotels, but you are one of the luckiest ones as you are back in Australia for Christmas – there are plenty of others who would love to be in your shoes right now. 

DRINK TOO MUCH ALCOHOL– it won’t do you any favours, especially if you end up feeling worse for wear the next day.

Things to remember 

You can order from supermarkets online, delivery is usually within 24 hours, and you can stock up on water, juices, fruit and other healthy snacks. Along with toiletries and cleaning products – You will need them. 

If at all possible, ask for a room with a balcony or a window that can open. Having a room with fresh air can help, a little sunshine each day is so good for your mental health. 

If you are working on a computer, take breaks often. Little stretches, standing in the sunlight (even if it is by the window) or taking 15 minutes to read a book. It will all help. 

Set a routine, make your bed, get up at the same time each day, work during work hours only, set a daily exercise routine. It all counts and will give you purpose each day, a reason to get up in the morning. 

Beauty routines are not only for the salon, so spend a couple of times each week giving yourself a little care by having a bath, putting on a mask or give yourself a facial, it all counts. Bring it all with you, if not order some online. 

Meditate, giving yourself 10 minutes a day to clear the mind, can help wonders for your mood. There are some great self-guided meditations out there. 

Music, we all know how a catchy song can make you feel, especially when you find yourself singing or bopping along to the beat. Dancing and singing make my life a little brighter. 

I am going to throw a little reading and writing into the equation too because watching tv all day can be mind-numbing (which is okay some of the time believe me). But writing all your thoughts down as I am doing now, somehow lifts the weight off your shoulders and your mood can instantly be altered. 

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