Expanding bubble not always easy

Our neighbour wants to expand their bubble with us as their children are struggling with isolation. But the children talk through the fence and do FaceTime. We aren’t keen to expand as our children can get a viral-induced wheeze. How else can we help them?

I certainly understand that saying “No” to people can be hard at the best of times, and even more so when you can see that you are their only social connection at the moment.

But it is important to be clear, this is about your kids’ health.

I would suggest a clear “no sorry”, and explain that your kids have an underlying vulnerability. You may want to add the offer, “is there anything else we can do to help?”.

After initially struggling with working from home, I’m now in a really good space with it. To be honest, I’m feeling a bit anxious about the eventual switch back.

It’s amazing how quickly we’ve found ourselves adjust to this “new normal” isn’t it? Fear is one of the quickest (often too quick) ways to retrain our mind and behaviour.

So far with level 4 that has kept us safe, and so it can feel like we’re now working against instinct to move easily back out into the world.

I suspect more people working from home — at least some of the week — may be one of the positive changes. It’s good for traffic, emissions and even our mental health to not have to commute five days a week.

I know I should be happy about going to level 3. So why aren’t I?

It can be easy to buy into the media discussion about the relief, and the availability of takeaways and takeout coffee, but actually change is hard.

For many people the change from level 4 to level 3 will make no difference.

Keep looking after yourself, sticking to a structure, eating and sleeping well, staying connected and walk or exercise every day.