How to survive hotel quarantine
WITH many destinations enforcing a mandatory quarantine on arrival, travellers have no choice but to be stuck in their hotel room with nowhere to go. The quarantine period can take anything from 10 days to two weeks.
According to Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre, surviving quarantine is not for the faint of heart.
Speaking to CNN Travel, Hickie advised travellers to do something purposeful for at least six hours a day. He said “engaging in complex activities”, which include work activities, helps with the 24 hour day.
Hickie notes that extended periods of quarantine can affect mental well-being.
“I’ve spoken to a number of people who’ve been far more challenged by it than they thought they would. They just assumed they’d go in, count the days and be out the other end. Then after three or four days they start to think ‘this is really challenging’.
“Those who’ve been in quarantine more than once came to realise how essential their daily activities are in maintaining their normal moods.”
Hickie said sunlight was essential for enhancing one’s mood and setting a regular 24-hour cycle and body clock.
Staying fit is another factor. Plan some form of exercise, whether it's yoga, cardio or a pace around the room. There are many online tutorials.
Travellers should monitor their media usage and not get sucked into spending hours scouring the internet or news sites, he advised.
They should take each day at a time. Sure, it can get overwhelming, but small steps are better than focusing on the bigger picture. Before long, you will be out and about.