Nat's Lockdown Recommendations
As we go into State of Emergency Lockdown in Melbourne, I thought I’d share my iso life note to self / recommendations for anyone who might need.
KEEP HEALTHY AND SAFE
• Take walks in the area around our homes regularly for exercise.
(Once a day only, masked, and within 5km of course!)
• Keep in touch with friends and fam via phone and online platforms.
• If you are feeling depressed or anxious, please talk to someone. That could be a friend or family member and if you are ready to talk to a professional, your doctor (GP) is a great person to start with and they can recommend either medication or therapy (or both).
If you need urgent help please call one of these numbers:
Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free, 24-hour Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service.
Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts, family or friends affected by suicide and healthcare professionals treating suicidal people.
SuicideLine – call 1300 651 251 for free and anonymous support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Victoria.
SUPPORT LOCAL SHOPS / AVOID GOING INTO PHYSICAL STORES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
• Try to buy online, locally made, and from small businesses where possible.
• Shop online. If you have adult family members who are new to online shopping, help them set up an account. Maybe they need help setting up online banking too. Remind them to stick to trusted sites. Let them know to avoid putting through a purchase if there is a broken lock icon next to the URL. Coles have this cute “How to” video for setting up your online account.
• For groceries, I’ve been placing an order for 1-2weeks worth of pantry items/ non perishable items in one go from Woolworths or Coles Online. Sure there’s a delivery fee but it means we don’t need to go to the supermarket too often. I buy fresh vegetables from small local grocers and Asian Supermarkets 1-2 times a week (where they are cheaper too) It’s best to avoid going into the supermarket right now, especially the major ones that are packed with panic buyers.
MEAT-LESS ALTERNATIVES
OK, so I’m not one of those people who will pressure you to be Vegetarian, regardless of my personal beliefs. But with meat works cutting down on their operations and panic buyers clearing the shelves, now’s a good time to get creative with some wonderful alternative proteins. Here are my recommendations for those interested in the “less meat” movement:
TVP - Textured Vegetable Protein (Flavour with sauces and spices and use instead of mince like taco stuffing, ma-po tofu, bolognese sauce)
Sunfed Chicken Free Chicken (Use instead of chicken in stir frys or curries)
Tofu is an all time classic. Meatless burger patties, sausages and such are easy and yum. Falafel wraps!
Beans and legumes - we’ve been doing lots of chickpea curries and lentil dahls, add papadoms for more fun. Nachos with mexe beans and tons of avocado on a lazy night.
Some vegetables are particularly awesome for adding a bit more heft to your vege meals. Eggplant, and mushrooms are fantastic! Shitake mushrooms are my favourite but I’ve developed an allergy to them so have been getting into Shimeji big time. The exotic mushrooms are heaps cheaper to get at Asian stores like Kimchi Grocery Store by the way.
FUN THINGS TO DO AT HOME
• Create, create, create! Draw! Paint! Get some clay and try hand building your own cups.
• Music!
• Cooking and baking
• Reading books
• Watch films and docos
• Read Simon Hanselmann’s comic every day. If you are yet to do so, start at mid march for the Covid timeline.
• Eco Store bubble bath baths - actually for babies but highly recommended for maximum bubbles and no nasty chemicals