As the UK headed into lockdown two weeks ago, people realised they had a choice about where they wanted to spend isolation.
It meant some couples unexpectedly living together and others moving in with their parents to help.
Pooja Khajura was working as a consultant for In Diverse Company in London a few weeks ago when coronavirus started to spread in the UK.
Wanting to be closer to her family in these difficult times, she decided to travel home to India.
But travelling meant she spent 14 days completely isolated in her room, with her family bringing her meals, but she is able to get some fresh air on the balcony attached to her bedroom. There is also a government-enforced lockdown in India.
Today for My Quarantine Routine, the 24-year-old explains the difficulties of working on a different time zone and living in one room.
Pooja booked a one-way ticket and has no idea when she will be able to go back to friends and her life in London.
This is how she spent 27 March.
8 am
I get up and freshen up. I usually have a cup of coffee or tea to wake me up.
9 am
Usually, I do an hour of yoga to stretch and clear my head in the balcony or my room – if it’s too hot
10 am
Breakfast is served! Thanks to my amazing family who are currently delivering my meals outside my room as I self-isolate. My breakfast consists of traditional, freshly cooked Indian breakfast
10.30 am
I have a shower and read a book. I’m currently reading The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen about the Vietnam War – I highly recommend.
After an hour or two of reading, I listen to music or call my best friend in Mumbai so we can both chat about how we’re dealing with the lockdown
2 pm
My brother tends to deliver my lunch to my door. It’s usually a vegetarian curry, rice, lentil dahl and flatbread. Also, it’s mango season in India which is a very massive deal, so I get to taste some fresh Indian mangoes – so in someway I’m glad to be in India at this time, despite the circumstances.
It’s been hard that I can’t be near family or friends (including those in London), but they’ve been entertaining me through voice notes and funny memes.
2.30 pm
It’s now 9 am in the UK, so work begins for me. There’s a lot to do, and we’re in a fortunate position where we can continue working remotely, and the business is still growing.
However, I’ve been struggling to take breaks as I’m still trying to get used to my new routine.
11 – 11.30 pm
I begin to finish up my work for the day! It’s usually a late dinner for me, as I’m not that hungry since I’m not burning much energy during the day.
My mum delivers it to my door and has been making me a different, tasty meal every day to lift my spirits
12 am
It’s been a long day, but I’m lucky to be working in a role I’m passionate in and have supportive colleagues who usually check up on me during the day, so I still feel motivated.
I had been living in the UK for about two years and London for six months, so I was spending a considerable portion of my time meeting new people and going out. It’s been tough to adjust to my new environment.
I usually meditate, which I’ve recently adopted to help me through this challenging time, for five to six minutes. It’s been a great way for me to clear my mind before I hit the hay.
1.30 am
Bedtime! I only have a few days of self-isolation since arriving in India, so I’ll be able to join my family in the living room soon.
If you want to get involved with My Quarantine Routine, email laura.abernethy@metro.co.uk.
MORE: My Quarantine Routine: Rachel, a 32-year-old yoga instructor who is now teaching online
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/06/quarntine-routine-pooja-works-london-travelled-home-family-12512741/?ITO=squid
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