How to prepare for a pandemic (for next time)

1. Monitor world news. If a major city somewhere is getting shut down due to a virus, it’s coming for you.

2. Stock up on what you need SLOWLY over several weeks. Add one or two of these items to your normal shop. Do not be a cause of stock outs and panic:

• Only ONE Toilet paper 30 pack:  people are crazy
• A few cans of vegetables eg baby potatoes, beetroot, baby corn, tomatoes
• Frozen things: plant-based meat, frozen vegetables, quick meals like dumplings
• Pantry staples: flour, pasta, rice, oats, short crust pastry
• Cleaning supplies: antibacterial all purpose cleaning spray, antibacterial wipes, dettol antiseptic liquid, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, paper towels
• Personal items: hand sanitizer 70% alcohol, aloe vera gel, soap, hand cream, skincare and haircare, tissues
• Medical supplies: Prescriptions, paracetamol, ventilator, a handful of face masks, contact lenses

Fresh food will persist, and with plenty of time on your hands you can enjoy making lots of things from scratch eg cakes, pasta sauce, bread. Alcohol will be available.

3. Prepare for housebound activities 

• Exercise: buy a doorway pull up bar and rings/ resistance bands – this is sufficient equipment for bodyweight exercises
• Non-screentime activities: buy a couple of jigsaw puzzles, borrow physical books from the library (they will extend the loans while closed), buy plants, craft supplies
• Set up e-library memberships (may require picking up the physical card from the library)
• Visit the shops if you need to see something in person before buying:  cooking equipment  and appliances; house items to make your space more pleasant or comfortable eg lighting, blankets, speakers, plants; try on any clothes you’re waiting to go on sale; glasses if you’ve been meaning to get new frames; musical instruments 
• Assess your internet plan and upgrade if required
• Prepare your older family for digital communication. Show them how to use zoom/Skype/FaceTime. Show them how to order groceries online. Check their house has everything required.
• Join the mailing lists of your favorite shops and organisations: there will be sales and there will be announcements about streaming services
• Working from home: Bring home the equipment you need if it’s going to be unused in the office: keyboard, mouse, mousepad, office chair, laptop stand, cords, monitor, notebooks and pens; think about what you need to make the dining chair or kitchen table ergonomic eg lumbar or boosts cushions;
• Get handymen in to fix any problems at home eg dripping tap, pest control

4. Socialise while its still safe to do so

• Visit older people
• See your friends and family
• Visit your favorite places: beaches, national parks, places that require public transport to get to, pools, infrared saunas
• Do the activities you enjoy: picnics, parties, dating, events, classes and courses, visit favourite restaurants, go to theatre shows and concerts
• Get a haircut, get a facial, massage and any other beauty / lifestyle appointments

5. Establish health and safety

• If your dentist  or optometrist appointment or elective day-surgery is in the next 6 month, move it forward
• See your GP for prescription repeats and any other concerns that requires physical interaction eg checking your ears
• If you see a physiotherapist, make sure to ask in your final appointments what exercises to do at home with no equipment and how to set up your desk.
• Go to the gym as much as possible before infections begin to spread – build muscle and core strength with gym equipment.
• Buy a home fire extinguisher and first aid kit if don’t already have one

6. Finances

1. Cancel any prebooking where you will receive 100% refund. Canceled activities will provide a refund but it may take a while, or credit.
2. Consider selling shares before the downturn – hold if the market has already tanked
3. Consider moving superannuation to a low risk plan

After lockdown

1. Working from home

• Establish a routine immediately. Transitions make it easier to change behaviour so don’t leave it too late. Stick to the same times every day to start and end work.
• Pack away all work equipment at 5pm Friday until Monday morning.
• Get up and move every hour
• Use video conferencing to speak to people

2. Socialising

• Use video conferencing eg zoom
• Set a weekly schedule to speak to close family and friends 
• Socialise with colleagues

3. Streaming activities – the following can be expected to go online:

• Yoga
• Dance
• Dance parties
• Museums, opera and art galleries
• Meet up groups
• Meditation
• Book clubs
• Dating

4. Exercise

• Go for a daily walk, get 10k steps in
• Start couch to 5k or 10k running programs
• Many apps and YouTube channels will have limited time free access eg yoga, Pilates, fitness
• Your gym may offer free access to an online program
• Follow the Reddit bodyweight fitness routine
• Dance and yoga steaming 

5. Entertainment – keep Netflix as a backup

• Read ebooks, or audiobooks as you walk
• Cook new recipes
• Look after plants
• Dance streaming classes
• Write
• University courses and MOOCs
• Podcasts
• Try new hair styles and make up
• Online shopping will still be available: books, clothes, house items – watch out for sales. International shipping may be disrupted though.
• Food delivery: preference small local businesses
• Games  – be very careful, delete any that become addictive. Aim for multiplayer games that are turn based eg words with friends, houseparty
• Film series: watch the films of a particular director/ period/ movement/ animator
• Netflix and free to air catch up tv

6. Personal admin

• Deep clean the house room by room: dust blinds and every crevice
• catalogue household items and create database of digital receipts
• Sort digital photos
• Sort clothing and items to sell (take photos and write up blurb) or donate 

7. Finances

• Monitor government announcements on welfare packages you’re eligible for
• Cancel health insurance extras cover unless your treatment will continue 
• Monitor the stock market
• Research insurance options eg home contents, health

8. Mental health

• Don’t wallow in unhappiness about everything that you can’t do
• Don’t burn out trying to fill your time with activities
• GPs and psychologists will be available for online appointments
• Talk to friends and family often
• Leave the house every day
• Get enough sleep
• Limit your news and get it from a reputable, unemotive source: eg a daily morning podcast or daily browse of the news app – other than general info such as changes in restrictions to social distancing, more information doesn’t change the situation and is not useful.