Tips and advice from our community

Our community share tips and ideas on how to cope and stay positive during self-isolation.

Need some ideas on how to cope with self-isolation? 

Would you like to hear directly from others who understand?

Our community has been sharing tips and ideas on how they’re staying positive while in self-isolation. They’ve been suggesting things to help you pass the time, sharing their experiences and giving advice about how they’re coping.

Head over to our YouTube channel to watch vlogs from the community or read their words of encouragement below.

Please note: guidance in the video below was correct at the time of filming during the begininning of the pandemic. Some Government restrictions and guidance may have changed multiple times since filming.

Pick back up those old hobbies!

“Now is a good time to brush up on my chess knowledge and read those books that I have delayed reading. I have quickly learned to not watch every news item, but stay informed in short readings of news items. Otherwise all the news will drive me crazy!”

Alan Kearns

Spend some time doing what you enjoy!

“I’m going do lots of gardening, planning to grow tomatoes, runner beans and peas from seeds ; all are easy to grow and don’t take up much room so can be planted in quite a small place. Being outside and growing things is good for your mental health as well as the exercise and sunlight you get. I also do many crafts both of these act as a distraction from everything else going on in your life.”

Fiona Stewart

“I really enjoy baking. Even today, I baked a massive batch of scones and we all had Afternoon Tea at home. I also baked Banana Bread yesterday which was a hit! I use healthy alternatives (particularly as my brother is diabetic!) to the usual recipes. I love cooking in general and I find it really relaxing.”

Show kindness to others, no matter how big or small!

“I’ve just also seen that many supermarket shoppers today have been given a bunch of flowers when leaving as there are so many unsold bunches from Mother’s Day!”

Find things that help when you’re feeling anxious or stressed

“I’ve also used my room as a safe and relaxing space, putting on calming music from Spotify when I feel like I’m getting anxious and stressed. Podcasts are great too, I am a fan of Fearne Cotton and she has a Podcast called ‘Happy Place’ which I recommend.”

Belinda Cuffaro

Connect with others, who understand

Whether you have a question, just want to know what others are doing or simply want to chat and access support, our Online Support Groups are safe and welcoming spaces where you can connect with others and share useful tips.

“No one is alone in this. There are always people to speak to about worries and anxieties resulting from the virus, and mainly with anything relating to a Cancer diagnosis and life after.”

Belinda Cuffaro

“The Brain Tumour Charity online support group has been an enormous lifeline to me.I cannot thank everyone on there enough. They all took time out from their own horrific journeys to speak to me. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel to them all. Please stay safe and strong in these scary times.”

You can always get in touch with our Support and Information Line by ringing 0808 800 0004, emailing us at support@thebraintumourcharity.org or starting a live chat. The Support and Information Line is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

If at any time you’re concerned about how you’re feeling and/or you feel your symptoms may be getting worse, call your specialist medical team, NHS 111, or 999 if it’s an emergency.