It has been said that when we emerge from this crisis there will be a discussion on the BC period, before Covid-19 and an AC, after Covid-19. I suggest there is another period called DC during Covid-19. This is more relevant as we all cope in our own ways.

The biggest challenge is wasting time. I find myself constantly checking the email feed, adjusting the Spotify playlist and then feeling guilty when I hear about the on-line life that some are living. One friend does YouTube carpentry and in the village the sound of DIY projects in the gardens is still as loud as ever, perhaps not much has changed. But with green waste bags piling up as the tip is closed the bonfires are reversing the effects of our cleaner air in the evenings.

It is easy to beat myself up as if I ever did work on the house or do serious gardening and although this might be the time to start it would be a mistake to end up feeling more frustrated as new projects falter. I am trying to do what I already did but be better at it, not add to the burden.

I have taken a quote from Mark Manson from the Spectator where he writes ‘the first rule is to make sure you stay at home when working from home’ and ‘fight the spectre of procrastination and create one’s own deadlines’.

I am taking this to heart and have now turned off the email, adjusted the notification settings, but kept text and whats-app on and have joined the Zoom community which means that my writing and German classes still carry on. The dogs need a walk that can be slower so that I can breathe deeply and admire the views on the once a day outing. Writing is a great thing though it is a job in itself and fit for targets which must be realistic.

In the film About a Boy the main character played by Hugh Grant is in a sort of lock down, too much time and little to do. He cuts his day up into 15 minute bits and this is wonderful as it encourages movement and imagination. But long calls to old friends can break that rule, but rules are supposed to be broken.

Then a reality check this morning. My parents telephone in a panic having seemingly been scammed as a letter from their pension provider arrived this morning informing them that all their savings funds have been withdrawn?

I suspect my call to them will last longer than 15 minutes. Maybe I should turn the email back on again!

The closest thing to crazy by Katie Melua