‘Keep to your routine’: a former Navy submariner shares his tips for living in isolation

Ex-Navy submariner Jon Bailey has advised his followers on Twitter about living in isolation

For many of us, this will be the first time that we have to deal with imposed isolation. As the Covid-19 situation grows across Ireland, and with more confirmed cases and deaths expected, it is more important than ever to stay at home as much as possible.

But for many, this can take a toll on their mental health. For those who thrive on outside interaction, or construct their daily routine around going out and about, the government measures are proving difficult. We all have to get used to the so-called ‘new normal’, but where do we begin getting used to living in isolation?

There are some people out there, however, who have been in a situation of isolation before – and they have great advice on how best to deal with it. One such person, Jon Bailey, is an ex-Navy submariner and a current robot submarine driver and fixer. In other words, he’s spent a lot of time in very isolated conditions.

Jon recently took to Twitter to share his experiences of living in confinement for extended periods of time and to give advice to those struggling with doing it themselves.

During my time in the Submarine Service, I – along with many others – endured many weeks and months cooped up in a steel tube under the waves. I just thought I’d share a few coping strategies for many of you now facing a Covid-19 “patrol”. pic.twitter.com/m9ObHd6FU9

— Jon Bailey (@SloopJontyB) March 20, 2020

Routine

Granted, working 800 feet below sea level in a steel tube is very different than spending a few weeks at home, but Jon’s advice still stands for those of us finding it difficult not to go outside for relief.

Jon’s first word of advice centres around the importance of routine. As he mentions, while working on a submarine, you have very little indication of times or days – “life at sea is dictated by shifts and routines”. Jon advises making a routine now and sticking to it, with times set for work, exercise, and rest.

ROUTINE: Life at sea is dictated by shifts and routines. You can tell what day it was by what was for dinner.Make a routine now, test it then write it down & stick to it. Divide your day up in to work (if home working) rest, exercise, meals, hobbies, etc. Do the same for kids.

— Jon Bailey (@SloopJontyB) March 20, 2020

Privacy

Privacy and time alone, however hard it seems, is also necessary. Just because you and whomever you live with are stuck in the house together, doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to some time to decompress alone. Jon advises that everyone in the home have their own space, even if it means having designated shifts in the sitting room.

PRIVACY: the only place private at sea was your bunk. Make a dedicated private time / place in the routine. Even if you timeshare the front room get everyone a couple of hours alone. Do whatever you want: watch shit films, pray, yoga, arrange matches: whatever gets you through.

— Jon Bailey (@SloopJontyB) March 20, 2020

When it comes to food and exercise, Jon notes the importance of keeping yourself healthy and in a good mindset.

EAT: scran onboard was usually pretty good and broke up the monotony of patrols. Take time to prepare meals. A good mix of “feast & famine” will stop the pounds piling on – one boat dis Steak Saturdays, Fishy Friday, Curry & Pizza nights. On other days soup & bread was enough.

— Jon Bailey (@SloopJontyB) March 20, 2020

EXERCISE: you’ll have the advantage of not having to use a spinning bike in a switchboard. 20-30mins a day of whatever as a minimum. Fitness Blender on YouTube has workouts for all. It’s a natural antidepressant, breaks up the day and keeps you healthy. Get outside when able.

— Jon Bailey (@SloopJontyB) March 20, 2020

Communication

Connecting with loved ones is not off-limits, we just have to do it a bit differently. In Jon’s experience, a conversation or even a note from your family can be the highlight of the whole week. Treat it as such, instead of being sad about what’s missing.

CONNECT: even during radio silence we still got a weekly telegram from loved ones back home. This was a weekly highlight. Keep in touch with your people. My current work have agreed a daily “coffee” catch up online even if there’s no work to discuss.

— Jon Bailey (@SloopJontyB) March 20, 2020

And finally, Jon advises keeping perspective. While this time is difficult, it’s not forever, and we will all get past it at some point in the future.

PERSPECTIVE: like all other patrols, this one will end. It’s a shit sandwich but better than dodging barrel bombs. Don’t obsess the news or Twitter shit. Bring your world closer, focus on little things that you enjoy & make plans for the future. At least you should have a window!

— Jon Bailey (@SloopJontyB) March 20, 2020

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