Stay At Home Q&A: Louise Pentland

With the updated guidance encouraging us to continue spending as much time within the four walls of our home as possible, we asked creators how they are keeping themselves entertained and why you should stay at home. Louise Pentland chats to us…

How are you spending your time while social distancing?

Louise Pentland: We’re really making the most of spending time together at home as a family. Everyone’s pitching in with the cooking and cleaning and we’ve built a lot of forts out of bedsheets. Easter egg hunts in the garden are a lot of fun – Darcy and Pearl love those! Of course it’s a bit of a balancing act with work and home-schooling, but we’re making the best of it.

What is your go-to activity when you need to switch off from the world?

Louise: Snuggling on the sofa with a glass of wine and some snacks – and losing myself in a Sky TV series.

Do you have any tips for staying positive and healthy at home?

Louise: I do! Like most people I imagine, I’ve been on a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions these past few weeks. I’ve found the following little things really helpful:

Scheduling things like FaceTime calls so you have structure and things to look forward to. I actually do an Instagram and Facebook live every morning too, it’s so lovely to chat to my followers – it’s the best, most positive community
Avoid hearsay. Unless it’s official government information, don’t buy into it
Keep tidy. Clean house, clean mind!
Allow yourself treats. I’ve found a white Lindt bunny here and there to be a great mood-booster
Clapping. The #ClapForCarers every Thursday is a great way to practice gratitude and a good reminder of everything you have
Watch TV & films. They’re a good distraction and a nice break for your mind
Plan. Think about all the things you’ll do when this is over. I’ve made a list on my phone with my best friend Esther and it’s getting me through!

Can you recommend something we can do to relax at home?

Louise: Grown ups – watch Save Me Too on Sky TV. It’s a six episode boxset about a father who is accused of abducting his estranged daughter and it’s truly gripping. And if you’ve got young kids, I can’t recommend a treasure hunt enough. The joy of finding the treasure always delights, and takes up a bit of time too – double win. Also with children, they often love the old school activities – so baking, painting, drawing – always a winner.

Why is it so important to follow the government guidance?

Louise: I think it’s simple really – staying home saves lives. We need to support our NHS by preventing the spread of this awful disease, and taking advice from the people working every day to keep us and our futures safe.

My whole world and my biggest motivation. I know lockdown has been a bit bag-of-bleep but I’ve actually really enjoyed this extra bonus time with them. It’s definitely been hard and there isn’t anyone I’d rather spend it with ❤️ https://t.co/1ghnluFyvZ pic.twitter.com/XMjZ3aucPk

— Louise (@LouisePentland) May 1, 2020

What advice would you give to anyone who might be struggling at the moment?

Louise: Firstly, rephrase the term ‘stuck’ at home to being ‘safe’ at home. This is an incredibly emotional time for a lot of people, no matter what their situation. Just remember that whatever you’re feeling – you’re not alone so keep talking to people. Reach out to friends, family, colleagues. Arrange a time for a call or a Zoom and share your thoughts. A problem shared is a problem halved and you’ll probably find out that someone you talk to is experiencing a lot of the same thoughts.

What content of yours can people enjoy during this time?

Louise: I’m on my Instagram every single day and I’m tentatively dipping my toes back into the world of old school blogging. I have been uploading videos weekly to my YouTube channel and doing daily lives on Insta and Facebook but the juggle struggle became too much so I’ve scaled back on video things. I’m working on finishing a new book too so that’s taking up loads of brain space and I can’t wait to have that out in the world. Mainly though, like every other phone owner on the planet, Insta.