Isolation tips from an around-the-world sailor

Here at The Yacht Week, we can't help but be huge fans of Dee Caffari. In 2006, she became the first woman to sail solo around the world, non-stop and in 'the wrong direction' (against the prevailing winds and currents). Her incredible achievement earnt her an MBE in 2007. Then in 2009, she capped this off by completing the Vendée Globe race and thus making her the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in both directions.

As you would expect, she's a total badass but also someone who knows A LOT about self-isolation. In fact, you could call her an isolation expert - something we're all suddenly in need of these days. During the Vendée Globe race, Caffari spent three months at sea on her own and during her 2006 solo trip, she spent a whopping six months alone. She also didn't have the creature comforts of home - so nope, no Netflix. Instead, Caffari's residence at sea was a 72ft boat and her only entertainment option was her "karaoke skills." We wonder - what her go-to tune was?

In early March, when so many of us around the globe suddenly found ourselves facing the fact that self-isolation was a necessity, Caffari published her helpful isolation tips on her blog. We thought these were so insightful - and naturally very appealing to our TYW family - that we decided to share them with you here as well.

As Caffari notes, she chose to isolate and under completely different circumstances. Of course, most of us would rather be seeing the world on a yacht right now (ok, maybe not on our own) than being stuck at home. However, she does have some excellent recommendations for stopping ourselves from feeling "mentally isolated" during such a crisis and showing how we really need to take care of each other. 

Caffari's tips are:

• Keep communicating – this is reassuring for everyone. If you are the one self-isolating, it is a moral boosting to know people care but it is equally important for your friends and family to know that you are okay. Stay in touch and ask for help if you need it. A five-minute chat once a day could really lift someone’s spirits and be something they look forward to.

• Create a new routine. Spending 24 / 7 alone is alien to many of us and will be a challenge for people that thrive on the company of others. Extroverts get their energy from others so a lack of stimulation may lead to a drop in mood. For most of us, going to work, school or the gym is part of daily routine and now we have to fill that time. Having and sticking to a routine of some sort will help as it provides a focus and a reason to get going for the day. Having something to do will also make the time pass more quickly.

• Make technology work for you. There are so many ways we can communicate these days, this is the time to make use of them. Skype, Facetime, email, text, phone calls, social media platforms are all great ways to stay in touch.

• Focus only on what you can control and don’t waste energy worrying about things that are outside your control. We are bombarded with information via the media and we do need to take onboard the news that is being distributed. However, if you find that listening or reading the news is increasing your anxiety or stress levels then limit your exposure to it. Many of us will be seriously impacted financially through job loses or lack of work. You are not alone, millions of us will be in the same position. Make a manageable plan and seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed.

• Be grateful for the things in your life that you have or can do. Focussing on the good will have a positive effect on your mental health. When you are having a tough day and finding it hard to cope, focus on getting through the next day or even the next few hours rather than weeks or months. The sun will continue to rise and set. This situation will pass.

• Look for the opportunities and be creative. In a world of instant contact, demanding work lives and intrusive technology the current situation will allow many of us to step back from that for a period of time. Is there a project that you have wanted to take on but never had the time? Is there a bestseller in your head just waiting to be written? Is there work that you could do on a temporary basis? Necessity is the mother of invention, so perhaps now is the time to embark on something new.

• Accept that we must adapt to the new environment we are living in. As an around-the-world sailor, I am used to my environment changing very quickly and having to adapt to forces that are outside of my control. In the coming weeks and months, restrictions on our lives and the effects of this virus will no doubt make us feel angry, upset, worried and scared. These are natural emotions but will use mental energy. Accepting a situation allows you to think more clearly and calmly.

• The future will be different. That is the reality and we may as well embrace it. Mother nature has flicked the reset button. We have an opportunity to re-evaluate and change our behaviour for the better.

Caffari also signed off her blog with this beautiful message:

"We are all too aware in today’s world that the only thing we can be certain of is change. Our ability to adapt to this change is what will define us. The current global pandemic is revealing that the majority of us fear the unknown and our reaction is to panic. Let’s come together in this time of adversity and support each other."

Wise words from such an amazing person. Let's all try to support each other through these uncharted waters and hope that calmer seas await us for many more summers to come.