Quaranteam: What have you been up to?
During mental health awareness week, one thing that is highlighted in checking in on friends and we decided to do just that by seeing how our actors have been spending lockdown. We’ve been so fortunate over the past six and a half years to work with some talented, inspiring and all round brilliant ladies. We found out what they’ve been reading, watching and listening to along with what new things they’ve been trying. From pickling cabbages, to learning Korean and creating myspace throwback playlists! We asked everyone to send us a picture summing up their current routine, we also touch on lessons they have learnt and the self care techniques they are using to take care of themselves, so grab your pen and paper as there’s some brilliant recommendations ahead. Our founder Caris Rianne kicks off things.
Caris Rianne
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I’ve been reading The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker, but I’ll be honest I haven’t been reading as much as I wanted to! I’ve started listening to rain sounds while reading to help me switch off otherwise I get too distracted….usually by my dog. I’ve been watching Glee! I stopped watching the show after the second season back in the day so it’s been fun to revisit it. I’ve been listening to Brene Brown’s podcast which is so great and really calms my mind and My Favourite Murder which is also great and does not calm my mind!
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Challenging, Peaceful, Reflective.
Where are you quarantining?
In the North East, I live next to a nature reserve so my daily walks have been lovely. I’m quarantining with my dog/daughter Kara and partner Scott, Kara has loved spending more time with me, Scott not so much.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
How it’s okay to grieve for a world we once had or plans we had that were cancelled, it’s okay to be upset about how the quarantine has affected your personally and also feel sad about others too, empathy is not finite.
What is a new thing you have tried?
Cross stitching and weaving, I’ve found it nice to be doing something with my hands as I fidget a lot and also not staring at a screen! Oh and I made a lasagne, the first attempt was not great but the second was kinda better!
What has your daily routine looked like?
I’m still working every day from home, but my lunch breaks are now nice walks with my dogs rather than a quick sandwich which has been nice. My evenings are watching tv, cooking and writing…I’m finally writing again!
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
My Nana and Granddads so I can give them both a big hug! The cinema to see any film, literally anything and a holiday, desperate to get out and travel again when it’s safer.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Yoga, I always said I didn’t have the patience for it, which now i’m in an abundance of, so it’s been so nice to switch off and stretch even with Kara trying to snuggle on the yoga mat. Also turning my phone on do not disturb, it’s helped me switch off and also get things done. Oh and last but not least, working on my personal guilt for not being as productive as other people have been, the competitiveness of “doing stuff” during this time has been ugly and I’ve managed steered clear from it which has ironically…made me more productive!
Eleanor Brown
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I’ve watched 8 seasons for RuPaul’s Drag Race, lots of Studio Ghibli and just completed the audiobook of Purity by Jonathan Franzen.
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Up and down!
Where are you quarantining?
In my London flat aka my safe haven.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
That I was working too hard and too much before all this happened. I’ve promised myself to reduced my workload and working hours when I go back to everything.
What has your daily routine looked like?
Daily routine has been hard to maintain. Anyone else?! On a good day, I’ll be up around 7:30, have a cup of tea whilst listening to a podcast, move my body (either yoga, a strength session or a run) then fill the rest of the day with something that feels productive (an online course, cleaning my flat, reading a book, baking etc). On a bad day, I eat iced buns for breakfast, sit on my phone all day and still haven’t showered by 5pm.
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
To a Pret, to a pub and to the sea.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Counteracting negative self talk. And chips.
Eloise Rust
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I have read Safe As Houses by Steven Green. It’s been great to explore something new and has given me something to focus on. I have just finished watching Our Girl on BBC which I love. There was a lot of young actors around my age which I recognised from other shows so that was inspiring! I haven’t listened to anything recently but earlier in lockdown I listened to a podcast called Tales which takes traditional fairy tales and gives them a more adult twist.
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Lazy, Reflective and exploratory.
Where are you quarantining?
I’m quarantining at home with my mum in Essex surrounded by fields.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
Throughout this time I have realised how much I care about what people think and how much this holds me back. Time to make a change.
What is a new thing you have tried?
A lot of people have been doing puzzles through this time so I gave that a go. My cat keeps ripping the puzzle apart so I’ve lost motivation and this has been unsuccessful, I can hear her snoring away somewhere as I write this.
What has your daily routine looked like?
My daily routine has been up at 6am to start work in bed! Work, work, work. Quick lunch break. Work some more. Huge relief when I’ve finished work for the day! Then I’ve taken time to explore property investment or just watched Netflix. Nothing exciting.
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
Once this is over I would like to go to Prague, I was supposed to go mid March but the Czech Republic stopped entry just before I was due to go. I’d love to go into London, just to experience the buzz of the full streets after all of this! I would also love to take a trip up north to spend a weekend with Caris, Kara and I’m sure there’s someone else who lives there too.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
At the start of lockdown I had a declutter! This has been great, having a tidy place I can relax in.
Erica Martin
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I’ve been rereading old favourites, sort of a coping mechanism I suppose. There’s a fantasy series by Sharon Shinn I love very much called Twelve Houses. I’ve been watching The Office (US) which we finally finished, and I’ve been watching UNHhhh, a YouTube show by drag queens Trixie Matel and Katya. I love them and their silly show lifts my spirits. I’ve been listening to Fiona Apple’s new album Fetch the Bolt Cutters. It is excellent.
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Slow, creative, anxious
Where are you quarantining?
I’m quarantining in my London flat with my husband.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
I’m someone who makes a lot of plans and I had a whole plan for an album with several music videos which I can’t do now. I may never be able to do them the way I wanted. The trouble with being a planner (and a perfectionist!) is it’s easy to put plans off until everything’s perfect. Quarantine has shown me that not only are we never in complete control of any of our plans, but that waiting for the right time is futile. Just do it while you can. And if your plans have to change, that’s ok!
What is a new thing you have tried?
I tried doing a live stream on YouTube and it was successful! I’ve now done two and will be doing another one next Friday.
What has your daily routine looked like?
My routine is: I get up around 7:30-8:00. I go see what the news is, then do a bit of gardening, chop down some trees, harvest some peaches, do some fishing... but in the real world I spend about 2 hours playing Animal Crossing, then I write some music, exercise, make lunch, then do some recording, then I’m back to my switch before making dinner. Then Neil and I watch comedies until bed. Dramas are a bit too much at the moment...
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
First three places I want to go are to the pub (literally any pub!!), to a play or concert, and to Canada to see my parents.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Self help... exercise is so important. Every day I’m doing something so either running, Pilates, walking... I also write in a journal most every day and write poetry. I also do yoga before bed which helps me sleep. I’ve also been napping when I feel tired rather than plowing myself full of my caffeine. There’s no rush for me right now so why force myself? I’ll just end up anxious!
Erin Read
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I've been watching a lot of different shows and movies during this time ranging from Netflix originals like 'Hollywood' and slightly older but hugely important films like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' to k-dramas like 'Romance is a Bonus Books' so it's been a real mix! I've been listening to a range of different artists as well - my housemate is a huge fan of BTS so I was introduced to them recently and I've definitely become a fan myself too.
In terms of reading - I haven't read as much as I've wanted to yet! But so far I've read Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo and Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor and I'm currently reading Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, Becoming Enlightened (Dalai Lama) and The Rules of Acting by Michael Simkins. I have a bad habit of sometimes reading multiple books at the same time but I still finish them all! 😅
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Confusing/frustrating, opportunity, unique
Where are you quarantining?
In London with my boyfriend and a housemate
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
While this is definitely a very confusing time for everyone, if you have the opportunity to it is a chance to use this time to learn new skills, work on the skills you currently have but also to relax
What is a new thing you have tried?
I've been learning Korean (language) and loving it! It's slowly taking over my life 😅 and I've been watching and listening to considerably more k-dramas and K-pop as a result!
What has your daily routine looked like?
Because I am lucky enough during this time to have a steady day job while I'm not acting, my daily (weekday) routine is normally work from 8am-4:30pm then do a dance workout/online dance class with my housemate, then go for a walk around the neighborhood with my partner, come home and do a lesson in Korean, and then relax in the evening by watching a movie or reading
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
The first place I'd like to visit once we are allowed to is my parents home with my brothers and all of our partners as I think they've been missing being able to see their children and we've missed them too! I'm very much looking forward to seeing my gorgeous nephew in person again too as he's grown so much over this time apart!
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
The best self care method I've found during this period has been to actually take some time for myself every now and then - whether that's just painting my nails or sitting out in our garden (which we are very lucky to have!) and listening to an audiobook - I think it's important during such a crazy time where it still feels like there are a lot of expectations on you as an artist to be bettering yourself in some way, to realise that taking time out for yourself is hugely important.
Jayde Manning
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I got properly stuck in to Debbie Harry's biography 'Face It' during the lockdown. She's such an interesting individual. I had no idea she never really made it big with Blondie until her early 30s! Prior to becoming famous Debbie Harry had to do a lot of self creativity at home with very little money - the perfect inspiration for performers like myself during lockdown! I've also really enjoyed spending days watching Sex Education and Friday Night Dinner. In the evenings I've been winding down with a glass of red wine listening to two incredibly classy guys, Bryan Ferry and Robert Palmer - especially the Roxy music album Avalon.
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Mayhem and mischief!
Where are you quarantining?
In the North West, Merseyside. With my sister Charity and my gorgeous nephew, Noah. He's almost 6 months now and he never stops smiling.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
That I'm a bit of a workaholic! I've taken on a couple of new projects during the lockdown, like trying to start up a small independent magazine and working as a Presenter for an independent live streaming production company. I get to interview some incredible people. I feel very lucky. I've definitely had some SERIOUSLY lazy moments too though - my duvet is my new best friend!
What is a new thing you have tried?
Healthy eating. It was so hard at first, I didn't realise until the lockdown how much of a sweet tooth I have, or how much I like sugar. I haven't quite managed to limit my chocolate intake just yet...
What has your daily routine looked like?
I've tried to keep to the same routine everyday to make everything feel as normal as possible. I wake up, make a cup of tea and on sunny days eat my breakfast in the back garden. Usually I read for an hour or two before I do some writing or reply to emails - this takes up most of my afternoon. Then it's shopping, helping out with my nephew or studying astrology. I like to go for a walk by myself in the evenings just to get some alone time. Before bed I like a bath, candles and a film. I think this is my favourite time of the day!
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
The first will be my Mum and Dad's house - I miss them so much! Then the cinema. Then London.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Physical activity and exercise - one of favourite things to get my blood pumping is to simply turn my favourite music up to full volume and dance around the living room. It makes feel alive and cheers up when I'm feeling low. Not sure how the neighbours feel about it like....but it makes me feel good!
Jess Daley
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I’m currently flitting between reading Saltwater by Jessica Andrew and The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary - my concentration span has been rubbish in lockdown when it comes to reading. : Like everybody else on the planet, I inhaled the whole of Normal People within 24 hours (it’s my favourite book so I couldn’t contain my excitement). I’ve also introduced my Mam to/have in turn been re-visiting The Morning Show, This Is Us and Grey’s Anatomy from the beginning. Oh and Glee, followed by Hollywood - bit of a lockdown obsession with Darren Criss. I put together this absolute banger of a MySpace throwback playlist a few weeks ago, including some of the 00’s classics from Imogen Heap, The Fray, classic Panic! at the Disco and the beloved MySpace staple No Tomorrow by Orson - proper nostalgia right there! Aside from that my lockdown firm favourites have been Lake Street Dive, Vulfpeck, Laura Marling, Jessie Ware and some classic Britney.
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Enlightening, erratic and unique.
Where are you quarantining?
Normanby, Middlesbrough with my mam and my dog, Toby.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
I’ve had to just sit in some, rather painful, home truths that I’ve gotten away with sweeping under the rug previously. I naturally put things aside to ‘deal with later’, as I live quite a fast-paced life, but I’ve had no excuses since being locked down. I self-sabotage a lot and I feel like I’ve gotten to the root of a few underlying fears that I’ve been burying. On a lighter note, I’ve learnt how to cook again. I’ve worked away for the past few years so having an extended period of time at home in the kitchen, getting back to those basics, has been class - I’m particularly smashing the Yorkshire Pudding game nowadays!
What is a new thing you have tried?
I actually managed to get my first podcast commissioned by the BBC, after wanting to get into it for years. It’s called The Self-Isolation Podcast, based on life in lockdown, and I co-present it with BBC Tees/Newcastle journalists Adam Clarkson and Ana Guerra-Moore. The whole thing is produced/ recorded from the comfort of our homes and we’ve had a right laugh doing it. It’s been really cool to have something new to focus on, such a learning curve too!
What has your daily routine looked like?
It varies from week to week. At the moment: I like to get up around 8am, have breakfast, take part in a group meditation Mon/Wed/Fri at 10am, do an insta workout at 11am, get ready and have lunch, walk the dog, tend to the day’s todo list; podcast recording days are Monday/Thursday, occasional (not many!) self-tapes for prospective jobs, work on some songs, do a spot of writing/ journalling, cook dinner, watch some TV and then bed with Netflix. Top that all with a sprinkle of sporadic FaceTiming with friends at various points throughout the week and there we have it!
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
1. Off the Ground in Middlesbrough for the longest coffee catch-up. I live in there usually and I’ve missed the atmosphere/my mates SO MUCH. 2. I’m cheating a bit with this one but… I want to jump in my car and drive to see my mates all around the country. I have pals all over the shop, I could do a 2 week tour and it would be GRAAAAAND! 3. I’m desperate to see more of Europe and craving a city break somewhere: Amsterdam’s top of the list as I’ve not been before… or maybe to see my pal Joel in Berlin! But then I need to get my butt to the USA to see my family over there again… agh I can’t choose.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Online shopping… just kidding (I’m not really - I get a parcel a day and it’s pure JOY). Meditation and journalling have both been so helpful during this lockdown period. I think sometimes there’s a misconception that self-care has to be relaxing and easy when, in fact, it can be quite frustrating and difficult… but boy, the rewards are sooooooo worth it. I certainly see Meditation like a morning work-out for my head as opposed to a calming exercise - it helps me to defuse the messy thoughts in my brain, like detangling a massive ball of elastic bands. I do it first thing in the morning, followed by some journalling so that I feel like I’m essentially ‘emptying my head’ to start the day afresh and I bloody love it.
Kerenza Qayum
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
Reading: I’m currently reading 1984 Watching: Never Have I Ever, it’s great! And also Orthodox Listening to: Lana Del Rey, Fleetwood Mac and Stormzy
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Creative, grateful, up-and-down (one word haha)
Where are you quarantining?
At home in London with my parents
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
How nice it is to put my phone down for a couple of days and take a break from everything
What is a new thing you have tried?
I’ve started learning French and I’ve started a vegetable garden! Oo and I’m also drawing a lot more
What has your daily routine looked like?
I normally start the day with a long walk, I prefer to do it first thing when it’s less busy on the pathways. Then I have work, and in the evenings I usually try to cook a really good dinner with my parents and watch a film/a few episodes of a series
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
So firstly, for a really good sushi dinner with friends! I’d love to go to France for a little while as well, and then finally to Il Bordello - the most amazing Italian restaurant!
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Honestly all of them haha! But I think journalling and finding a little bit of clarity during all of this has been really
Kike Brimah
What have you been reading, watching listening to?
I decided to read the first three books of the Noughts and Crosses series. I’d only ever read the first one. I wanted to refresh my memory and give me a little inkling on what might happen if we get commissioned for season 2. I’ve started watching Games Of Thrones because why not lol. And I’ve been listening to The Receipts Podcast
Describe your quarantine experience in three words.
Reflective, emotional and enlightening
Where are you quarantining?
At home with my mum and brother.
What is something you have learnt during this time?
Sometimes it’s nothing to do with not having enough time, I can just be lazy.
What is a new thing you have tried?
I braided my own hair and it actually turned out alright
What has your daily routine looked liked?
I get up between 7:30 and 8:30, drink some water, go downstairs or in the garden and do some yoga or a workout, have a shower and some breakfast and then think “what do I do today” lol
Where are the first three places you want to go to when this is over?
On a date to a nice restaurant with yummy food and yummy wine. To the theatre to see a dope play. To a DLT (Days Like This) day party.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Definitely Yoga, Journaling and tuning into Light Ldn church services every Sunday. I was ignorant to think the government was going to restore hope within me.
Lydia Lakemoore
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
Lots. But I think Unorthodox (Netflix), Normal People (BBC) & The Platform (Netflix) have been my lockdown favourites so far. I’m reading Pat Barker’s ‘The Silence of the Girls’ at the moment because I needed a break from reading Harry Potter.
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Plants, work...mayhem?
Where are you quarantining?
At home in Yorkshire with my parents, a sister, my sisters partner, my partner, 5 dogs, 1 lizard and a rat.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
Just how important family and community are. (And not just blood family)
What is a new thing you have tried?
I tried pickling a cabbage…awful.
What has your daily routine looked like?
I work from home and freelance a lot so I’m used to having to make my own schedules. I get up early to get all the outdoor jobs done first eg. Feeding the birds and checking/tending to the food (we grow our own food). This usually takes about 3 hours at this time of year. Then I work out. Then I go indoors to get washed, re-dressed and I start the day again. I work on my Herbal Medicine coursework because all my end of year exams are coming up at the moment. I usually take a long lunch break outside and do a couple of hours of gardening but this time on my own vegetable patch. If I’m needed to cut wood or do any other sort of manual work outside then I try to do it all in the early afternoon, otherwise I burn out. Then I go back to studying, I check in with The Herbalists UK and if I have any reports or articles to write up for my blog or the Free Press newspaper then I would do it then. Admittedly, sometimes I get distracted and end up editing a poem or script. But I generally work till about 6-7pm which is when my partner gets home from work. If I don’t have an evening lecture (online) then I read or watch TV until I fall to sleep. But I don’t stay up late generally because I have to get up early.
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
Bolton Abby, my Uncle Andy’s house and a lady called Miss Barton’s house.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Gardening is always my therapy but I’m also a big bubble bather.
Madeleine Webb
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I have just finished Normal People, which is now next on my reading list! Michelle Obama’s documentary Becoming was also a favourite of mine and left me feeling much more positive about the state of the world. I’ve been reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s new book City of Girls, which is just a really fun and joyful book (much needed at this time). Music wise, The 1975 and their new songs have been a staple part of the days, and also Country Hits Radio is a great soundtrack for sitting in the garden chilling out.
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Anxious, Relaxing, Loving.
Where are you quarantining?
In Manchester with my partner at her flat. I managed to get here just before lockdown started, so feel very lucky to be able to spend this time with her.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
I’m definitely learning not to be so hard on myself for not doing so much with my days. I’ve learned to allow myself to just chill and watch wonderful films and tv shows.
What is a new thing you have tried?
I’ve been learning lots of new Yoga poses and Yoga breathing techniques because I’m actually doing my Yoga Teacher Training online at the moment! It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time so I am very happy to be able to do it during this time when I’m not able to work.
What has your daily routine looked like?
At the moment, I’m getting up at 6 and doing yoga classes and lectures via zoom every day till the afternoon. Getting up this early is really unnatural for me, but I’m getting used to it! The weeks I haven’t been training have been filled with tv shows, playing the piano, dancing around whilst doing the housework and spending hours trying to book an online shop, then giving up and deciding 2 hours would be better spent heading out anyway!
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
Firstly, to my parents house, which is also where I normally live! I really miss them both and also my cat and our chickens in the garden! Country wise...I’d love to go back to Italy, which is where I was intending to spend the summer working! I also can’t wait to go to the beach, any beach really. I’ve missed the sea a lot.
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
I’ve definitely found meditation and yoga very helpful. They just allow me to forget about everything going on in the external world for a little pocket of time, and I feel much happier afterwards.
Poppy Evans
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I’ve mainly been watching new girl and lots of horror films and listening to lots of crime and self love podcasts
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Strange, Peaceful, Lonely
Where are you quarantining?
I’ve been at Home with my mum and my cat!
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
I’ve learnt to have fun in tough situations and to take time for myself
What is a new thing you have tried?
Im trying to learn to roller skate
What has your daily routine looked like?
Most days I have uni classes so I’ll have dance or singing then I’ll take a nap then watch Netflix or Disney films with lilac (the cat) or chat with friends on zoom
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
My uni house with all my housemates, The dance studio and Nando’s
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
Journaling, it really helps to breakdown your feelings and understand them better
Reanna Austin
What have you been reading, watching and listening to?
I’ve been watching The Infinity Saga from start to finish, thank god for Disney plus!
Describe your quarantine experience in 3 words.
Colourful, Productive, Safe.
Where are you quarantining?
In the comfort of my own home with my lovely parents and partner, it’s going to be hard him going back to work soon.
What is something you’ve learnt during this time?
During this time I’ve learnt that I should stop relying on others for happiness, I’ve found good company with myself!
What is a new thing you have tried?
I’ve tried tie dying and succeeded twice in orange and grey!
What has your daily routine looked like?
I’ve always tried to wake up before 12 (which I failed on the most part) and socialise with the family, then get an activity going like dancing or singing to get the creativity flowing and the rest changes every day. But must always finish the day off as chilled out as it began.
Where are the first 3 places you want to go when this is over?
I want to audition for more things when it ends, I feel like I’m ready to get on stage again! Another place is the hairdressers, I’ve experimented pretty hard with my hair in quarantine and may need to fix it. I also can’t wait to go on a night out with my friends which will probably result in a McDonalds so it’s a 2 for 1 really!
What self care method have you found useful during this time?
I’ve found walks have really helped me clear my head and air out my thoughts, it’s nice to get out of an environment you are constantly in.
We hope you’re keeping safe and well!
