Adjusting to staying at home presents new challenges. Whether it's familiarising ourselves with new platforms to allow us to work from home or trying to adjust to the sudden changes which have been made in our lives, the impact can often feel overwhelming and uncertain for many of us. Now more than ever, it's important to look after the wellbeing of ourselves and our loved ones, allowing us to take a moment to slow down and de-stress. Whether that's an at-home workout, breathing exercises or simply reading our favourite book, there are many ways we can protect both our mental and physical wellbeing during this uncertain time. One thing that remains constant for us is that every Thursday at 8PM, we take a moment to thank key workers around the country for the incredible work they do. But how is the current situation impacting our key workers? How are they coping with the challenges they face on a daily basis? In our latest Caring for Key Workers interview, we speak with Claire Buchanan: an Infection Control Nurse at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary, to reveal insights from behind the front line as well as how we can look after our wellbeing during this uncertain time. I keep positive in the current climate by trying to leave work behind when I come home, as much as possible, and submerge myself in my home and family life. Can you tell us more about what your role involves? I work with a small team of amazing nurses whose role is to ensure that the risk of infection to patients, staff and visitors is minimised through a range of prevention control processes. We provide infection control advice and support to four acute sites across the north of Glasgow. What are you finding most challenging in your line of work at the moment? The most challenging aspect to the job at the moment is that there are not enough hours in the day to provide the much-needed advice and practical support to staff within the hospital. It's an extremely stressful and anxious time working within any hospital setting at the moment. How are you feeling during this difficult time? I feel very anxious and stressed at the moment which is only natural. Very often I have real difficulty sleeping as I run over the past day's events and anticipate the one to come. What are you doing to remain positive in the current climate? I keep positive in the current climate by trying to leave work behind when I come home, as much as possible, and submerge myself in my home and family life. How do you prefer to unwind after the end of a long day? At the end of a long day I love a bubble bath...very cliché. My favourite bath scent is Glen Iorsa I find the lavender and spearmint so soothing. I also use the Glen Iorsa pillow spray in my bedroom to help me relax and sleep easier at night. What three items are essential in your daily unwind routine? Glen Iorsa Pillow Spray, Bergamot & Geranium candle and a glass of red wine! What are your top three ARRAN Sense of Scotland products and why? My absolute favourite product is the Glen Iorsa pillow spray as I find it very calming. My other favourite products include the reed diffusers which I love having in my bathrooms and of course the candles which I have lit in my living room each evening as we sit down to relax as a family.
