Each week I’ll be asking someone what their corona-experience has been like. This week Danny Rampling shares what he’s missing, including hugs, HIIT, and hiking…

When did you first know this was going to be a big deal?

Arriving in Bangkok Thailand on a DJ tour to an unwelcoming demand for fingerprint scans. Which is where thousands of people place their hands on the scanners entering the country. The unhygienic touch scanners was a newly introduced biometric system, and there was no offer of hand sanitizer. Fortunately I brought my own.

Everybody was wearing face masks, and there were temperature-checking scanning areas at the airport. Week or so later whilst in the gym I watched a BBC World news report from Wuhan China. People being dragged terrified from their homes with force by the Authorities. Then it felt big.

What was the first concession you made to the pandemic?

Spent a few days cooking food to freeze individual isolation portions for a couple of months’ supply. Also over-stocked wine in survivalist mode!

Did you panic-shop and if so, what did you get?

I chose not to join the ridiculous toilet roll panic buying shopping frenzy; what a complete absurdity. Just stocked up with regular trips to the local shops for more wine (see above!) and 90% coco dark chocolate stockpiling. Which is far more important and satisfying.

Do you even get dressed any more?

Yes. I’ve made regular trips to the Co-op in Richard James’ latest collection. The local Co-op has become the social high point of my day!

How are you stopping yourself going mad?

Some days are better than others right now, and a sanity test for most of us. I’ve taken up the Wim Hof (The Ice Man) cold water method. Plunging into the cold English Channel daily, which helps by stepping out of one’s headspace and comfort zone for 15-20 mins.

Invigorating, meditative, and state changing. Great for the immune system and wellbeing. I now doing open water swimming on a daily basis.

The first weeks of this lockdown were and continue to be difficult for many of us, losing our work, business and incomes.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done in lockdown?

Sorry to disappoint nothing naughty at all! Just cannot wait for this storm to pass, and all storms pass in time, better days ahead.

If you could be locked down with any three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?

Certainly wouldn’t choose any dead people – you wouldn’t get much out of them in terms of conversation. Bob Proctor, the leading self-development teacher. DS Ollie Olerton to get my personal fitness motivation mindset back on track. Chef buddy Jason Atherton to cook and teach new cooking skills. Jason’s isolation cooking at home videos on Instagram are very inspiring.

What ‘normal’ thing do you miss the most?

Saturday night DJing in clubs, gym HIIT classes, London, restaurant dining. And pints in the pub with friends, as drinking beer at home isn’t as enjoyable. Socialising, tabbing on the Seven Sisters and the Welsh mountains. Not having to walk six feet away from others. Shaking hands, and a hug.

We are living in very strange times right now. I miss waking up with vigour each morning. Rather than the stark uncertain reality of another episode of the Covid 19 sci-fi Orwellian reality show that we’re living in at present.

What new habits will you keep?

Created a new radio podcast of the Lovegroove dance party streamed on Mixcloud. Written more content for my book. Taken a break from the noise and distraction of Facebook to read more books, learn study and plan work income solutions. I will certainly also be continuing cold water therapy.

Are you doing any volunteering etc?

Blood donation. I’m also campaigning supporting www.forgottenltd.com and www.ntia.co.uk  #savenightlife

Which piece of music takes your mind off the crisis?

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python. Some days I just play this song on repeat, and sing along and smile.

What’s the first thing you’ll do the minute the restrictions are lifted?

Go and visit my son Claudio in London, and my mother in West Sussex. We are all missing seeing our family and friends.

Check out the Shoom London website
Picture credit Joe Meijer
Danny Rampling on Mixcloud