For some it is the opportunity to finally tackle that stack of weighty volumes by their bed, for others a chance to indulge a passion for bird watching or baking. So what are you and some of Britains famous self-isolators doing to keep their spirits up?

I think you need to try to avoid your day meandering aimlessly and so Ive started work on my self-isolation schedule, laying out activities and things I want to do.

I want to continue setting aside time for exercise and going for walks, without going too near other people of course. And Im starting to cook again, to learn new recipes. Just last night a neighbour from across the road came to my door and left me a lovely curry. We have a system where well call each other and see if we fancy something.

Until now Ive never really had the time to bird watch before and so Im looking forward to that. You dont need a garden to do this. You can just as easily hang a feeder above a balcony. I also have several volumes by Hilary Mantel and Philip Pullman to get through.

I decided to self isolate, I dont have any symptoms but like to try for a week first. Today is the 3rd day. I did lots of gardening, painting and done some pebble craft.

My husband and I have stopped going to the gym so Ive been running in the morning and working out in the garage instead. We overlook the golf course and Ive had a few lessons so weve both been out on the course, staying a long distance away from others. There is a farm shop nearby and weve been able to get fresh stuff from them together with other items from the local supermarket.

Luckily we dont work but my 21 year old student son has a part time job in retail and lives with us. Were taking as many precautions as x possible to minimise our risks. Our other daughters are not visiting regularly and when they do theres no hugging!

Im a few pages into the latest John Le Carre novel, Agent Running in the Field, and The Cunning Man by the Canadian writer Robertson Davies, about a holistic doctor.

The internet is a real boon in this situation. We often complain about social media, but this is the moment it comes into its own in breaking down isolation. Im Face Timing relatives and friends and its a wonderful thing to do to stay in touch, face to face.

I live on a narrow boat bought basic meat and veg enough for 3/4 weeks have prescription drugs enough for 2 months, our biggest problem is disposal of effluent waste, however we have disposal points, because toilet blocks will be cut, diesal for heating could be a potential problem as down to 1/4 of a tank, wind a bit strong to move to filling point at 74 its getting tougher

Being grateful for the opportunity to rest. Walking, phoning people, listening to sacred music. Knowing we are going to be stronger as a nation. Looking out at my beautiful view

Martin Bell, the 81-year-old former television reporter and MP, has - inspired by the very events that have forced him to isolate himself from wider society - has already written 2,000 words of a study of Daniel Defoes A Journal of the Plague Year, his account of the devastation the bubonic plague wrought on London in 1665.

If you can spend your time profitably, writing the books youve always wanted to write, then make the most of it. What I urge people not to do is glue themselves to the news. Ration your consumption of television, or youll be overwhelmed by anxiety.

Conley has been forced to cancel her twice weekly diet and exercise classes at a golf club near her home in Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire because among her many devotees at least 10 are in their70s and four are over 80.

For those not getting out, spend more time doing the gardening and cooking healthy meals. Well all have beautiful gardens by the end and be better cooks!

Its about having the right mental attitude. Do the little jobs youve been meaning to do but never get round to like clearing out the kitchen drawer or freezer. It will make you feel better!

Take up a hobby or home based course, start painting, write letters to your friends - do something youve never had time to do before and use the time to reorganise your life and look at yourself.

For 83-year old actor Brian Blessed salvation comes in the form of his shed in Lightwater, Surrey. Its all rigged up so I sit there and I can record voice overs for various things, or just potter in and out, taking care of our garden. Much of my life has been about exploration so Im pretty used to hardship. Im a war baby and us war babies are pretty resilient.

This is an opportunity for people to reappraise the way they live. I look around and young people are helping out the elderly with food and supplies because of this.

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How Telegraph readers and famous self-isolators are coping with staying in - Telegraph.co.uk