Strategies for surviving lockdown

Depending of your living conditions; most of us have it pretty good during lockdown. You have a roof over your head, a cosy bed, a warming oodie, company and the ability to get creative in the kitchen when it comes to meal time; oh, and time to get creative.

That word -lockdown

Lockdown 2.0 or 5.0 depending on what state you are in gives you time to stop, reassess, embrace the power of now and even tidy your sock drawer; see there is a silver lining!  You seem to have more time on your hands, more time to think and most importantly more time to be localised which is what lockdown is all about; limiting your movements.

You are restricted but not isolated. You are required to stay at home, except for the following reasons (SA tribe):

• Performing essential work
• Obtaining essential health services (including COVID testing and vaccination)
• Obtaining essential goods
• Obtaining essential services
• Care an compassionate reasons (including visiting a single partner)
• Exercise
• Other reasons (including in an emergency)

Nothing is forever

Short term pain for long term gain, right? But is it? None of what the world is experiencing seems right but there comes a time when you have to listen to the experts, the medical and scientific experts and take their lead.  Google, Facebook even outspoken extremists aren’t as well informed as the experts; there is no conspiracy just a virus that has created an unpredicted pandemic that has everyone questioning, what the hell is going on in the world right now?

Being social can wait

We all miss being social, we are social beings after all; we thrive off human contact and the energy that circulates when we are around people who help fill up our cup.  We are anxious and a tad depressed so what are the key strategies required for getting through the next few days or even weeks of lockdown?

• Be kind and gentle on yourself
• Wake up with an optimistic outlook
• Meditate or just spend more time with your breath
• Get out of your pyjamas
• Declutter your home
• Embrace the change of pace
• Find your new routine
• Get back to nature; go outside for a walk every day
• Find at-home workout options; ride, strength, yoga
• Start a new random project (mine is macramé)
• Manage media consumption; both social media and news
• Stay in touch with people; family, friends, work colleagues
• Plan what you’ll eat for the day ahead; be mindful of over snacking
• Boost your brain with power foods; green leafy vegetables, blueberries, apples
• Source vitamin D; less time outside means less Vitamin D (supplement if you feel necessary)
• Get a good night’s sleep (helps ease muscle tension and reduce stress hormones)
• Start each day and end each night with a gratitude journal

Be in control

We get it, you are feeling a little out of control at the moment so you need to control what you can control and not worry about what you can’t. Control your movements, your routine and most importantly your inner thoughts and conversations. If you do this you might just come out of this lockdown a happier and more content (not to mention fitter & healthier) person ??‍♀️?.

In this together

Remember, ‘we’re all in this together” and together we will come out the other side stronger and more resilient. You need to believe this ??

Want to talk about it?

If you are struggling mentally during this lockdown phase no matter which state you are in, please reach out to friends and/or family or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

#inthistogether #youarenotalone