After more than 12 months of relatively ‘normal life’, in this COVID era we now find ourselves living in, regional New South Wales was placed in official lockdown this weekend past. It’s a situation many of you know well and with it brings a sense of anxiousness – about what we’re dealing with right now and what might come over the weeks and months to follow.
At this stage the lockdown is set to last seven days, but as recent history has proven these lockdowns often get extended. Last time we were in lockdown at the start of this COVID crisis, I was on maternity leave with a baby a few months old, Adam’s business took a huge hit and it was really stressful not knowing what the future had in store. This time round, I’m an essential worker, Adam’s business has evolved to assist in times like these and Paul is an active toddler full of words, opinions and adventure. In some respects it feels like we’re in a better situation this time round, but with that position comes a whole heap of new stresses too.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the challenges this next week will bring, and also how to go about processing this current state of uncertainty too…
I’ve been compiling a little list of small things I can do to make life feel a little cheerier.
- Fresh air: Going for a daily walk last lockdown was a real saviour for me. Every afternoon I’d strap Paul into the buggy and off we’d go on a lap around our neighbourhood park. It’s something I want to try and do again this time around, especially as I’ll be spending some of my time working from home.
- Gardening: Spring is definitely nearing, with the days getting longer and the temperatures just that little bit warmer. There are a few jobs in the garden Adam and I have been putting off for months. Adam wants to spend at least 30 minutes in the garden each day and I’ve got no doubt there will be a few jobs Paul can ‘help’ with.
- Switching off from social media: This can be a hard task for me, especially when I’m in a line of work that requires you to be up to date constantly, but I think taking even 30 minutes or so to stop processing information will beneficial. I spend a lot of my working day, glued to screens, so taking a break from them I’m sure will help too.
- Reading more: I’ve had a book sitting unfinished on my bedside table for months now. It’s not that I’m not enjoying it, I just often find by the time I get into bed, I’m too tired to do any reading. I’ve got less than 40 pages to go, so I’m determined to get that read before the week is out!
What have been your strategies for dealing with COVID lockdowns? It’d be lovely to share what’s worked and what hasn’t in your household – perhaps we all might stumble across something that helps make this next little while a bit easier.
Stay safe and have a wonderful week.
M. x
Wattle and Ash 