2020. What a year!
As if the controversy of the US election wasn’t enough drama, a little event called the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe reaching 78.6 million cases to date.
Leaders in Europe are tightening their lockdown laws in an effort to flatten the exponential rise in cases. Case numbers are out of control in the US. For those going into lockdown, I feel for you. In Melbourne, Australia we had some of the toughest lockdown laws in the world. Movement was restricted to 5km, only essential travel to work, school, shopping or medical centres were permitted. And wearing a mask was mandatory.
The first ‘iso’ event started on March 22nd and ended on May 31st. Only to return into a stricter second lockdown from 1st July to October 25th. Surviving a total of 188 days in lockdown is not an easy feat. Living in apartment by myself, with minimal work and a 5km travel limit was definitely challenging at times.
There were a few tips and strategies that made the lockdown bearable. The first item is routine. Our bodies love routine because it provides a foundation for each day. So, going to bed and getting up at the same time of day is critical. Every morning I sat for 10 minutes with my coffee and meditated, and that positive habit set the tone for the rest of the day.
The next item is exercise. No matter the weather, getting exercise each day is critical, whether that be a walk, running or lifting weights at home. Getting a daily dose of sunshine boosts your mood and seeing hundreds of other people out walking is somehow reassuring.
There is a temptation to overindulge in food with only the fridge for company. However, by ‘eating clean’ and getting the correct nutrients, you will feel better in the long-term.
Scheduling regular zoom calls and phone with family and friends is vital. Yes, it doesn’t equate to face-to-face interaction, but it is better than nothing.
The final routine that made lockdown managable was having a number of personal projects. For myself, that was writing a book and designing a website. For others, it could be baking bread or making Tik-Tok videos. There is a certain sense of achievement you get by completing a project that you worked diligently on.
The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There were times that I was despondent and thought we would be trapped at home for years. But just like the sun rising at dawn, conditions improve. Today, I am relieved to announce Melbourne, Australia is ‘COVID normal’. Thanks to rigorous testing and citizens following the rules, we were able to quell the spread of the virus.
We can visit family and friends for Christmas and New Year. The 5km limit has been lifted to unrestricted travel. Gyms, shops and pubs have reopened.
That is not to say we have eradicated Coronavirus – not even close. Much of the progress in beating this virus relies on the effectiveness of the vaccines. And a new cluster of cases have arisen in Sydney’s northern beaches in the last week. But for the moment, we should celebrate the small wins.
Merry Christmas!
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