Today is the ninth day of South Africa’s lockdown due to the coronavirus that in a very short time has become a universal malady. During our first week of national lockdown, we have found ourselves in situations that we could never have imagined. On social media and in the newspaper, we read about cancelled birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and book launches. We are left with the only option of taking time to process these losses.
Most of us have managed to adjust to the “new normal”, while residents in high-density communities struggle to adapt to regulations imposed under the 21-day lockdown. It makes it difficult to apply the social distancing rule while queueing for a government grant and pension pay-out. We see on TV how they express anger and frustration at the government’s seeming inability to get things right. While their actions are justified, we must remember the spread of COVID-19 has exposed how state capture under the government of Jacob Zuma has left the country almost penniless. Our president needs all the support he can possibly get to turn things around. We must stop being “keyboard protestors” and do our part, no matter how small.
Staying up to date with the latest news, views and analysis of the number of coronavirus cases can easily lead to anxiety and even depression. We, therefore, need to take care of our emotional health. On her podcast, Unlocking Us, Dr Brené Brown shared three learnings that have been life-shifting for her. These learnings could easily be applied during this lockdown period:
1. Anxiety is one of the most contagious emotions - that’s why it always takes down groups of people, not just individuals.
2. Calm is also contagious, but it’s a daily intention and practice.
3. We all have patterned ways of dealing with anxiety that are often set up in our first families. Understanding how and why can set us free.
So far, we have all been washing and sanitising our hands, but other elements need to be kept clean too. A regular daily measure is to clean the floors and kitchen counter regularly. Don’t forget to clean all doorknobs and handles as well.
Saturdays will for a while not be the same; the malls will be empty, and the food courts quiet. It's as if the coronavirus has stopped the world to let the people off. The rat race has made way for simplicity. Having said that, we have unfortunately entered unchartered territory, but I believe that our collective resilience and our ability to adapt to new circumstances will enable us to survive the pandemic.
#LockdownJournal
#COVID19SouthAfrica
#21DayLockdownSA
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