Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak editorial: Feeling down over lockdown? Give yourself a reboot

People on Maungawhau / Mt Eden have the right idea. Photo / Dean Purcell

EDITORIAL

Lockdowns brutally show us just how far our daily routines can be shrunk.

All those small things that add up to feelings of satisfaction - like having a natter to neighbours, walking the dog, catching up with office gossip, meeting someone for a cafe coffee, strolling around a mall - seem to suddenly drop down to walking the dog.

What makes matters worse is that every day blends into the next. They feel like some odd mix of a Sunday, combined with the hushed quiet outdoors of Christmas Day, and normal summer holidays in Auckland when half the people have escaped to the beach.

The small activities that identified particular days have been swiped. Adding to the overall feeling of being in limbo is the lack of certainty over how long it all goes on for.

For those who work from home regularly, there's less basic disruption. But they can still be unable to see family and friends like anyone else.

People's individual situations and worries about bills and affording essentials would weigh on their minds.

After two weeks of this, with health experts openly eyeing the end of September as a potential resurfacing day from Delta in Auckland, the glass may be looking half empty for many at the moment.

Hence the Prime Minister's bid to get ahead of the issue on Sunday by addressing mental wellbeing.

She said it was understandable to feel frustrated and help was available.

Extra money was announced for support services and foodbanks. Groups helping to distribute food parcels and welfare packages would get an extra $7 million.

There have been a number of heartening reports of people giving time and effort to help those less fortunate in their communities. Such people are an inspiration to all of us and may encourage others to follow suit.

For those who simply find it all boring and gloomy, the best idea is to actively think positively rather than stew about it.

It's time to reprogramme your thoughts and give yourself a reboot.

We know those little moments of stimulation are still in reach - they are either just on hold, could be done differently, or replaced by something else.

Neighbourly chats can still occur at a safe distance with masks. Catch-ups can happen by phone, by video and other ways of sending messages. Goods can be ordered online.

Going for walks gets you out in the sun, and helps raise the spirits.

It is good for exercise and energy and still allows for some minor passing interaction with people outside your bubble.

We can keep ourselves busy by tackling jobs around the home we don't normally have time to do.

Although, the urge to rid the house and garage of clutter can go too far. Two charities - the Salvation Army and the Red Cross - at the weekend asked people to stop leaving donations at their stores during lockdown and instead wait until they reopen.

Above all, people should keep their eyes on the goal of doing their bit to get the lockdown over as soon as possible, for everyone's sake.