Lockdown edition: Reframing restrictions

What a year this week has been, said the meme in my Facebook feed. Accurate. It was just eight days ago that we came to learn of an alert level system and placed at Level Two. Forty-eight hours after its introduction, we were at Level Three with another 48 hours to get ready for Level Four: complete national lockdown.

Unprecedented restrictions have been placed on our movements and freedom - with good cause. If we continue life as usual, the virus will take hold, health systems will be overwhelmed and thousands on NZers would die. It’s fair to say that the vast majority of us get it. We understand why this is necessary and what must be done for the greater good, but it’s a huge adjustment. Life has changed at a head-spinning speed and lots of people will be struggling with this.

I am one of those who have been struggling, which is why I am writing about how I am reframing the three restrictions I find the most challenging, in case someone else out there finds it helpful.

RESTRICTION: You cannot use the DOC tracks and walking paths for exercise.
Weird, some of you might be thinking, I’m not sure I would have chosen this one first. But this restriction was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me, and so it’s the most important to reframe. I have chosen to turn this restriction around by digging deep into my gratitude toolbox and coming up with the following:
- I can still get outside for fresh air.
- I’m able to walk along the road outside which has great views of the countryside.
- I have not become ill and unable to walk outside.
- My lungs are strong and filled with fresh New Zealand air.

RESTRICTION: You cannot drive your car unless it’s for an essential purpose
I love my car and I love driving. Whenever I feel trapped or like I need space to figure stuff out, I grab my keys and head out in my beloved Focus. Now that this coping strategy is no longer legal, I have flipped it by coming up with this:
- I am saving lots of money on petrol.
- I am helping to reduce carbon emissions.
- Going for a long walk along a quiet road is actually just as effective for getting headspace.
- I can still drive, but I just need a better reason than “I want to”!

RESTRICTION: You cannot interact with anyone outside your bubble
I’m an introvert, yes, but an exceptionally chatty one. Not being able to have a good old yarn with people we meet is odd and quite isolating. However, I’ve managed to easily turn this frown upside down like so:
- We are still able to greet and check-in (briefly) on the people around us.
- Shorter conversations are now richer and more caring as everyone gets we are in this together.
- Whenever we go for a walk, every single person who passes me waves - enthusiastically!
- Most of my friends and family are working from home, so it’s much easier to be able to call for a quick chat.

I think the first few days has hit us all really hard and that’s OK. It’s been a rough old week. This is how I am dealing with the things that bug me the most. I hope you are finding ways to find your calm in the midst of this weird new world. Kia kaha - he waka eke noa (stay strong - we’re in this together).