Pat Taub
Just when we were getting Covid under control, overnight the infection rates skyrocketed. With every state setting infection records, we all know what that means: another lockdown coming our way.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, advocating a second lockdown to control Covid.
Now that I’ve been through one lockdown, what have I learned to make the second one bearable?
Experience has taught me to accept my erratic Covid responses.
There will be days when I will be depressed at the lack of contact with others, or the ability to see a film, visit an art museum, or hang out in my favorite coffee house. Granted there may be limited indoor opportunities, but it’s hard to enjoy myself with mask-less people hovering nearby. I imagine air particles, resembling deadly little arrows, aimed right at me.
Covid masks can be inventive and fun
Lockdown #1 taught me that I won’t be as productive as I want to be.
Long solo days indoors can chip away at my motivation. I’ve given myself permission on unmotivated days to watch Netflix in the middle of the afternoon, ditto for a semi-trashy novel. Midday indulgences can help reset my “work” button. If not, there’s always another day. No dumping on self allowed in lockdown.
A few lockdown pluses are going without make-up or clean, shiny hair, while snubbing fashion. I love being in leggings, oversized sweaters and moccasins all day long, even all week long. Laundry is simplified during lockdown.
My kinda lockdown wardrobe
An unexpected gain from the first lockdown was the soul-searching that took place once I got beyond fighting the lockdown. I spent more time reading spiritual books, practicing gratitude and valuing anew my close relationships. I want to continue this focus during the lockdown winter. The lockdown, with its reminders of death, has left me contemplating my own death with greater courage.
Last March, when the lockdown started I joined an online wine delivery. Now I receive shipments every month. This proved to be a brilliant lockdown strategy, and one I highly recommend.
Even though the lockdown prevents few visitors, I am faultless in my practice of having fresh flowers throughout the house. They make me smile. Treasured family photos scattered though out my home are other smile inducers.
Fall flowers and a family photo in my front window
Cooking makes me happy. This weekend I listened to classical music as I comfort cooked away, producing a hearty lentil soup and a decadent lemon tart. An emergency box of chocolates has needed frequent replacing during lockdown.
My lentil soup, recipe courtesy of Ina Garten
Online shopping has been a boon for raising my spirits. Recently I purchased an early Xmas gift for myself: a luxurious red velvet comforter. It makes me feel like the Queen. If only I had an ermine throw, the comparison to Buckingham Palace would be complete.
On the downside the approaching holiday season will be heart-wrenching since my two sons and their families are in LA and Chicago, making travel out of the question. I don’t relish the idea of a solo turkey dinner or gift exchange, which is bound to leave me sad and teary.
I learned from Lockdown #1 to let out my feelings, rather than suppressing them. When I cry and wail at the universe, my sadness passes much quicker than if I stuff my feelings.
My art shot of last year’s family Thanksgiving
While self-care is critical to managing a lockdown, it shouldn’t stop there. Just because we have limited contact with others doesn’t mean we should stop caring for one another. I’ve tried to keep my compassion practice alive. I write more often to friends who are ill, depressed or lonely. I’ve joined my church’s outreach to the homeless. When I can, I make donations to humanitarian causes and to climate and peace organizations.
Two Penna. women whose friendship has survived their political differences; the women on the left voted for Biden and the woman on the right for Trump.
