What The Delta Strain Is Teaching Me In A Long Lockdown

There is no denying that the delta strain of coronavirus seems to be the "gold medallist" in terms of community transmission. As per the subtitle, there is still some good happening here, even though it is rarely appreciated; especially among the most vocal (no pun intended) of those that think this delta strain is a hoax. For starters, this time around, I have learnt that polarity between people is ever so real. Some people think that that wearing face masks is a great idea, while others think that idea is rubbish, and that face masks do not stop the spread of corona.

It (the delta) strain is no joke. It is no laughing matter. I did not expect to know people, both close to me and otherwise who would test positive for this virus. And as mentioned in a previous Vocal Media article, nor did I expect to be a casual contact of a positive infection.

I have already written about the benefits reaped the first time around, when this pandemic was truly novel to us earlier last year. This article is going to expand on these valuable points raised. Now it is Australia's turn to be in an extended lockdown. With the lockdown situation in my home in Sydney; it is expected to end at the end of September 2021, yet actual epidemiologists (not of the armchair variety) are saying that Sydney is (at this stage) going to follow in Italy's trajectory; and if that happens, our hospitals will be heavily overwhelmed, and we will still be in lockdown come Christmas time.

Longer lockdowns means a longer pause. A longer (in my case partial) holiday. A forced retreat by the Government of the day. This is precious time, where we think things through differently. Some people are starting new businesses, while others are picking up new side hustles. For me, I am spending more time writing, as well as giving candle making a go.

Longer lockdowns enable us to declutter our living spaces, in addition to the original benefits of cleaner air (less planes in the air, and cars on the road), and saying no to financial stress. In a lockdown, you generally spend less, while financial support is provided to nearly all of us.

Some people are discovering how to grow their own food, as some supermarkets are experiencing food shortages. This means that we also have to get our pantries better prepared, just in case self isolating is knocking on your domain, through no fault of your own.

Yours truly also personally has more time to be grateful for things that are going great. Even though friends may not have much to report, yet outdoor exercise comes more appreciated in order to stay sane.

New hobbies, and new content on TV and on YouTube is also prominent. Longer lockdowns also help in being prepared with a shopping list, prior to heading to the supermarket, in order to cut the time spent, and to ideally eliminate the need for browsing; especially when the cases of delta is so high. You become careful as to the time of day you go shopping, so to minimise your risk of having to stay indoors for two whole weeks.

More time on growing and developing businesses is also a gift from this lockdown, and that is something I am truly grateful for. My successful IT business. It is a pleasure to work two full days a week, and on the other five, to focus a few hours a day of both in and on this business, without the external distractions of shopping malls, cinemas and cafes being open.

This is not political, yet whether you like it or not, or whether you agree with it or not; getting vaccinated is a tool to add to the lockdown survival toolkit. By changing my thoughts of the vaccine (from something negative, that vaccines are awful, and that they can cause genetic upsets for example) to positive things, as the serum enters your body. While receiving the first dose last week; I was grateful that this vaccine enabled me to up my intake of filtered water, and as a result I did not get sick. Focusing on the benefits of the vaccine also helped. "This serum is refreshing me. It is cleansing me. Thank you so much, you are protecting me and my loved ones, so that if I get that c thing; my symptoms will only be mild, or I remain healthy. You are saving me from going to hospital, and from ending up in an ICU bed. I appreciate you so much." Sure, the vaccine rollout could have been rushed. Keeping politics out of this, that is a blessing, because we are now getting a form of protection sooner rather than later. Plus I was also grateful for the lovely nurse who was incredibly gentle with me and my upper left arm, and for the water bottles and Tim Tams in the recovery lounge. Again, politics aside, I am grateful that the vaccine will enable me to travel and enjoy life's freedoms again very soon. Case in point, and speaking of values: I cannot wait to get my eyebrows waxed again, and to get a massage and a haircut. Even drinking a barista made cappuccino in a ceramic mug should never be taken for granted, as well as being able to exercise and travel more than 5km from home again, when that time ultimately comes.

Longer lockdowns can and do affect people's mental health. Even though it can be hard and isolating; this is the time to reach out to your family and friends; and even to your work colleagues. Know that these lockdowns and restrictions will pass, even though that concept feels bigger than ben hur right now. Try out new hobbies and interests, and enjoy some rest. Take advantage of the time available to exercise, and to read some uplifting books; and maybe see some uplifting films. Know that you are not alone, and that support is available. Perhaps now is a better time than any to update your wardrobe, and/or decorate your home, and engage in self care activities. Being clearer on your values is the best. It is also a cool time to order online for others, especially if they get out of their way and help you with something. For example, not to impress, but to impress upon you that I ordered a surprise gift for my foster mother, for her Birthday (she was not expecting anything), and to thank her for the many phone calls of support: for hearing me out in these tough times. Also be grateful for the tears. This means that some trauma is being released, so that we are happier on the other side.

I am not denying that these times right now are tough for all of us; yet what does not kill us definitely makes us stronger. Gratitude is the strong link, as well as complying with the rules and mandates, whether you like them or not. It is all about our perspective on what is going on out there, with unrests and protests adding to the external madness, which does not need to reflect internally. Our freedoms are changing, and it is what it is. Going with the flow in a time of crisis (an economic and health crisis again), means that no matter what happens to you, it isn't about that, but rather your reaction to such. Gratitude is a common theme here. Let's stay positive, and see things from other positive perspectives, and together Australia and the world will get through these lockdowns, restrictions, and the delta crisis together. Hopefully pandemic becomes endemic very soon!