KNYSNA NEWS - So we're two weeks into lockdown, eh? Could've fooled me. If it wasn't for work keeping me grounded, I'd long since have turned into a survivor on a deserted island with no idea of what day of the week it is.
Let me start off with a disclaimer: I'm fully aware of how lucky I am to be able to live in the flat I do, in the area in which I do, and to have what I have. But, that doesn't mean there's no room for an ironic view of this whole situation.
Then again, there isn't much room in my flat for much else but me, part of the reason I feel like I'm losing my mind.
Most of us like routine. Be it in the form of a "day-to-day work schedule followed by the weekend-usual" type or a seven-days-a-week type, routine gives something resembling peace of mind as it gives a sense of belonging in this crazy world that never seems to stop. But, two weeks ago, it did seem to stop for tens of millions of South Africans nationwide. If you aren't listed as an essential service and therefore allowed travel to a certain extent, chances are you're cooped up in your house twiddling your thumbs (among other things).
Two weeks down though, and twiddling your thumbs slowly become the new routine. But, somehow, even for those who crave routine such as myself, this newfound routine just isn't quite cutting it. As much as routine is comforting, we tend to long to break it from time to time, because it helps us "live a little", right? Well, let me tell you one thing – having a routine that's confined to a limit of about a handful of activities isn't all too fun.
Wake up, eat, brush teeth, work, eat, work, eat, watch a movie, brush teeth, sleep, repeat. I think that just about sums it up. Except, on the weekends I get to live a little, explore my wild side. I get to watch movies and series all day instead of working and eating. With little to nothing for a backyard, I can't even keep my exercise up, and that's arguably what's killing me slowly, killing me softly. No, focus, no bursting into song now. That's only for moments before going to bed every day.
I at least get to practise my close-range hockey skills and golf putting in my room. But only when it's not late, because any sound vibrates through the house and keeps my upstairs neighbours awake at night, so even that's limited.
I guess my point is, if you feel like you're losing your mind stuck at home, you're not alone, because most of us are. Try spicing it up if you can by trying different foods in the kitchen, trying to watch different movies/series than what you're used to, singing different songs in the shower. I don't know, try something, anything, every now and then, that feels just a little different.
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