Things keeping us sane during lockdown Part II
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Well, here we are again. Confined to our homes and in search of happy distraction amid the turmoil of a global pandemic (and a climate change Code Red, Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, earthquake in Haiti, we could go on…).
It feels really important right now to focus on the good and not succumb to the overwhelm of overwhelming news out there. So we thought we’d share what’s keeping members of the HerCanberra team sane. Let’s continue with our newest member, Editorial Coordinator Erin Cross.
What I’m doing
This lockdown is completely different to the last. In 2020 I was classed as an essential worker, so while the world felt odd and out of place, getting dressed for work, leaving the house to go to the office and interacting in person with my work colleagues was still a part of my daily norm.
This is the first time I’ve been unable to leave my house, and as an immunocompromised person, the idea that Canberra could be a COVID hotspot for a while is overwhelming. However, I wouldn’t say lockdown has me feeling down—instead, I’ve been making more time for the things that I love.
Daily yoga (that sometimes takes place in my pajamas) has become a part of my routine, as well as hour-long walks in the sun. I still try to do my makeup in the mornings because it makes me feel good and glittery eyes give a positive boost to the start of my day. With no excuse of being too busy, cleaning everything in sight has become one of my top things to do on a weekend, along with Instagram and TikTok scrolling–also known as incredibly important research for work.
I miss seeing the HerCanberra team in the office but the change in routine, the sense of slowness and enjoying the little things has been a positive boost I didn’t know I needed. However, the desire to go out on the town for some cocktails hasn’t completely disappeared, so when the sun sets there are a few things I’ve been doing to keep myself distracted…
What I’m watching
While watching a television show about the end of the world during a global pandemic might seem a little….concerning….Daybreak is just outrageously funny enough to justify why.
After the world ends, teenagers rule the town of Glendale in cliché gangs that are remnants of their old high school cliques as they fight off zombies and mutant animals.
Part black comedy and part coming of age, the only complaint I have is it was cancelled after the first season.
The Good Doctor is a great reminder not to judge a book by its cover. Completely addictive, the story follows a young autistic savant surgeon as he begins his first residency. Touching on topics like discrimination, sexism in the workplace, and gender identity, it’s had me laughing and crying as each character faces real-world choices and consequences.
Unashamedly, Disney+ has become my favourite streaming platform during lockdown. There’s something incredibly heartwarming and comforting about re-watching my favorite childhood movies.
What I’m reading
Recently finishing The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood means it’s time to read The Testaments. Taking place 15 years after the original novel, the story follows the testaments of three women as they look to their past. Written in coordination with the television show, the tone of voice and flow of the story is different from the first novel but I’m completely addicted to the need to know more about Gilead.
With a pile of unread fashion magazines hidden in the corner of my room, I’ve also been escaping into the world of Vogue and Marie Claire. Using their editorials as inspiration for when we can go back into the office, I’m hoping that my outfits will be stepped up a notch.
My TBR pile is also looking a little large (and slightly wobbly), so next on my list is These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote and Lore by Alexandra Bracken.
What I’m listening to
While I sometimes find podcasts hard to enjoy, recently I’ve started listening to Emma Chamberlin’s Anything Goes. Talking about whatever topic is inspiring her at the time, Emma began the podcast just as the 2020 lockdown started in America. As she talks about her personal experiences, opinions, ideas and life lessons it’s comforting hearing a young person talk about her struggles with the pandemic.
Perfect to put on when you want to escape the 24 hour news cycle, I love her honesty, authenticity and the intimate feeling that your best friend is talking to you.
What I’m eating
Helping to put together this monster takeaway list means I always have an idea of some great takeaway to order on a lazy night, but honestly I’m really enjoying making and eating fresh foods like salads, stir fries, and homemade burrito bowls. With that said, an afternoon gluten-free cookie and Cadbury Milk chocolate for dessert is definitely keeping my sweet tooth in check and mood happy.
What I’m drinking
Coffee is always a must for me but I’ll admit that while working from home, my nights have been filled with wine, vodka sodas, and margaritas thanks to the Costco margarita mix.
While white wine is usually my go-to, the Lerida Estate Shiraz Viognier from Dargaud & Jaegle has a darkly silky texture that I can’t resist. As the days get warmer, the Canberra Distillery Summer Gin will be starting to make its way into my glass.
Cheers!
