Go Outside!
If you haven't yet been for a walk outside during the allocated exercise hours, what are you waiting for? Get back out there and enjoy the outdoors for a few hours. A good helping of vitamin D is not only good for your physical health, but your mental health as well. If you are struggling with social anxiety or excessive fears over going back out into the real world, contact a
mental health professional for advice. You can also practice these
mindfulness exercises to keep you calm and in the moment.
Reconnect With Friends And Family
Reintroducing ourselves to the outside world is going to be tough. So, reach out to your closest friends and family for support.
Chatting to your mom or your best friend everyday can also help alleviate fears of meeting new people and holding in-person conversations again. Ask them to practice with you to help regain your confidence. Simply pretend they are a stranger you are meeting for the first time and want to get to know more about. Talk with them for 10 - 15 minutes about everyday things to build up your conversational skills. You may just learn something new about them this way and strengthen your relationship even more!
Take A Slow Drive
When last have you sat behind the wheel? If it's been awhile since you've driven to work or school, getting back on the road can be daunting. Ease your way back into Joburg traffic by taking a drive to the grocery store or around your block. To help you feel even more at ease you may consider turning your vehicle into a complete
zen zone, using calming music, fresheners and charms to find your inner peace.
Enjoy Your Last Days Of Lockdown
Lockdown hasn't been all bad, has it? There have been some benefits to sitting back and taking account of what matters most to us. Enjoy your last days of slow living by
chilling out in your garden or by
taking a few online art courses. If lockdown has taught us anything, it's that we should be grateful for the little things. Make a list of all the small blessings you may have taken for granted before lockdown. Keep this list somewhere you can easily see it, so that even when you get back into the swing of things, you'll be reminded to be grateful for life's small mercies.
Recap The Facts
Before heading out into the big, wide world, it will be important to
recap all you need to know about COVID-19. You may think you've heard it all, but new facts are emerging daily. Keep an eye on reliable news sources for up to date information. It will also be important to remember not to panic once you step out into a post-lockdown world. Stick to the hard and fast laws of COVID-19 prevention and you should be absolutely fine:
- Keep a distance of at least 1m between yourself and other people.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 40 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or a clean tissue. Discard tissues in a closed bin once used and wash your hands immediately.
Please also remember that it is
compulsory to wear a cloth face mask at all times when outside or in a public space. If you haven't bought yourself a face mask yet, support these
local craftspeople and small businesses by purchasing a funky mask to show off around town.
Is your child preparing to go back to school in level 3 lockdown? Help prepare them for
school life post-lockdown with these helpful tips and tricks.
Good luck, stay safe and we'll see you soon, Joburg! 
