Life is a rollercoaster, just gotta ride it (Ronan Keating)

Wie geht's?

Is it just me or do you also see increasing numbers of glitches in the matrix?

We live in challenging times, do we not? I sometimes feel like I'm experiencing a really bad dream but I keep waking up and this seems to be my reality.

Gone are the 'be nice to each other' messages as Covid-19 retightens its grip - a half-nelson I feel.

There are protests, roadblocks, border checkpoints, patrols, inducements to get vaccinated and test test test and recriminations.

I see Kiss bassist Gene Simmons has called the unvaccinated 'the enemy'. 

I can't do that - some of the unvaccinated are my friends, but there is the argument posited about that the unvaxed pose a potential risk to themselves and others (so, me).

It seems that both sides of the argument around vaccination can't see the other side's point of view.

The Auckland borders (another glitch - I still find it hard to believe there is such a thing as a border in NZ) are about to open and the consequences of that are pretty plain and grim.

Already cases have crept to our Central Hawke's Bay doorstep as the weekend saw reports of cases in Woodville - a little town about 40 minutes away on our way to Palmerston North, on our side of the Ruahines.

So it won't be long before it's everywhere in Nu Zild. It's inevitable, as Smith says in The Matrix.

Me? I'm still going to attempt to play nice - even though I share some of my fellow Kiwi's frustrations. I really don't want to think of my fellow Kiwis as enemies. As Yoko Ono says - try not to be angry, it is not good for your health.

Life is very much a rollercoaster - especially in 2021 NZ.

Love and peace - Wozza

No pill's gonna cure my ill I got a bad case of lovin' you (Robert Palmer)

Photo by Chloe Evans on Unsplash

Wie geht's?

Coping?

Some of you probably aren't doing so well, I'm guessing.

So, here are some coping strategies (that work for me), adapted from Arash Javanbakht: 

• Get your facts from medical experts, and websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, not from rumors or random social media posts. Knowing legitimate ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety. And don't listen to The Donald. Ever!
• Do not get obsessed with the news, and do not keep checking for hours and hours. In NZ the 1.00pm PM's news briefing has become a daily ritual - that is all you need! Oh, and Jacinda's Facebook messages are positive and informative.
• Give yourself a chance to be distracted from bad news. Watch movies or TV series, documentaries, or comedies if you want to watch something (Jacky and I can recommend Schitt$ Creek on Netflix).
• Remember all the activities you always wanted to do but did not have time. This does not have to always be projects or housework. It could, and should, include fun activities and hobbies.
• Keep your routines. Go to bed and leave bed at the same times you did before, and eat your normal meals. Now you can spend more time cooking and eating healthy.
• If you are a social person, stay connected via phone, video chat (our family aims to connect each week via Zoom) or other technology. Physical isolation should not lead to social isolation. Connect, especially now that you have free time.
• Stay physically active. Regular exercise, especially moderate cardio, not only improves physical health and immune system but also helps with depression and anxiety. Trainers are offering free home exercise training these days online or on TV.
• Meditate and use mindfulness techniques. Right thought!
• Work on your garden or gardening projects. You will be safe, active and productive.
• Finally, know that this too shall pass. Medicine will ultimately control the pandemic. We are a very resilient species and have been around for millions of years. We can survive this with wisdom. 

Love and peace - Wozza  

P.S. stay safe, save lives.