Back to square one

Writer: Jazz Komproe
Yesterday, the whole country heard what we all did not want to hear: we all have to go back into lockdown. For many, this means that life falls silent for a while. That we will all go back to our caves, that we will not be able to celebrate Christmas together, that our work will grind to a halt, that parties and plans will be cancelled. I think yesterday's bad news made 14 December one of the most depressing days of 2020.

I too was very saddened and disappointed to hear that all my plans for the holidays were off at once. Especially at a time like this, we need that warm feeling of cosiness and togetherness. To then suddenly hear that you have to go through the next 4 or 5 weeks unsociable and lonely is painful and for many a hard blow to take. After all, this time of year is hard enough on its own. It is dark for longer and longer, it is getting colder and colder and the pressure is very high for many to finish things before the new year. The mental pressure that winter puts on many is already way too high, not to mention corona!

So look after yourself in the coming months, okay? Give yourself space and rest to process everything and get through this period. Just because you sit at home all day really doesn't mean you have to be productive all day too! So don't put too much pressure on yourself and don't punish yourself too harshly if you have spent a day on the couch. If you can take good care of yourself in the coming weeks, also think of those who might not be able to. You are certainly not obliged to take care of others, but being there for others can also do wonders for your own mental health. “The best way to cheer yourself up, is to cheer someone else up!”

But this does not mean we all have to be gloomy for the coming weeks! After all, technology has given us the ability to engage in remote activities together. I myself have been thinking of plans about online alternatives for the coming winter weeks since last night. There is so much fun stuff we can do! Think: online movie night, online escaperoom, Zoom drinks, long-distance Christmas dinner, online pub quiz or game night and much more! Use your creativity and invite your friends and family to join in. I sincerely hope you can experience some fun in the coming weeks. Online alternatives are not perfect, but it can still be a lot of fun!

Like everyone else, I know the lockdown will be tough. We will mainly have to survive this period and we can hopefully slowly return to a more normal life after January. For now, the important thing is that we all get through it together! So take good care of yourself and those around you, use your creativity and make this the best lockdown the Netherlands has ever known!