Zizi Sparks: 10 things I love about the Covid 19 coronavirus Delta variant lockdown

Working from home during lockdown has its benefits. Photo / Getty

OPINION

As I write this, I'm sitting at a desk in the spare bedroom in lockdown. I'm proud to say I'm wearing work-appropriate attire rather than the track pants I succumbed to last lockdown.

One of my goals is to wear work clothes to work this lockdown but it was a goal I made when it was only meant to last three days. I don't know if I can make it to the end.

While it is hard to accept going back into lockdown after more than a year of freedom here in Rotorua, we can't change the fact we're here. What we can change is how we view being cooped up at home which is why I've brainstormed 10 things I love about lockdown.

Firstly, something boring. I love being able to stay on top of the washing. I can put a load on in a morning break and hang it out at lunch and when the weekend rolls around I don't have a mountain to tackle.

Another thing I didn't get to experience last lockdown was life in lockdown with a dog. We adopted him in July last year. Now he spends much of the day wondering why we are at home but not playing with him as we have to work. But at the end of the day, I can turn off the computer, walk out the back door and through the gate with the dog.

Thirdly, I'm not much of a morning person so I love the little longer I get to sleep in the morning since commuting is now non-existent.

Speaking of mornings, the fourth thing I love about lockdown is the all-day access to my at-home coffee machine. It makes up for the lack of barista coffee during lockdown and I make the 15 step trip from office to espresso machine at least twice a day.

Now I know I said I'd be wearing work attire for the lockdown but I'm not wearing shoes to walk from one bedroom to the other so the fifth thing I love about lockdown is fluffy socks and slippers. I love being able to work from home with warm and snuggly feet.

As with the last lockdown, the isolation also brings people together more. I zoom call friends, have virtual quizzes and watch TV shows with friends at the same time in different places so we can debrief as it unfolds.

The seventh thing I love about lockdown is saving money on socialising and takeaway food. There is no option to go to a bar for a drink or to buy your lunch or dinner so saving money naturally happens.

Also, with commuting out of the picture I find I have more time for other activities like reading a book or playing my neglected piano.

The second to last thing I love about lockdown is I feel it brings out a lot of the good in people. We are a lot more aware of isolation and conscious of people's mental health. If we can continue that focus on others' wellbeing post-lockdown, we'll be better for it.

Finally and most importantly, lockdown has given me more time to spend with the people I love in my bubble. While it is forced, it is still quality time and that is the most important thing.