By Contributing Writer Tracie Barrett - A kiwi journalist who has returned from decades of storytelling throughout Asia and in Melbourne, and is making a home here in Central Otago.

As a relatively new returnee to Aotearoa New Zealand who experienced more than 100 days of lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia (where they marked their 200^th day locked down earlier this week), I’m well aware of the frustration, insecurities, and anxiety that accompany this latest lockdown for New Zealanders, who’ve also done it all before. Two things I’ve experienced that make enforced isolation easier are kindness, to yourself and to others, and a strong sense of community and looking after those in it.

Kindness and community spirit are both abundant in Central Otago, in my experience, but now might be a time to consciously ask how we can help others at a difficult time.

In terms of helping local businesses and traders, I'm pleased to see The Central App has a new “Open During Lockdown” section and are offering this service free as an act of kindness to support businesses at a time of need. Whether you are a business still trading despite your doors being shut, an essential service still open, or know of such businesses that could use the exposure, you can contact The Central App at [email protected] with information and they will be happy to add it to the list.

Closer to home, and this is something I’ve found Central residents especially good at, watch out for your neighbours, especially those living alone. Call friends and family to check on them, ask after your neighbours, be kind to the essential staff still working to support you. Don’t be afraid to greet strangers when you’re out exercising, but stay aware of social distancing, for their sake and your own.

Most importantly, be kind to yourselves, whatever form that takes. Be aware that it is natural to be anxious at so many unknowns and the inability to plan for a future that isn’t in our hands and ask what you can do for yourself to alleviate that anxiety. For myself, it’s crochet, meditation, yoga and long walks beside the Manuherekia, for others it may be long lie-ins and long-distance zoom calls. Remember that it’s okay to not be okay, but it can help to talk to others about it, or to reach out for help if required.

The Central App has Mental Health resources listed under the Health/Wellbeing section and some helpful meditations and stories to help you feel better also on offer. Be Better

There are many other resources available both online or by phone, though prepare for many government helplines to be understandably swamped right now and try to be patient. Be equally patient with yourself and others within your bubble, as hard as that can be at times.

We have been fortunate, through luck, geography, and planning, to have made it through this pandemic thus far with few cases and very few deaths. Much of that has been due to the willingness of most of us to pull together and help our neighbours out when we can.

Let’s keep doing so, please reach out, tell your own stories, and share how we can help others via The Central App.

Kia kaha - Be strong/brave