It is important to start paying more attention to our mental health during this lockdown. A lot has been said about its global impact on the economy around the world.
But little has been said about the looming mental health crisis we are likely going to face in the coming months or even years. As a result, I started this series to do mental check-ins with my circle of influence, especially the strong people who are always there for other people.
To kick start this feature, I had a WhatsApp and a phone conversation with a good friend of mine Sifiso Mngomezulu. Sifiso is a Data Scientist at Transaction Capital. I admire his persistence and outlook of life, he likes to play the long-term game. My favourite author, Ryan Holiday, puts it best by saying, “Genius often really is just persistence in disguise.”
See my mental health check-in with Sifiso below;
What is life like living in lockdown?
Life is very tricky and challenging, you start to appreciate the privileges you had pre-lockdown. Simple things such as freedom of movement and going where ever you want.
Who are you with in this lockdown?
My family. This whole experience is teaching me to me more patient with the people that I love.
What do you do to keep connected with your colleagues, family and friends?
Technology has made it easier to keep in touch with my colleagues and friends.
I am also baking cakes with my family which is something we hadn’t done in a long time.
Do you have a routine and how does it look like?
For me it is still business as usual at work. I wake up early in the morning, do a short prayer, take a bath, do physical exercises and then start with my work.
After work, I spend some time with my family and connect with friends on social media.
What do you do to cope and what’s your philosophy during this lockdown?
God is in control. I call this year #DecadeOfIncrease. I take it one day at a time and keep it moving. I also have ‘me time’ to check up on myself. Whenever I feel down, I watch sermons to revive my spirit.
What keeps you awake at night?
Creating generational wealth and finding ways to improve my life. It would also be nice to find a life partner that I can build the life with.
What do you do to de-stress?
Physical exercises or gym. Gym has become part of my being and therapy. It’s a place where I feel like I am in control and I take this same energy and mentality into every facet of my life. I also finished watching the series, The Good Doctor.
What do you think life will look like after lockdown?
I think it will be different. A lot of people are starting to realise that they can work from home. More companies might start to revise their policies around work. This lockdown accelerated the 4th industrial revolution.
What’s your reaction on the extended lockdown?
I welcomed the decision made by our president and his team. I am one of those that feel like life can’t be restored but the economy can. I hope and trust that people will comply and save lives.
Which scripture keeps you going?
“Enlarge the place of your tent, let the curtains of your habitations be stretched, lengthen your cords strengthen your stakes.” – Isiah 54v2-3
To me it says get ready for more, make room for increase, enlarge your thinking and start expecting God’s favour. I believe when you think like this you will break forward and you will see an increase.