'You're allowed to have a giant sob': Jamila Rizvi's lockdown message to Sydneysiders

Alright, Sydney: you're settling in for the long run now, and it doesn't feel good.

There's a lot of palaver about that Melbourne is enjoying watching others feel the pain that we did last year. It's a lie as puffy as Dan Andrew's North Face jacket.

Honestly, extended lockdown is hard in some weird and complicated ways, many ways that are hard to put words around. You'd never wish it on anyone once you've lived it.

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And for those who are safe, and healthy, and have work and can stop and say, "really, I'm lucky" — well, yes of course you are. Those factors are the epitome of privilege and there are people doing it much rougher than you.

But, this is still hard. This is still awful and lonely and messy and suffocating and ugly and monotonous. And I am so sorry you're going through it.

With all the goodwill in the world, I offer you a few things that helped me last year in Melbourne's lockdown. They may or may not help you. I hope they do.

1. Remember that regardless of the daily numbers, you're doing well.

You're doing SOMETHING. Millions of people are staying home who would otherwise be mingling in the community. Hold onto your collective achievement, even on bleak days.

2. Try and find some routine in your week.

Routine gives you a sense of safety and predictability in this horrifying rollercoaster of "not knowing".

3. Do special things.

Don't let the hours and days and weeks blur together. Mark time with a fancy meal, or a silly activity with kids, or learning a useless skill or dressing up to play online board games — anything.

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4. Stop trying to be your most productive self.

You're not staying home to be the best version of you and emerge from lockdown thinner, smarter, stronger or anything-er. You're staying home to stay safe and alive during one of the most deadly periods in human history.

5. Crying is okay.

You're not being selfish or silly. This is a damn awful time and you are allowed to have a giant sob, hurling yourself on the nearest object like a Disney Princess and howling.

6. Go outside when you feel your worst.

Walk, waddle, roll, run, ride, or simply sit. Fresh air and sunshine are everything - even if it's just a few minutes….

Stay strong, Sydney. You've got this. And we're grateful.