As the restrictions in Australia ease, we are all feeling a myriad of ways. Many people are thrilled to see things opening again, others are cloaked in anxiety around facing this new and strange world once more.

In light of a RUSSH group chat discussion this morning, we discovered that many of us are on different ends of the spectrum, some are in the middle, and some of us are on a completely different journey. Each of these feelings and experiences are valid, which is why we decided to touch on them as a team, below.

Ella Jane
Production Coordinator

Three things I will miss when isolation is over… Track pants, doing laundry in the middle of the day, the quiet.

Three things I won't miss when isolation is over… Cooking every single meal, talking about how crazy everything is, Zoom calls.

I hope that our new normal looks like… A more considerate and understanding reality where we treat everyone with the same amount of respect and grace, particularly the essential workers that saw us through to the other side.

Something I’m struggling with as restrictions ease is… A returned sense of FOMO and guilt for wanting to continue staying inside, social burnout, and unexpected anxiety related to overstimulation, it seems I’ve become more sensitive which is...not ideal.

Something I’m looking forward to as restrictions ease is… Large dinners with close friends, visiting my family and hugging my parents.

I hope when restrictions are lifted we will… Continue to be vigilant and responsible with how we transition back into normal life, and remember the many things slowing down taught us.

Currently as we transition I am feeling...Anxious that people will take an inch and run a mile. I am still worried for our health and our livelihoods should people do the wrong thing and we experience a second, much worse wave. I am feeling unstable and fragile and apprehensive about getting back out there, as much as I would like to.

Megan Nolan
Digital Operations Manager 

Three things I will miss when isolation is over… Waking up every morning knowing I don’t have to be anywhere at any particular time, the lack of FOMO and Friday night housemate dance parties

Three things I won't miss when isolation is over… not being able to visit my family, the word “unprecedented” and feeling guilty for going to the shops more than once in a week (planning ahead when it comes to food is not my forte).

I hope that our new normal looks like… a more efficient version of the old normal. As hard as all the changes are I’m really hoping it sets us up as a society to realise what’s important and what excesses are no longer/have never been necessary (hello the end of a fashion calendar).

Something I’m struggling with as restrictions ease is… getting back to normal with my friends after so long apart. There is too much to catch up on and it doesn’t leave time for that easy banter I love so much. 

Something I’m looking forward to as restrictions ease is … gigs!! Someone please get me some live music ASAP.

I hope when restrictions are lifted we will… not go straight back to ignoring each other and forgetting what really mattered during these times. Andrea wrote a really amazing piece on kindness in isolation which talks to this concept.

Currently as we transition I am feeling… relieved that we made it through and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That being said I’m not great with change and am already feeling nostalgic that this period of my life is coming to an end and things are about to change again.

Gabriela Hidalgo
Brand & Art Director 

Three things I will miss when isolation is over… My cosy little home (and spending an entire day in it guilt free), daily strolls around my neighbourhood (will it feel as special post-iso?), Loungewear as workwear. 

Three things I won't miss when isolation is over… the uncertainty, the (very occasional) cabin fever, virtual hangs when all you need is a hug.

I hope that our new normal looks like… a slower and more considered life. 

Something I’m struggling with as restrictions ease is…  Not feeling ‘ready’ whilst simultaneously not knowing what it is I feel so unprepared for. 

Something I’m looking forward to as restrictions ease is… seeing and experiencing everything with fresh eyes and a new level of appreciation. What we previously considered to be ‘small’ (or perhaps didn’t take notice of at all) will be seen for the luxury that it is.

I hope when restrictions are lifted we will… still be mindful, grateful and respectful of our time, environment and selves. 

Currently as we transition I am feeling ... whiplash. After spending so much time in my own (or minimal) company it can be a bit overwhelming to have a weekend full of plans again, even if they’re not big ones. Seeing people leaves my heart so full but my mind and body may need a little more time to re-adjust.

Andréa Tchacos
Deputy Editor

Imagery from left: photography by Elina Kechicheva for RUSSH; photography by Alex Tracey; photography by Wolfgang Tillmans.

Three things I will miss when isolation is over… Taking time for myself without the need to say no to something else. WFH. The strange sense of hope.

Three things I won't miss when isolation is over… (Assuming the end of isolation also equals a vaccine et.al) washing all my groceries when I return from the supermarket, feeling icky, limited beach access.

I hope that our new normal looks like… Not forgetting. Innovation in the realm of environmental protection. 

Something I’m struggling with as restrictions ease is… A feeling of in-betweenness with a side of FOMO.

Something I’m looking forward to as restrictions ease is… Hugging my family.

I hope when restrictions are lifted we will… Stay kind.

Currently as we transition I am feeling… Like I could use more time.

Natalie Petrevski
Fashion Editor

Three things I will miss when isolation is over… Those welcome continuous sleep-ins, the extra time for personal care and cooking, along with the zero guilt I have for binge watching TV shows in my loungewear all day.

Three things I won't miss when isolation is over… Being too scared to touch anything in public, not walking or moving my body enough during the day and those unnecessarily stressful trips to the supermarket.

I hope that our new normal looks like…  Working smarter not harder. A collective deep breath and relaxation on the stresses of our previous lives. The way we were operating before was not working and I hope a focus on our mental health and wellbeing will still be paramount. 

Something I’m struggling with as restrictions ease is… Figuring out who I want to / will be in this new life. The prospect of the unknown future can be a little daunting.

Something I’m looking forward to as restrictions ease is… Counting down the days until I can finally travel overseas again and take that postponed European dream trip.

I hope when restrictions are lifted we will… Be kind to one another, have a new positive perspective on life and continue to slow down and focus on what’s important.

Currently as we transition I am feeling… Hopeful, a little restless and anxious, but mostly thankful that I have been one of the lucky ones.

Mia Steiber
Digital Content Director 

Three things I will miss when isolation is over… definitely the quiet working days, I get so much done at home, spending lots of time with my cat and being able to shower whenever I want.

Three things I won't miss when isolation is over… I won’t miss the lack of movement at all. Being stuck inside all day is making my joints stiff. I won’t miss the weird panic feeling at the supermarket and I certainly won’t miss Zoom.

I hope that our new normal looks like… a place or time where people can feel a little more relaxed and less tense. While I feel rather happy and calm, I know it’s not the same for others. I hope we can all find a way to be content.

Something I’m struggling with as restrictions ease is… I guess I want it to happen faster. I’ve had so many family and friends lose their livelihoods. If we can get things (mostly) back to normal, hopefully my loved ones can get more work, and their lives back.

Something I’m looking forward to as restrictions ease is… connecting with people again. Like face to face. I love going to old-school arcades, libraries, markets and things like that. I can’t wait till I can do those things with friends again.

I hope when restrictions are lifted we will… find peace.

Currently as we transition I am feeling… hopeful.

Ellen Presbury
Market & Beauty Director

Three things I will miss when isolation is over… the non-existent daily commute and all the extra things I can get done in this time, the beauty in your world getting smaller (simpler), how open and honest it has made people .

Three things I won't miss when isolation is over… talking about isolation, the effects of isolation, how to maximise isolation, what I have been doing in isolation and the meaning of isolation. 

I hope that our new normal looks like… a slower version of our old life. Where we realise we don’t always need to be ‘running’. 

Something I’m struggling with as restrictions ease is… the prospect of public transport. 

Something I’m looking forward to as restrictions ease is… everything to do with being more social. Seeing friends and family more. Interacting with strangers - at bars, restaurants, parties. When a dance floor finally opens.  

I hope when restrictions are lifted we will… stay as considered with our lives as we have been during of late. As considered with our time, money, energy, work and the people in our lives. 

Currently as we transition I am feeling… interested. I am interested to see how the world changes, who changes as a result and how, what will stay the same.