Business owners, the immune compromised, healthcare workers, teachers and parents have all faced immense challenges - but not always the same ones.

And for some of us, I suspect, there have been some unexpected positives.

When people panic bought toilet paper they also bought bikes, puzzles and surfboards. More time at home meant more time to rediscover old hobbies.

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Although it's been harder to connect with people outside our homes and neighbourhoods, most of us have never had more time for those within them. For some families, that has meant the addition of a furry friend, with plenty of time to settle them in.

And I can't be the only one who loves working from home.

I might be living in denial, but as Victoria has re-entered lockdown and cases in NSW have surged over the past couple of days, I've tried to focus on the parts of lockdown I liked. A lockdown wish-list, if you will.

I'm not sure who to send it to, or if it's even possible - I'm not a health expert - but if I could custom-design an ideal lockdown for my mental health, this would be it.

One: If your job and home environment make it possible to work or study from home, you get to work or study from home.

Two: Businesses - like pubs, clubs, restaurants and gyms - get to stay open, with social distancing restrictions. Everyone sanitises their hands. Premises are cleaned thoroughly and regularly. The number of people allowed in at a time is limited.

Three: Beaches and parks can stay open - as long as visitors keep their distance.

Four: Travel for essential reasons only - work, care, family, essential items. I love a good holiday as much as the next person, but surely outbreaks will be much easier to contain if we're not all carting our germs around the countryside.

Five: Social and public gatherings have a limited number of people - quite possibly lower than what is allowed at the moment. Much as I was looking forward to celebrating my 30^th birthday with a big bash, I'd rather spend it with my nearest and dearest, secure in the knowledge I won't be responsible for a "super-spreader" incident.

Sadly, none of us get much control over how our 2020 will pan out. The best any of us can do is follow the experts' advice, try to stop the spread, and keep a positive attitude.

And whatever restrictions are in place, they're only as good as our level of compliance.

What lockdown sacrifices do you find easiest to make? What do you find hardest? Do you think NSW will follow Victoria?