How To Survive Lockdown In Prison

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10 Tips To Get Through Annual Lockdown



"I heard we're about to go on lockdown." The rumors begin as early as one week after we get off lockdown and they continue until eventually it is true. Lockdowns are just part of prison culture. At least one time a year each unit in the prison system will be placed on lockdown so unit security can shakedown the unit looking for contraband and ensure that the unit is clean, safe, and ready for normal operations. Depending on the size of the unit, a lockdown can last anywhere from 10-days to 30-days. Inmates will not be allowed to leave their cell or cubicle for any reason until their wing has gone through shakedown. Shakedown involves security staff going through each individuals property and searching common areas of a dorm looking for anything not allowed in the system. This can include major contraband like weapons and drugs, to minor contraband like extra necessities and the like. All meals are delivered to the residents in a brown paper lunch bag called "johnnies." Each johnnie will have one small peanut butter sandwich, and one other item like a burrito or a chicken patty sandwich. There are no hot meals during lockdown. Showers are allowed Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only. Surviving a lockdown can be difficult for many inmates. After a person has experienced a few lockdowns there are things that can be done to make lockdown easier, some require planning before lockdown arrives, and some are just tips from experienced inmates.

Here are 10 tips to survive lockdown.

1. Read A Book

Though this may seem obvious, reading is a way to mentally escape from the current world. I have met countless men who save a few books in their property just to have something to read during lockdown.

2. Write Letters

Writing to family and friends via e-message or snail mail is a healthy outlet to stay connected and remind you what you are focused on returning to one day. Write a letter share your heart.

3. Draw

Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, drawing can fill time and focus your attention on something other than the world around you. Get out a piece of paper and draw away!

4. Exercise

Some choose to lay around for a month, but getting your blood flowing again releases endorphins and increases your overall mood. Do some pushups, squats, and jumping jacks every day. It will also help you sleep better at night.

5. Create A Daily Routine

Having a set schedule of how you will break up your lockdown hours will help keep you from going stir crazy. When it's time to get up, get up. Just because you can lay around all day doesn't mean you have to.

6. Save Your Food

Some will eat every johnny as soon as it is delivered, but lockdown pros will recommend saving the lunch and dinner johnny and eating them both at the same time to get a full stomach.

7. Create A Lockdown Bag

If you experience one lockdown without commissary you will heed this advice. Create a lockdown bag that has a few soups, some beans, coffee, and condiments and do not touch it until lockdown! This ensures you will have some items during lockdown that you want.

8. Laugh

Finding something everyday to laugh at will change your mindset. Share funny stories with your cellie or neighbor, and laugh out loud. Joy is contagious. Be the source of joy.

9. Pray/Meditate

Calming your heart and remembering what you have in your life to be thankful for will help you have peace during the lockdown.

10. Encourage Someone Else

What we put out into the world comes back to us. If you need encouragement, try encouraging others. It will return! Don't forget, lockdown is part of prison and it is temporary. You can make it and it will be over soon. Remember how you feel now so you can plan for the next one because it is coming! Rest, relax, and know you're stronger than you think you are. Everyday declare, "I Choose Hope!"

Like Trent's blog? Subscribe to his monthly newsletter at ichoosehope.substack.com.

Contact Trent directly by creating a Securus e-messaging account at SecurusTech.net or on the Securus App. You'll need his full name, State, and facility (Trenton Blythe, Texas, Texas Department of Criminal Justice). He'd love to hear from you!

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