Getting Over The Lockdown Slump: How To Keep Yourself Going
Lockdown is hard, let alone three.
We have been doing this for far longer than any of us imagined and it is fair to say it’s taking its toll on the majority of us. If you have lost your motivation or feeling a little hopeless there are little changes you can make to your day and things to do to make yourself feel better!
Have a read of this article for some inspiration on getting over the lockdown slump!
Remember That Nothing About This Is Normal
The first and most important thing is to remember that nothing about this is normal. Absolutely no one signed up for this. We have been in lockdown for the guts of a year and it is completely natural to feel like you are losing your motivation and want to sleep the rest of the year out.
The first step to getting over the slump is to remember to not be so hard on yourself. If you need to take a few chill days then do. Just make sure not to stay there too long!
Start By Doing Something
One walk, one early morning, one healthy meal. Just start by doing something small that is good for you. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself just make an effort to do something good for your mind and you can slowly build it up from there. Go at a pace that suits you!
Change Up Your Routine
Our lives have been pretty much the same for the past 12 months, give or take a few weeks of freedom. The majority of the past year has been spent in our homes with the same people and the same surroundings. You probably by now have some sort of a routine down. Routines are good, but it may be a factor in what is making you feel unmotivated. Try changing up your routine and see if that helps. Instead of doing your home work out at lunch time, do it first thing in the morning. Notice you are eating the same foods every day? Use the time at home to try out new recipes.
We have loads of lunch and breakfast ideas on Missy.ie!
Tired of watching the same reality tv programmes? Try a new genre such as crime documentaries or that show your friend loves that you didn’t think you would be interested in.
It may seem difficult to change up your life when you aren’t allowed venture very far or see many people but if you try hard enough, there are little things you can do and they can make the world of difference.
Change Your Walking Route
We’ve all become accustomed to walks over the past year. Walking has become our saving grace in a lot of ways. While you are confined to a 5K, there are probably a few options of places you can go. If you find you are doing the same walk most days, look for new places you may be able to walk instead.
A small change, but it will make your day just that bit more interesting and different from the rest!
Try Out A New Form Of Exercise
If you have found a way of exercising that you love, great! However, trying a new type of exercise may just be exactly what you need to get out of a rut. There are so many different options of exercises you can do safely at home and within your 5km.
Why not try a Yoga or Pilates class once a week? Or try do a light jog instead of a walk? Trying out a new past time is always fun and might just give you the boost you need right now!
Check out these easy at home workouts for some inspiration!
Keep Up The Zoom and Phone Calls
We were great for the zoom quizzes and face times in the first lockdown but as this has gone on people have sunk it to routines and maybe let this form of contact die out a bit. It’s amazing what a chat with a friend or a zoom quiz can do for your mood. You mightn’t be able to spend times with your friends and family like usual but this will bring you one step closer to them!
None of this is normal or easy so try not to be too hard on yourself! Give some of these suggestions a try and hopefully you will notice a difference in your mood and motivation!