7 Feel-Good Tips to Kick the Lockdown Blues
Hallelujah! It's starting to feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel for us here in Australia. We are lucky in so many ways to live here, a combination of geography and spirit has seen us get through the very early days of this global pandemic.
There’s a long road ahead of us with people at different stages and on difference journeys. As a hyper-active person, I write this with a heart full of gratitude and some honesty with my struggles to stay present and not feel defeated at times.
I thought I would take the time to share with our community who I know are full spirited, active women some tips I have found useful to stay grounded and make the most of the situation.
1. Get Up and Get dressed!
Doesn’t matter if no one is going to see you. Pyjamas off, jump in the shower and put on a complete outfit (yes this includes pants). The key is to continue the normality. If you normally dress up for work, keep dressing up, if your normally wear make-up, continue to wear make-up, if you like to dress casually, keep dressing casually. Psychologically you are telling yourself, business as usual, nothing to worry about here as well as looking good makes you feel good.
2. Schedule You Day
There is nothing more intimidating than staring into a barrel of nothing to do all day. And what’s worse more time to think about things you may not be able to control. Start by scheduling out the things you need to get done for the day. Next schedule at least one physical activity, one social activity and one productive task. And then schedule in some leisure time with things that will bring you joy. You will be amazed at how quickly you can fill your day, that will fly-by leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment.
Example:
9am – 10am Go for a walk
10am – 11am Get ready for the day
11am – 12pm - Call a friend
12pm – 1pm – Cook myself a nice healthy lunch
1pm – 2pm – Take my online course
2pm – 4pm - Do some sewing
4pm – 5pm - Read a book
5pm – 6pm – Go through wardrobe, donate or sell unused clothes
6pm – 8pm Cook myself a nice, healthy dinner with a sneaky glass of red
8pm – 10pm - Netflix binge!
3. Keep Moving
Studies show that it’s hard to be in a negative state of mind when you your body is physical. Schedule in at least one hour of exercise, a walk will do or if you have injuries speak to your Physio about suitable exercises. Be aware of your lounge time and set yourself a cap. The goal is to stay vertical not horizontal.
More on keeping fit and healthy during restrictions.
4. Get Social
I can't tell you how much I hate the phrase “social distancing”. What a terrible and negative thing to be filling our minds with. While we need to "physically" distance we DO NOT need to socially distance. Some really fun ideas I have seen and participated in include virtual drinks, Houseparty (an app where you can play games online together) and a virtual murder mystery party. As restrictions ease, make time to have a cup of coffee, meal or walk with a friend. Just keep your social contact up as much as you can, however you can.
5. Control the Controllables
With so much uncertainty about the future of “nomality” it can lead to feelings of anxiousness and frustration. Whether your travel or special plans are on hold, your job situation has changed or your business is affected, there are some things you simply can't control the outcome of. First of all, don’t be too hard on yourself! Trust that you are making the best decisions, you possibly can for an unprecedented situation. No one is getting it 100% right so don’t feel alone. Feel what you are feeling, you have the right to be pissed off, angry, hurt, scared, depressed. Then, take out pen and paper and start writing down what you can control and map out a plan.
What government support is available?
What financial support is available?
What can I re-negotiate?
What opportunities will arise out of this for me?
What have I always wanted to do but never had time for?
How can we do this in another or even better way?
For me personally I have taken the opportunity to eat better and drink less with fewer distractions available. I have learnt to sew and taken online hip-hop classes. For business I have taken the time to focus on building a larger community of women and looking for ways to add joy.
6. Tackle That Chore List
What are all those tasks / chores you have not had time for? Or been putting off?
Now is the opportunity to tackle that task list and donate unwanted items, organise a space, makeover a room, add a new coat of paint, organise your books in order of colour (guilty) etc etc. How good does it feel to have a decluttered and organised environment!
7. Learn Something New, Pursue your Passions
What have you always had a burning desire to learn? What about your passions that have taken a back seat to your busy schedule? There are millions of FREE videos and courses on all sorts of topics available online. Even Harvard has free online courses!
What’s been keeping you busy the last couple of months? We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you have you have handled lock down via the comments below.
Stay safe, connected and caring and we look forward to seeing the fairways full again soon!
BONUS
Turn off the News!
Limit your news consumption by subscribing to one, trust worthy, media source for the need to know updates. There's no need to be drowning in endless bad news stories, remember no one has a crystal ball or all the answers right now. Keep it balanced and check out The Happy Broadcast on facebook or Insta - they only share the good news stories and there are some really good stuff happening at the moment.