8 Daily Tips for Getting Through Lockdown
We’ve all been in this pandemic for nearly a year now, depending on your country’s status, and so most of us already know the work-from-home drill. But in case you need a reminder…this post is for you! Sometimes I find myself feeling a bit depressed from the constant stress of current life and a list of things helps me…because I may be overlooking something on the list that can help! So here is my (working) list of tips for surviving lockdown/quarantine:
1. Eat Right
It’s so easy to head for the chocolate and popcorn while stuck at home in your sweatpants. When this becomes your meal repeatedly, however, you start feeling slightly gross. Junk food is loaded with salt, sugar, and fat…without the benefit of all the nutrients your body needs to function properly. Without the protein, fiber, and other nutrients you will also get hungry quickly, despite having taken in a large amount of calories. Why not maintain a balanced diet, full of the protein, veggies, fruit, and carbs you actually need to feel good? Your body will then function properly and you will be able to do more! And, of course, why not keep your body as healthy as possible during a pandemic?!
Eating right also includes drinking enough water. Many of us are home most of the time now, so find your favorite cup or water bottle and keep it around you at all times. When you feel like munching on junk food, drink some water first…and then see if you are still hungry. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. And this will keep you hydrated despite the dry heaters inside this winter!
2. Get Some Movement
Along with eating right, it’s also important to get in some exercise to keep your muscles and joints limber. This exercise is any form of movement you like to do within your fitness level. Walking, running, pilates, yoga, dancing to music in your living room—these all count! I’ve been finding my muscles cramping and joints cracking recently due to being much more sedentary than usual. Running and walking definitely has helped me, as have fitness videos on YouTube. I personally enjoy choosing from Fitness Blender videos, as they tend to explain things reasonably well and don’t have any background music.
That all being said, these are stressful times, so don’t worry about pushing yourself too much. I know I’ve been more tired recently and am definitely not up to my pre-pandemic fitness level. Allow yourself to rest and go for some gentle movement if that’s what your body wants that day. Might as well enjoy your activity and not overly stress your body.
3. Get Some Fresh Air
My body really doesn’t like the dryness from the heater or the coolness from the AC unit all day. The dry heat gives me headaches. If this sounds like you, then open a window a bit if possible. I know if it’s chilly outside this means that you will get cold. Bundle up in a sweater and a blanket for a bit just to get some outside air in…easy enough if you’re working in front of your computer anyway.
Taking a walk outside, if possible, is even better. Take part of your lunch break or before work and go for a walk in your neighborhood. It doesn’t have to be far and this will give you a bit of sunshine in the process too! And of course seeing new things will likely invigorate you and give your eyes a rest from your computer screen.
4. Take a Break
Tying into the previous tip of taking walks, take a break from work! Even though you are home, that doesn’t mean you work all the time. Take some time away from your screen and internet (and the news) and enjoy something else. Read a book, cook a meal, do some stretches…I promise you, you will return to work rejuvenated and will accomplish much more! Sometimes humans just need a mental “reboot.”
5. Make a List of Plans to Stay Organized
Use your planner, phone calendar, etc, to help you organize your daily schedule. I actually use a combination of things: a planner for meetings, a calendar for monthly planning, and a whiteboard for a daily “to do” list. Whatever method(s) works for you is great! The main point is to plan out your day with everything that absolutely has to be accomplished that day (including being on time to meetings) and everything needing to be accomplished later on. This way you are still taking small steps toward a larger deadline while still not forgetting the smaller things. Be kind to yourself, however. Don’t schedule more than you can reasonably do…or at least highlight the items that are most important and do those first. Forgive yourself if you don’t do everything beyond the most important items…the things leftover will start tomorrow’s list.
Be sure to allow some breaks and movement in your daily schedule…I remember once I tried to make a schedule back in middle school and forgot to even allow for meal times! Don’t let this be you!
6. Pick Up a Creative Hobby
There has never been a better time to start a hobby…or to try a few. While we are isolated physically, it is relaxing to put energy into making something new. Cooking, knitting, candle making, journaling, or even learning a musical instrument are just some ideas of creative activities that can be done indoors. All of these activities use a range of skills, which can enhance your skill set. Some of us have already been through the bread making phase. If you are personally done with that, it’s time to search for another activity. If knitting or candle-making intrigues you, here are some posts to get you started: Knitting: Home Craft Project and Holiday Gift?
Winter DIY Project: How To Make Your Own (Lavender) Candles
7. Stay Connected to Your Social Circle
Even while we are physically separated, technology allows us the possibility to video-conference family and friends. Indeed, I’ve found myself catching up with a wider circle of friends and family than usual! It’s a perfect time to make contact with people who live far away, and still keep up your (now virtual) coffee breaks with your friends nearby. So make some plans: a family dinner, a coffee break, or a game night with a few friends. Pro tip: online platforms don’t seem to suit a large number of people if you wish to have any conversation, so stick to small groups if you actually want to chat!
And if you have a friend living in your neighborhood, then a socially distanced walk outside could also work, depending on your local guidelines.
8. Plan a Future Special Event Post-Pandemic
Between January and March, I usually like to plan my annual holiday. I feel like I need something to look forward to in the midst of the post-holiday winter bleakness. In the span of this pandemic, I think we all need something to look forward to. This can be a theoretical future holiday abroad or a visit to your family…or maybe not even traveling at all. Maybe you want to throw a party. Whatever your desire, plan it down to the last detail. What hotel will you stay in? What airport will you fly into? What food will you serve at your party? Not only will this keep your mind off the current situation, but it will also create some excitement for you. And perhaps you will actually use your plans in the future!
Even while writing this post, I am reminded of things I can do to alleviate a “pandemic mental slump.” Are there any tips that helped you? Or any that you think should be added? Let me know in the comments!
And with that, I am going to bundle up for my walk outside!
