How To Break The Lockdown Funk
This post is for you if you're desperate to get back on track and out of what I like to call "the lockdown funk!" There are some simple steps we can use to get through this period and come out sane at the other end.
FIND YOUR ROUTINE
Think about the basic structure of your day, does it have a pattern, things that happen daily?
Strip it all back and you'll see the most basic part of a routine is your sleep patterns. If during lockdown your bedtime has crept out later and later and your mornings also start later and later, try and get it back to your regular pre-lockdown routine. If you don't, it can quickly start to feel like you're out of your natural rhythms.
If you've fallen into this pattern firstly think about how much sleep you need, your body is really good at making sure it gets the right amount of sleep when allowed, usually 7-9 hours.
If bedtime has become later, start by bringing it back 15 minutes earlier each evening until you reach the time you want to go bed.
MOVEMENT
Add movement into every day, it doesn't have to be a full on workout, just a gentle stroll outside can have massive benefits.
If you know you're sitting at a laptop for most of the day, schedule a lunch break for 30 minutes, make it non negotiable and go for a walk - come rain or shine. When you walk, walk with intent and immerse yourself in your surroundings, put your phone on silent or better still, try to leave it at home!
Schedule workouts into your day too. If its locked into a diary or calendar then there is a much higher chance that you will get it done. Choose exercise you enjoy doing. Also, now is a great excuse to try something new too.
EAT INTUITIVELY
When you are really in tune with your body you know what it wants. But to get to this point takes awareness and time to be able to eat like this, intuitively. Try to really listen to when you are hungry and try not to eat mindlessly, notice any patterns to your hunger and energy.
Take your time when eating and really appreciate every mouthful. Eat the most colourful, fresh and seasonal food you can afford to buy, try eating all the colours of the rainbow, try new things.
Get organised and have an idea of what meals you will cook for the week ahead and if you're not particularly hungry that day opt for smaller portion sizes.
STOP MULTITASKING
Whilst it may seem more efficient to do multiple things at once, are you really making progress with the task you are attempting to do? Or are you even doing them well?
Studies have shown that multitasking can actually decrease your productivity by up to 40%. So although it may feel you are ticking off some of your to-do list, none of it was given 100% of your focus and expertise - which may actually cost you more time in the future if you have to go back and re-do some of this work.
Research has also shown that when those who multitask try to focus on one thing - they actually work less efficiently than those who rarely attempt to multitask.
CONNECT
Although we can't just up and visit family and friends whenever we want at the moment, we can use technology to our advantage and make time to connect via phone calls or FaceTime or even zoom. Do it! Sometimes just having a conversation can be an uplifting experience which can leave you with a sense of happiness and fulfilment.
Schedule times through the week when you make a point of contacting someone close. It will not only benefit you, but more than likely will have the same effect on the loved one you are calling.
At the end of the day, we need to be focusing on what we CAN control. "Control the controllable." If we spend our time mulling over the current lockdown situation then of course there will be this negative mindset attached to it. Focus on you and what you can do to keep your health and fitness on track so that when we can get back to our beloved gym, you'll be armed and ready!
