I thought about starting this post by stating that I wanted to write a post about staying motivated, but I didn’t feel like it. That’s it, short and sweet and arguably humorous. But then I realized that it wouldn’t be motivating and probably not as funny as I thought, so here we go…
If you’re like the millions of people around the globe who are stuck at home during this CoronaVirus thing, then you’re probably running out of steam when it comes to doing things. Being stuck in the house is usually fun for a couple of days, maybe a week, but after that you begin to feel trapped. Everything looks the same day after day. You’re not getting any input from face-to-face human interaction. You’re tired and restless and in need of something you can’t quite put your finger on…
I get it. I’m right there with you. But you can work through it. Here are a few things I’ve been doing to stay motivated at home.
First, exercise. Yeah, I know, you don’t feel like it. But you don’t have to go to a gym or have weights and machines and all that crap to work out. There are hundreds of YouTube videos out there that can get you started with basic stretching and yoga. Those are always good to start with. Believe me, basic stretching can make a positive difference in how you feel both physically and mentally.
At far as actually body-changing exercise, again, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. I don’t have any of that so I do body weight exercises. If you can’t find a YouTube video you like, then check out some of the exercise apps. Personally, I use FitBod (and no, I’m not getting anything to endorse them). It takes a few minutes to set up, but you can set it for body weight exercises, how often you want to work out, and even how much time you want to spend working out.
Of course, be sure to check with your physician before starting any routines like this, just to be safe.
I find that exercising three days a week has made a big difference in how I feel throughout the day. I’m mentally sharper, more energetic, and after a few weeks I actually crave exercise. Weird, right?
Also, get some outside time. I know, with social distancing, quarantines, and city and state parks being shut down that limits where you can go. However, you can still simply sit outside for thirty minutes. Sit on your patio or balcony. Maybe go for a drive with the windows down in your car. Walk around the block. Do laps in your backyard. The point here is twofold – first, getting some fresh air. Sitting in the house breathing that recycled air for days on end isn’t conducive to mental or physical health. Secondly, it gets you in the sunshine for a bit, and we all need a little vitamin D to stay healthy.
And finally, be creative. I know, I know, you don’t feel like it. You aren’t inspired. You’re bored. You don’t have any ideas. Whatever. Then use that as your inspiration and motivation. Write about how you’re feeling. Draw your frustrations. Paint your fears. Use all that crap building up in your head as the foundation for a creative project. Again, this is good for your mental health and gives your creative muscles some exercise. It’s a win-win!
Please, don’t let cabin fever get into your head. Focus on the good things in your life. Focus on doing something creative. And remember there are people you can talk to (online, of course) to help you manage.
Be safe and stay healthy.
RB