Feeling in a slump with COVID and Quarantine? Mental health feeling a little off? Just plain bored and down?
All feelings I have experienced during quarantine and over the past several months. If you are from Michigan, or anywhere in the midwest, we went from chilly cold winter straight into quarantine. So, basically, we haven’t left the house since November.
During the winter months, it’s pretty typical of me to fall off my motivation for fitness and any routine really. My mental health usually takes a plunge too. Most times, when spring rolls around, I get outside, see my friends and rebuild my routines. However, with COVID at hand, that also got thrown off.
In May, I decided I’d probably be working from home for awhile and I need to adjust my day-to-day routine to be more energizing and motivating.
I figured some of you may be feeling in this similar slump or adjusting to a new normal, so I’ve found that building a new routine has helped me feel much better.
How to Boost Your Mood:
- Make your bed – Katie shared this tip during our PY&E Virtual event back in April and I decided to start implementing it. This may seem like a simple or mundane type of chore/task but it actually can really get the ball rolling for the day. There are days that I just want to roll out of bed and say forget it, but I have noticed the days that I actually make my bed, I feel much more productive. It also starts the day with a ritual.
- Take a morning walk – I’m swearing by this one. This is my type of meditation for the day. I listen to a podcast, set my intentions for the day and get my body moving early in the morning. This does not have to be a strenuous walk, I walk one mile around my neighborhood and it takes me roughly 20 min. By 8 am, I have taken a walk and made my bed, it definitely makes me feel off to a good start.
- Enjoy a moment in the morning – for me, this is making my coffee or sitting down to eat avocado toast with my cat on the patio. Whatever your “thing” is, make time to just be still and embrace the morning.
- Get active – Boy, did I resist this one for the longest time! I made excuse after excuse on why I didn’t want to be consistent with being active. I finally said no more and started a functional fitness program from YouTuber Sarah’s Day. Along with this, I enjoy walking, biking and paddle boarding. For me, variability is key or I’ll get bored and give up.
- Explore. When feeling in a funk, a change of scenery can spark the soul. Find a new walking trail or bike path. Visit a beach. Try a new sport or activity. Visit a new city in your state or area. Go lay in a field. Just get curious!
- Surround yourself with good people. Sometimes we just need a good laugh with good people to boost our mood. I know getting together with friends makes me feel happier. Find a circle of people that energizes you and boosts your mood when you’re around them.
These are some of the things that helped me get into a better headspace, especially during these uncertain changing times. Sometimes it takes rebuilding your daily routine to feel better.
It’s easy to fall into a boring routine that burns us out, so don’t be afraid to change it up if you’re feeling a little out of it. Our routines are what make up our lives, so make healthy and happy routines.
Hope everyone is finding time for themselves and staying healthy. Take some time this week to evaluate the routines that are no longer serving you and implement new ones that will bring joy.
talk soon.
xo, Alyssa