1st November 2020 and the UK Govt have just announced a second national lock down starting in four days time. Last time we were locked down we had the weather on our side. It seemed as though from the first few days of lockdown the sun came out and stayed out – quite unusual for the UK! This time we have short days and endless gloom. Even before the announcement of lockdown I could see the impact of the loss of light on my teenage S.A.D. sufferer. Things are going to get a lot tougher for everyone this time. This post contains a list of ten things you can do now to improve positivity and help you through lockdown!
Boost morale and increase your positivity with these tips. I think that is what we are all going to need more than ever over the next few months.
Ten things to do today to improve your positivity during the winter months:
- Establish a routine with space in it for self-care. This gives your days a framework and should help to turn new positive activities into habits. Be realistic about how much time you have outside of work and chores. Do not set unrealistic goals or subject yourself to endless unachievable do-lists.
- Limit all screen time. TV and social media, gaming and internet surfing. The temptation to binge watch box sets might be huge but can have a negative impact.
- Get as much daylight as possible as early as possible in the day.
- Exercise in a way that suits you. An early morning walk or run if you are up to it gets a lot of votes/recommendations and combines this point with the one above! Alternatively try online classes – there are so many to choose from you on YouTube. You can keep trying different ones till you find one that works for you.
- Eat healthily. As much fresh food as possible. The temptation during the short days and winter evenings is to load up on refined carbs. Be aware of this and try to go for healthy options.
- Focus on hydration.
- Get plenty of rest. Even if you find you cannot sleep, lie down and read or listen to music.
- Learn a new skill or take up a new hobby. Try something creative and enjoy the process rather than expecting a perfect product at the end! Listen to music – classical in particular is having a big moment as people discover new things to love during lock down. Try reading or audio books if reading is not your thing.
- Stay in touch with people. Our options for contact might be limited currently but you don’t have to rely on video calls and social media. Why not write someone a letter?
- Keep a journal. This could be as simple and short as writing down three words a day or could be a full blown diary. Focus on the things you want to remember from this time and the things you are grateful for.
Positivity – from plans to action!
I am a person who loves a plan! Over the last 24 hours I have been thinking about how I am going to turn the lockdown period into a positive time. Last time, I did have plans to practise piano and get my novel written. Of course I managed neither. My job took over – as it tends to. I love my job and I do tend to live to work rather than the other way around. Working from home saved me a huge amount of commuting time but I seem to have incorporated that and more time into my working day. The discipline to leave my desk at a certain time seems to have disappeared as I no longer have a train to run for! A new routine is called for with activities to pull me away from my work desk and restore balance.
I plan to use a template I created some time ago over on my sister blog Stickytapeandstring. This template is designed to help you plan and carry out One Amazing Month. The idea at the time was a kick start for a new year or new set of goals. The template is a free printable you can download to record your commitments and progress. Here is mine from back then – all filled in at the start of the month.
We are all stuck with life as it is. There are a lot of things we can no longer do and a lot of people in our lives who are being impacted in all sorts of awful ways. I feel enormously fortunate to have my family, my health and job in these difficult times. Over the next month I could curl up and watch TV when not working, or I could try to be productive and helpful. My plan is to set myself goals that will result in some minor achievements over the coming month. I will continue to share any content that I think might be helpful and wish everyone the best of luck.
Annie 🙂