Remember the time about a year and a half ago, when we all were excited to get a break from work/school/college? Little did we know that “little break” was going to last a long time and permanently change our lives forever. So, the pandemic broke out, lockdowns were ordered and new rules were established. Our lifestyles have suffered a huge impact as a result of these changes. Everything has become monotonous, almost as if our lives have come to a standstill. As we wait for nature to take its course, it’s important for us to break free from this habitual routine and begin to grow into ourselves. What can we do to make our day look and feel a little different from the previous one? Let’s find out.
1. Feeling blue? Try something new!
The big question here is how does anyone try anything different with so many restrictions. All you have to do is do the same thing in a different way. For example, take a different route on your morning walks or runs. As you take a different route, you encounter new sights, smells, and sensations. This seemingly trivial change can energize your body and maybe even give you a sense of excitement. Get creative! Do that thing that blurs out the rest of the world.
2. Move. Your. Body.
It’s a known fact that exercise is the key to a healthier lifestyle. Simply put, movement triggers the release of endorphins, a neurotransmitter responsible for the euphoric feeling you get after a long walk or a high-intensity activity. The gym is not the only place one can exercise. Dancing, Aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, are some forms of movement that are just as effective and can be done in the comfort of your home.
3. Stay connected
Over the past year, we’ve been deprived of one essential form of communication- human touch. Isolation, one of the consequences of covid-19 that has led to a rise in mental health issues. Despite the availability of modern technology, many of us don’t feel like talking to our friends or family. The reason being that isolation makes us feel like we’re in this mess alone. Something that we’ve learned during the course of the pandemic is that life is too short. So, pick up that phone. Call them. Text them. Sometimes, all one needs to do is talk to someone who listens.
4. What happens at work stays at work
Work from home. Online classes. These two phrases have made many resent working/learning. Right now, our work/school environments look the same. Many of us attend classes or work in our pyjamas. Sometimes, we do an entire day’s work from our beds. The reason everything feels monotonous and tedious is due to the lack of a different environment for different tasks. The solution to this is simple. Keep your personal room separate from your professional one. Trick your brain into thinking that you’re actually at work or school by putting on suitable clothes. Remember to get off that chair. Give your eyes and body a break from the same posture.
5. Unlatch your eyes from the screen
What are we supposed to do if our work and our recreation are all on the same device? Studies have shown that in March 2020, there had been a sharp increase in screen time, almost 60%. That means on average, an individual spends about 13 hours on their devices. Realistically, we cannot bring down our screen times by a large margin as we’re technologically dependent. For starters, we can stop limiting recreation to devices. This can reduce your screen time by at least 2 hours.
6. Declutter your space
Don’t you feel good when you enter a clean and fresh hotel room? A tidy room is a tidy mind. A cleanroom has a fresh, inviting aura that makes it easier to do any kind of work. It’s more than just about cleanliness. Completing any task gives you a sense of accomplishment and you instantly feel good about yourself. So, think of organizing your workspace or room as a task.
Most of this article focuses on productivity and keeping yourself busy. Stimulating your brain is important. Movement is essential. But sometimes, resting and taking a break is the healthier choice. Remember, everyone experiences events and situations in their own unique way. So, it’s okay to not have been very productive during the pandemic. Your body knows you. It has been protecting you and helping you survive since the beginning. Honor it.