Last year was tough on everyone and the virus hasn’t disappeared over night so many people are still faced with lockdown and being at home all day every day. It’s difficult to have little to no interaction, especially if you’re studying and your place of rest also becomes your place of work. I went through a slump when I started university up in January and I still get that feeling sometimes. I’ve been trying my best to incorporate some interaction and getting out of the house if possible.
I understand some people have tighter restrictions than others but I feel like this can apply to almost everyone!
Exercise
My dad and I have started to go to the gym together and it has made the biggest difference. It releases endorphins and I feel productive. Of course, not everyone has gyms available and open to them but if you can go for a run a few times a week and incorporate bodyweight exercises if you don’t have weights, it will add some variety to your routine and get you out of the house. Start training with your friends too if they are in the area and it will keep you motivated because you can’t let them down!
Go for daily walks
If you can go for a walk everyday, whether 15 min, 30 min or an hour, it will give you so much clarity. Listen to a podcast or music or nothing at all. It gets you away from a screen and it clears your head. It’s the easiest way to get out of the house and if you can make it part of your 10 minute study break then that’s perfect!
Interact
Interacting is difficult with COVID and lockdowns, etc but if you can find a loophole then it’s worth a shot! Exercising together as I mentioned above is a must, otherwise having movie nights, studying together or even going grocery shopping together. Being able to talk to other people and just see other people that aren’t your family help. Being able to get out of the house for something different is a great method. A good idea is to have movie nights and alternate the house you go to, you’re getting out of your house for a few nights and you’re in a new space!
Incorporate new hobbies
I’ve actually started a little veggie garden and it’s grown so beautifully! It makes me happy and proud and the few minutes it takes to water them every day adds a sense of structure to my routine. You can bake, go for swims, sew, write and whatever else your heart desires! Doing something different to add variety to routine and makes you feel happy is the best thing you can do for yourself.
It’s still a difficult time at the moment and this situation puts a lot of strain on your mental health. Look after yourself and your mind and I hope that you have a good weekend and rest!
See you soon beauties!
