Things to achieve during lockdown

So here we are, still in lockdown and I’ve seen a lot of trainers, life coaches and motivational speakers post about all the things we can and should aim to achieve now that “lack of time is not an excuse”

So here are 5 things to achieve during lockdown.

1. Ignore all the people who are making you feel bad for not learning a new language or starting to knit

It’s true and always has been that when humans say “I don’t have the time” it can often mean a variety of things:

“I don’t want to”

“I don’t have the energy to”

“I’m comfortable and I’m not ready to change”

So when you take time out of the equation, often there are other things stopping you from doing *the thing*. In lockdown, these barriers still exist!

So instead of thinking “I’m so lazy why can’t I do *this thing* now that I have more time” – ask yourself if *the thing* you’re not doing is

a) Important to you

b) Important right now

c) Doable with your current energy levels, time and anxiety

Then you’ll know whether it’s even achievable or important enough to proceed. If not, is it worth feeling bad about?

2. Realise that your sole purpose during lockdown is not to lose weight

Disclaimer, I am talking to myself here too. In the lead up to the lockdown I was definitely not looking after myself properly in terms of sleep and smart food choices. As such, I have gained weight.

Do I feel a bit uncomfortable about it? Yeah, sure. But I know enough about myself that I knew my healthy eating habits would slip during this time and so now I’m changing my habits and behaviours back to what they were before. My weight will stabilise by itself, I don’t need to chase weight loss.

If anything the last thing we need right now, is a diet. Diets are stressful, time consuming and strict. Do we need another area of our lives with restrictions?

If you’ve put on some lockdown related weight gain, firstly – I’m with you. Secondly, relax a bit over it. Read here about ways to improve your mental health during lockdown and know that when things get into a bit of a routine, your food choices can too.

3. Celebrate the little wins

Not eating lucky charms in gin at 7am is definitely a win but so is getting an early night or doing all the dishes or getting to the end of a workday without crying.

Right now, there are no rules, we are making this up as we go along. Little things that were part of your routine before can now seem like they’re getting in the way now that our routine has changed.

You’ve spent all day in the house and maybe you don’t wanna do the dishes or change the bedsheets or put on clothes. But, when we do, things feel more normal and our mood improves.

So, on the days where things get a bit harder, celebrate the little wins.

4. Take care of your mental health

This is not the best time to be struggling with something, everyone is in a similar (or worse) position and no-one has any guidance on how to handle this. Your next best thing is to talk to someone trained to listen.

Samartians and Breathing Space are both free to access and confidential as well. You can also check google for local therapists doing online sessions right now.

It’s ok not to be ok.

5. Be kind to yourself and also to others

This one is hard but essential. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t expect great things from yourself right now. Don’t compare yourself to an instagram influencer who has redecorated an entire flat while learning French and starting their own business.

Ask yourself:

What can I do that would make my day easier right now? If it helps, learn a language or how to knit. Take up a hobby that you gave up or find a new one – but only if these are useful and don’t add to your stress levels.

To some people being kind to themselves means staying busy and others need sofa time, Disney+ and the space to relax.

Find what helps support you and do that.

All of the above only works if you extend that to other people as well. It’s easy to judge others but none of us are at our best right now. If there was ever any time for compassion – it’s now.

In Summary

Keep on keeping on.
Stay inside unless you have to go out.
Keep a safe distance of 2m when you do.

Wash your hands, don’t touch your face.

Take care of yourselves out there.

Ainzlie

p.s – I’m not promoting weight loss right now, lets look at what it takes for us to be healthy and calm. If you are looking to get your healthy habits back on track you can find out more about my coaching here.