So, we are stuck at home for a while. And if you’re anything like me it would be all too easy to spend all morning drinking coffee, maybe going for a walk, then spending the rest of the day picking through junk food and watching rubbish on TV, perhaps marking the change from day to evening with a g&t. Or two.
Honestly, obviously aside from what’s going on outside, I’m actually quite enjoying spending more time at home with less time pressure and more opportunities to do new things. But goodness me, it would be so easy to fall into a routine like the above!
I’ve recorded this email as a video as well. You can find it on Facebook or Instagram.
I’ve had a few questions along these lines, and the first thing to say is that I don’t think there is anything wrong with allowing yourself some moping time.
This is a stressful time for all of us. Cut yourself some slack, let yourself catch up on the sleep you probably need, enjoy doing very little – and don’t feel guilty about it!
This all said, at some point, you’ll start to bore yourself with not doing much, and that is the moment to start getting some structure in your day.
Personally, I think setting a few basic aims for each day is a good place to start.
Are you liable to sit around all day? If so, set yourself a step-related target to achieve every day. This doesn’t need to be limited to going for a massive walk – get out into the garden more, give the house a spring clean or do a few star jumps!
Are you liable to not bother cooking? If so, set yourself a target of cooking at least one proper meal, from scratch, every day.
Do you find it easy to sit up until silly o’clock because there’s nowhere to be tomorrow? If so, set yourself a time limit for getting to bed.
I really don’t think there needs to be anything major, just a focus point or two to give your day some kind of structure and to help you feel that you’re doing something.
Beyond these basic ideas, I also think this is a great time to look at some bigger ideas if you feel so inclined.
Perhaps you want to learn about something you’ve been interested in. There are lots of companies offering free or massively discounted educational courses at the moment.
Perhaps you want to get into a structured exercise routine too. Again, there are lots of people offering free online workouts at the minute. And, of course, I’d be delighted to help you with more tailored exercise too.
Overall, I think there is value to be gained by doing a bit of something productive and taking care of our health – but there is no need to carry on at 100mph, it’s ok to slow down for a while.