How to keep motivated during lockdown?

Around one year ago. our society has been struck with the pandemy. Being closed made us all think "and what am I gonna do now?". During this times we realised the importance of being connected to our famiy and friends, to keep inspired, motivated and help each other. We are all impacted by the pandemy, we all struggle mentally, financially etc what makes us all reflect deeply. We need to find ways to keep motivated to keep our mind sane, stay well. Many of us the fitness freaks are get crazy creative with home workouts. But many of us freaked in the first moments about "loosing gains" didn't we ? Other group got demotivated and stayed on the sofa am I right?

This time last year, we had our plans, new years resolutions to get fit or to take our businesses to the next level. Much of that has been erased due to the outbreak. Some could easily adjust to the situation, keep positive. However, some got demotivated, maybe even depressed in this situation.

I'm writing this article, as myself I had plans to compete, build muscle mass, get noticed. Well, that has been put on hold for now. In the first moment I was unsure what can I do, I did not have any home equipment, everything was sold out in second. But I actually managed to stay positive and motivated, doing what is humanly possible to keep up with my progress. And I need to say "thank you" to this situation, because I gained and progressed as a human to, and I think many of us did so.

But the article is about the tips on motivation during this unusual situation and any future ones that may make you feel demotivated.

1. ROUTINE

Back in the normal times all of us had some kind of routine, I get that it needed to be changed in some way, but we need to create ways for the new routine to give us the same satisfaction and outcome as before. You cannot go to gym, but you can do your morning cardio as a walk for example, you can do a workout at home with or without equipment. Set yourself an hour to wake up and start off your day just like you would do so before. This will keep you going and give you a feeling of being productive. Maybe find a space in your house that from today will remind you of exercise, it will help you stay focused.

2. Have a goal.

This may be easier for athletes who need to keep shape all year round to be competitive, but regardless of who you are set yourself some goal. It can be loosing or gaining weight, it can be progressing your fitness or endurance, toning up. Then determine how many times a week you can workout and what, follow that. Perhaps hire a coach who has great knowledge and a portfolio of home exercises to help you.

3. Treat your body well

Being closed at home for many people means eating from laziness. Usually unhealthy food. This can lead to unnecessary weight gain. You should remember your body is a temple, and even if you are not about to show yourself on the beach in the near future does not mean that you dont need to respect your body. Being at home you can get creative with cooking, find new healthy ideas, try to eat more frequent, timed and healthy meals, be mindful of what you put into your body. It is actually especially important now, to get your immunity up and keep inner you fit and healthy to protect you from any illness.

4. Accept the reality

We all experience feeling of negative emotions. The best way to deal with them is accept them. Sit down, say out loud what and why you are feeling, reflect on this, acknowledge that it will only get better and there is nothing wrong with this. But you are the one to choose what you can do about this. Choose to do something to get your brain out of negative emotions, exercise is great friend here. Try from a small walk or a yoga session to calm yourself down and get rid of anything negative inside you. Don't spend all of your time online. Switch your devices off and explore the world around you, read a book, appreciate the nature, play with your pet. Anything that get you relaxed.

5. Try to learn something new

The first lockdown got me so bored, I downloaded duolingo. An ap that can teach you any language you want and I started learning portugese. The outcome? I can actually make a conversation and understand a lot. This never would have happened if not for the lockdown and some extra time. There are always ways to utilise that and make of it something usefull. I guarantee you will feel much more motivated, usefull and proud of yourself.

“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”– Duke Ellington

Oliwia Skapczyk