Beating lethargy when stuck at home 24/7

Like a magician pulling items out of a hat, we can conjure up excuses to procrastinate.  I’ll watch TikTok for another 5 minutes – which turn into 45 minutes. I’m too tired now, maybe another quick nap before yoga. Wow, it’s already 6pm?! Yoga can wait till tomorrow morning. On and on it goes.

Lethargy can kick in when you’re at home all the time, because, let’s face it, the bed being in such close proximity is a great temptation. Here are a few simple things you can try to ensure you are not stuck in this cycle.

Wake up at the same time daily and have something to do when you rise: Be realistic in setting this time so you’re not struggling to maintain the practice. The activity can be something as small as feeding the cat or free writing as soon as you’re up.

I would not suggest an activity which requires too much mental or physical exertion because that may put you off even more.

Get some exercise daily, at whichever time works for you: It can be a fun activity like zumba or a brisk 20-minute walk around the compound to get in some cardio. Perhaps an intense home workout with improvised gym equipment for those who are used to that sort of exercise routine.

I am certainly not a gym enthusiast, but I’ve managed to find free online resources and fitness apps that give me guidance for easy workouts at home. Not to mention an excuse to wear gym outfits that I have bought simply for comfort reasons!

I’ve also taken up playing badminton with my brother in the afternoons. Sure, we don’t have a net and my backhand could be way better. And my forehand too! But, the movement is still beneficial for my health.

Do some visually creative activities like painting, drawing or doodling: We’re not all descendants of Picasso. Frankly, that would be strange, so take off the stress of perfection before you go into this.

Plain paper, crayons, coloring pencils, marker pens and the likes are easy to find, especially if there are children in your home. Use what you have to begin with as an experiment.

A great starting point is drawing basic shapes like squares and then filling them in with designs, block colours, words or whatever tickles your fancy. The idea is simply to focus on enjoying yourself and being in the moment.

Family time is golden: Normally many families are unable to have all the members present simultaneously, without Whatsapp coordination. Especially parents who have to cater to teenagers and adult children who are working.

If you all live together, consider engaging in group activities sometimes so that you are not constantly scattered. A movie night where you all watch a voted on film, or playing a board game together will be fun for all.

In cases where you are not living with your family, you can coordinate a Zoom schedule whereby everyone comes together regularly to catch up and check in.

Finally, try new things you never had time for: They can be things which are still accessible while you’re at home. This can include activities like taking an online course, gardening, writing poetry, starting a blog, at-home pedicures (a rock salt soak does wonders) and the likes.

Essentially once you have explored the above and determined what works for you, you can firm up a routine consisting of a few things you do daily.

Outer chaos usually indicates inner chaos. If things will be more smoothly organized externally, you will find that it also helps your mental state. I hope this helps in keeping you engaged, motivated and productive!

- The writer is a reporter and anchor at KTN News