Last time we started lockdown, the days were getting brighter and longer, we had a heatwave or two, and there was some great novelty-factor going on.
Now it’s colder, darker, and there’s a certain sense of deja vu. So although surveys show that the majority of the population agree that moving to Level 5 makes sense (after all, we’ve all seen the growing numbers of COVID-19 cases day by day in Ireland), you’re also allowed to feel a certain sense of disappointment and trepidation.
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So if you’re finding things tough this time around, here are a few small things you can certainly count as an achievement, and tick off your list day by day.
1. Having a shower
I had a conversation with a friend of mine recently, where we agreed that if you look in the mirror and feel like a monstrosity, you probably just need to have a shower or get a hair cut. Clean hair cannot be underestimated.
2. Going outdoors
There’s less sunlight out there, so we need to make the most of it. How else are we meant to get that Vitamin D? It’s more important now than ever to get outside at least once a day, even if you just walk around the block. Getting out into the daylight for a short walk gets a bit of exercise in, boosts your Vitamin D even if it’s not sunny, and can help improve your sleep.
N.B You might also need a Vitamin D supplement during the winter months. Symptoms of low Vitamin D include fatigue, mood changes, and bone and muscle aches. If you think you might have low levels, visit your GP and get a blood test. (That’ll also count as an achievement and might give you a way to feel better).
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3. Cleaning
Don’t worry if you can’t spring clean the whole house, just pick one thing to focus on today, whether that’s vacuuming, putting away any clothes on the floor or cleaning the loo. It can make a big difference!
Top tip: If your home feels dark and gloomy, cleaning your windows could help brighten things up more than you expect!
4. Making a nutritious meal
Whether you feel like making a roast or just a really good scrambled egg, cooking a nutritious meal means that you can feel just as good about eating it as you do about taking the time to cook. No energy? Something in the slow cooker or a one-tray meal with roasted vegetables takes very little effort but can feel like a feast.
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5. Contacting someone you like
We’re being told to reduce our contacts and stay close to home, so for many of us that may mean not barely seeing anyone at all. Because of that, it’s more important than ever to make the effort to stay in touch with the outside world (remotely). Take the time to write a proper letter (and post it as soon as you can), Facetime your mum, send an email to a relative or even just text one of your buddies – it still counts! And it will brighten their day too.