Defeating the Stay-at-Home Blues
Originally published July 13, 2020
Many of us spend a lot of time working on our health through means of exercise and nutrition. While these are obviously important, our mental well-being is equally important but often overlooked. Not only is it overlooked but for some odd reason, stigmatized. With these stay-at-home orders its very easy to spend all day on our phones, staring at the TV or sitting on the couch wishing things were open. For me, that does nothing but create a negative environment in my mind. I'm not referring to getting smarter or dumber but more along the lines of anxiety. For others it may be sadness, depression or loneliness. Even if you don't relate to any of those feelings maybe you can relate to just feeling stagnant. I am by know means an expert in this area but I have tried and found a few things that keep my mind anxiety free and in a positive state.
First and foremost I try to move. Whether that is walking, lifting weights, running, biking, swimming or doing some yoga, just move. I know it is easier said than done. Sometimes it just feels better to sit or lie down. Drag yourself up, make plans with a friend, take the dog out or find a motivational video on YouTube. Do whatever it takes to get moving. I would say 80% of the time, exercise does the trick. Sometimes though, I get myself moving and that doesn't quite do the trick.
The next thing I will try is meditation. I know what you are thinking, sitting in silence is the opposite of what I need, I need to distract myself. Eventually distractions end and you will be stuck with your thoughts so if you can practice accepting those thoughts and understanding them you can really help to develop a calm, positive state. I recommend using the Headspace app. Force yourself to do at least 10 minutes and try a couple days in a row. If you are someone unfamiliar with meditation it can be uncomfortable when you first try it but if you can push yourself through you will find the benefits. Here is a quick exercise you can try, set a timer for 3 minutes, that's it, just three minutes, you can manage that. Once the timer starts close your eyes and take three deep breaths. After those breaths, return your breathing to a normal state and begin counting your breaths. 1 on the inhale, 2 on the exhale, 3 on the inhale and so on until you reach 10. Once you get to 10 start back at 1. Keep counting until the timer goes off, during that time your mind will wander. That is ok and normal, when you realize your mind has wandered just acknowledge it and go back to counting. Your mind wandering during meditation is not a failure and there is no winning. It is just a chance for your mind to be.
Another activity I have recently found to help is reading. Reading books. Not news articles, emails or Facebook news feed. No matter what genre I read I have found a positive association with my mood and reading. I am not exactly sure why reading a fiction book is any better than watching a movie, perhaps I feel like I had to work to read the book. Whatever the case, it helps me and may help you. I have had a rotation of 3 books going for most of the quarantine, I read one self-help book, 1 business book and 1 for-fun book. Some days I read all three, some days I read none. Right now the books are How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado, so far an interesting read, The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries and Jack Trout, if you have no interest in business, do not read and the for-fun book is Emergency by Neil Strauss.
I hope this helps to create some good vibes in your mind. I'd love to hear how you handle these situations, let me know on Facebook, search for Fresh Focus Fitness, or email me at freshfocusfitness@gmail.com.