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Checking in During Uncertain Times
We have all been navigating the unknown since COVID-19 began. Some of us have been learning new hobbies, calling friends and family members more, working remote, not working, adjusting to being around family members more, and spending time adjusting to life right now. Since COVID-19 many of us have been experiencing new levels of stress. Many people have fallen out of routines they established to stay on track. Some weeks our motivation seems like it’s higher than other weeks.
Stress can affect the way you feel, think, and behave. As humans we develop plans, goals, routines, schedules, and structure to our lives. Here are some things you can implement into your daily routine to help you find motivation and get back on track:
Morning or evening walks. Sitting inside all day can make your body tired. Regardless of your schedule, prioritize taking one walk a day. There are many benefits to walking. Not only does walking help improve sleep habits, walking can also help in treating anxiety and depression, and also can help improve self-esteem.
Stretch your body. Stretching regularly not only increases your flexibility, but it can also improve your posture, and reduce stress and body aches. Stretching can be done anywhere. If you are working remote or in an office try to implement stretching at your desk.
Meditate. Meditation is a mental exercise that trains attention and awareness. Meditation has been proven to increase focus, reduce stress, and promote calmness. There many different guided meditations to target different things. Here is a meditation which targets increased energy.
Limit your screen time. Checking the news and social media can be overwhelming. Put your phone on silent or set a time each day where you check your phone.
Set a daily goal. Write down 1-3 things you want to accomplish for the day. Writing them down provides clarity and focus on what you need to get done that day. Crossing something off a to do list will provide you with a sense of accomplishment.
Do something social. Plan out one social interaction into your day. Call a relative or friend and check in on them. Having a meaningful conversation can help motivate and boost your energy.
This year has been unlike any other, and we are all working through it differently. If you do find yourself feeling unmotivated or down, it’s going to be okay! I encourage you to challenge yourself to try and do one of these things.
Additional Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/meditation
https://www.mindful.org/a-guided-meditation-for-gathering-your-energy/
Jill Haupts, Outreach Coordinator for The Kim Foundation
Jill Haupts is the Outreach Coordinator at The Kim Foundation. She received her bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University in 2016. Jill joined the Kim Foundation in January coming from Des Moines, Iowa. Her previous experience includes volunteer recruitment and fundraising, as well as experience coordinating services and providing resources to adults who have a mental health diagnosis. Jill’s role in the foundation is coordinating event logistics, presenting and attending community fairs, as well as volunteer coordination and recruitment. She enjoys working in the nonprofit field and has a passion for advocacy and helping others.