Finding motivation while still at home
It has been almost 10 full months of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. What we once thought would be a year of hope and inspiration quickly took a turn so early into 2020. The days continue to feel the same, weekends aren’t so cherished because there aren’t many plans to make, and the end still seems to not be in close sight. As a fitness coach and business owner, I have felt the highs and the lows with all of you. When everyone is feeling motivated (think beginning of the pandemic, late March/early April), classes were busy. As summer came and we felt comfortable to gather outdoors, things got quieter. As September always does, it pushed people to find routine again. But now, months into this, and in the middle of winter, I am not surprised energy levels are low and motivation is right there with it.
Before we go any further, I’ll let you all know that I have personally felt it too. While my business has gained momentum through this challenging time, on a personal level, my motivation has come in waves too. But, I have decided that sharing a list of some things that have worked for me, and that I want to implement, might help someone else too and just like my workouts, leave you feeling a bit better than before you started reading this post today.
Create a daily to-do/task list. I LOVE physically crossing things off my to-do list every day. It could be as simple as “pay my hydro bill” that takes just a few short moments online, or go for a walk, but when the end of the day comes and I see I’ve completed my list, I’m feeling good! I usually have a few work-related tasks and a few personal tasks, but never too much at once as I want it to feel attainable.
Getting outside! Up until recently, I was living in a small condo in downtown Toronto. Like many of you, I was working, eating, sleeping, working out, and relaxing all in the same spot. It can get tiring mentally and emotionally to feel like you’re just staring at the same four walls all day, every day. Make a point to leave your space (if it feels safe to do so), get a change of scenery, breathe some fresh air, and come back with a fresh perspective to enjoy the next part of your day.
Create a routine. This is a tough one! Because quite honestly, some days we just need to chill out and not have anything or anyone else holding us accountable. And that is totally okay! But, I have found success in trying to create a routine with my days. It gives me structure and purpose to my days. For me, I block off time for different administrative duties, filming, and other tasks, that go beyond my teaching and personal training schedule so I don’t feel like my days get away from me by not having a schedule to help me focus.
Establish a joy list. This is a new practice I am trying to implement. Writing down a list of things that bring me joy, and being as specific as possible. Hopefully somewhere in the list you discover that whatever you may be struggling being motivated for currently, actually makes you really happy. Sometimes it is about rediscovering the joy. For example, waking up early before any other commitments to join Rachel’s Friday morning Pilates class, because I love putting myself first, first thing in the morning. Or how much joy it is to create a home cooked meal for yourself, even if you’ve been lacking excitement for being in the kitchen lately. It is a good opportunity to reflect and add more things from our list into our daily practices.
Disconnect. Admittedly I am not super great at this one…yet. I will get there. I have been trying to make a point to turn off the TV earlier, stop scrolling sooner, and read before bed. It helps me calm down and I really just love to read! Disconnecting allows us to feel more present with whatever we are doing, whether it be enjoying a movie or TV program, reading a book, or simply not comparing ourselves to what we see on our newsfeed.
Connect. I know, it is the opposite from above, but hear me out. Everyone has been affected by the past year’s events. Talk it out, connect with those closest to you, and let them know how you’re really feeling. I am thankful for an amazing family and some close friends that I know I can lean on if needed. I am also happy to feel like I’ve been available to reciprocate that support where needed. We don’t have to go through these hard times alone.
No matter what it is you decide to do with your time - it could be all of the things or none at all - remember it should leave you feeling better than before. No one has gone through the year we have had before and it will take time, sometimes more than we’d like, to find our own rhythm of what works. If I can provide support in any way, let me know. Hang in there!
Yours in self-discovery,
Rachel