COVID Groundhog Day - Avoid, Embrace or Appreciate...

Like the famous Bill Murray movie “Groundhog Day”, you may be in a position where the repetitive nature of life at the moment is stifling.

In the film Phil Connors (Bill) wakes to the same day time and time again through fluctuating states of anguish and contentment.

Or maybe you are currently like Phil towards the end of the movie and you feel like you have found your secret daily productivity and energy sauce.

The reality of either existence is that they can quickly change.

Here are some tips to help you along the choppy path.

Stay connected

Not only has the pandemic left us feeling disconnected from time, it has also disconnected us physically from other people.

Unlike the movie we’re experiencing this together – lean in to company virtually or physically (regulation complying) through walks or distanced chin wags.

Bake the same cake with different ingredients

Who doesn’t like a good cake metaphor? Well, if you have gotten into a baking furore during COVID then I suggest keeping the balance with a varied exercise routine 😊

The end product is often the same, after a workout you will probably feel more energised and positive.

The vehicle to get you to this improved state offers much choice and variety to keep the spices numerous e.g., bootcamp class, abs workout or a relaxing stretch routine.

Here’s an idea seeing as many people tout COVID as an opportunity for some to pursue a new hobby, why not try this 15-minute bog do thóin workout which I have put together “as gaeilge” so you can see how much of your school Irish you have maintained 😉  

Psychological distance

If you can then it is a good idea not to work in the same room which you spend your downtime or family time in. Working in the kitchen can bring its own issues…

If you must work in the same space where you chill then make sure to put the laptop out of sight and have some rituals that lead into evening downtime.

Who doesn’t love putting their cosey cotton tracksuit bottoms on after a productive day’s work?

Too many decisions deplete, too much rigidity drains

There is much we can not predict about the world at the moment e.g., how quick vaccines will be rolled out, when we will be able to go on our next holiday and the list goes on.

We as humans respond well to a balance of order and spontaneity. Regular sleep patterns, eating times and exercise routines set the scene to enjoy the Groundhog Day routine more.

When it comes to downtime, a Netflix binge every evening once the kids are asleep will often leave us demoralised. This is where we can bring that variety e.g., a family board game evening, charades, reading a book, writing 300-words, listening to a podcast you enjoy. A week where we pursue different downtime activities as opposed to one main one will feel more rejuvenating.

Social Media Watershed Hours

If you do not need to be on social media for work then I would implore you to try the following for a week.

I would include WhatsApp in my definition of Social Media here.

Do not check them before 12.00 (the window before midday for many are the most productive hours they will have).

Do not check after 20.00 (gives your sleep runway a much more peaceful vibe).

Social media is addictive as we get pleasurable squirts of dopamine each time a new notification is brought to our attention however these force us in to a constant state of decision making like do I need to reply to that and should I like that comment. It also gives us the sense that our available time is shrinking. 30-minutes per evening perusing Facebook equates to 20-working days in a year – crazy when we know the stats! 

Self-Compassion and Gratitude

If you haven’t mastered that new language then go easy on yourself, learning to adapt optimally to this way of life may be enough for now.

Draw attention to the little things that had today feeling like better than ok even if momentary, things that gave us a sense of contentment maybe even joy like seeing your child sleeping peacefully or having a yum cup of hot chocolate.

Of course, if you are really struggling then reach out to a loved one or healthcare professional. Think of it like this, if you knew that a loved one was hurting, would you want them to be suffering in silence? Then do yourself the favour of caring for yourself and attempting to feel better for you first and foremost.

Take care, persevere and we will get there 😊

For more information on health, wellness and personal productivity coach Declan Treanor then please check out his website – www.performancetreanor.com