Lockdown lethargy - how to fight it

[LimitIsUp]

What was the awful meme during the first lockdown - you are just being asked to stay at home and watch Netflix from your sofa. Well I fear I have fully embraced this

I have no work to do, the only must do daily tasks are housework, feeding everyone and a dog walk. I am doing the absolute minimum.
Way too much time spent watching TV quiz shows (I can do Lingo, Tipping Point and Beat the Chasers all on the same day - happy days if I also catch Mastermind. Have even started watching catchphrase)

Not depressed - just lethargic and unmotivated. Any one feel / felt similarly and any tips for wading through the morass and being a bit more .... alive / purposeful

[veeeeh]

You are not alone believe me. Being active gets rather tedious with Groundhog Day lockdown.

I am so lazy. Just me here so it doesn't matter much but I have so many things I should do, but just cannot get started. Ah well, no one can visit so what the heck.

I do the bare minimum like mopping and vacuuming (once a week) empty the dishwasher and keep the bathroom and kitchen clean.

But I have a boxroom full of crap that really needs sorting since I shoved stuff in there when getting a new heating system IN SEPTEMBER!

I tend not to worry about it too much, and back to Netflix and Youtube I go. I am lying in bed with a toasty electric blanket on right now, as it's so cold outside.

So no, you are not alone.

[LimitIsUp]

In a way that's good to hear - it's so frustrating when there is time to tackle much needed tasks, but no motivation

[Heartofstrings]

I recommend tackling it with daily naps

[LimitIsUp]

Yes, maybe it's just about surrendering to it without guilt

[InsertRudeWord]

I've surrendered

[LimitIsUp]

Again, this is weirdly reassuring

[stolenwedding]

Following. So tired from doing nothing. I like the idea of a heated blanket!

[Heartofstrings]

I kind of figure what else can be done?

[AtLeastThreeDrinks]

Same, and the days are whizzing by despite being full of nothing. I’m sleeping later, going for a walk and before I know it it’s time for The Chase. That’s basically me in front of the tele until around midnight when I head to bed.

But... it’s winter, and I’m naturally inclined towards hibernation anyway. I kept a diary last year and it’s full of how exhausted I was in January, so if I’m being honest I prefer this!

[oneglassandpuzzled]

Me too. I am ashamed at how many bad films I’ve watched.

I have a work project to do but my get up and go has got up and gone.

I think we are hibernating. Perhaps it’s not such a bad thing.

[peak2021]

A second dog walk perhaps?

[LimitIsUp]

Can't Peak - got plantar fasciitis. Can barely hobble around the first one

[LimitIsUp]

Yes maybe that's it Atleast and Oneglass - partly winter lethargy and with the days lengthening we'll start bouncing with the promise of spring

[veeeeh]

I reckon the virtuous people who walk for miles, declutter, homeschool four or more kids are avoiding this indulgent thread.

I love indolence.

[LimitIsUp]

Do you think they are the minority or are we?

[Mixitupalot]

I had this conversation with DH today, I feel the same. In lockdown 1 & 2 I was fine, did loads of exercise and housework and was feeling great. This time round I just sit on the sofa everyday doing nothing, can’t help myself, no motivation whatsoever.

[LimitIsUp]

Hmm - I am starting to think we should maybe not beat ourselves up over it, embrace the laziness and hope that with better weather and longer days around the corner perhaps it will just pass?

Or are we just more worn down by lockdown now - its been nearly 10 months of restrictions

[veeeeh]

Just watch Schitts Creek on Netflix on a loop and you will all be fine. Chewing Gum for the eyes lol.

Just came down from my warm heated blanket bed to the kitchen for a sandwich and a top up of the Gin and It. Well it is Saturday, hard to remember the days now sometimes too.

Stay lazy lol. That's the gin talking, forgive me.

Lovely. As it should be in these awful times. Who cares about anything apart from your own defences and approach to this awful thing. Each to their own.

[LimitIsUp]

Wise words veeeh

I hope you are okay flying solo during lockdown

[Shopaholic100]

Same here, I just can’t seem to motivate myself to do anything apart from eat watch tv and curl up next to the radiator. Lockdown 1, I enjoyed as we had picnics in the garden, managed to get lots of jobs done round the house and just enjoyed time as a family without people dropping by. Lockdown 2, I don’t really consider a proper lockdown as I didn’t need to make any changes, we just didn’t eat out or go shopping.

[JovialNickname]

I think it's your brain and body adapting to the situation.... you're feeling lazy because there's nothing available to do! It's probably better to feel lethargic and melded to the sofa, than be climbing the walls with nervous energy right now. Embrace the lack of motivation!!

[BogRollBOGOF]

I want to sleep until April.
Sod my birthday, I'll sleep through that.

I'm enjoying dreaming more than being awake. It's more vibrant and interesting.

[Catsick36]

I was lazy last lockdown. Got to get fit/smaller for the summer.

[LimitIsUp]

@JovialNickname

I think it's your brain and body adapting to the situation.... you're feeling lazy because there's nothing available to do! It's probably better to feel lethargic and melded to the sofa, than be climbing the walls with nervous energy right now. Embrace the lack of motivation!!

There could be something in that!

[alliejay81]

We're all trying to survive not thrive . Even typing this makes me feel guilty but it's true. If you're staying at home, warm and fed, well, you are winning.

DS has watched so much tv this Cmas holiday it's untrue. I feel massively guilty (I normally limit screen time) but he's genuinely saving lives by staying at home.

Whatever you have to do survive, is what you need to do. Normally I read highbrow books, I'm currently struggling to read David Nicholls. Normally I have a maths degree and a high
(Ish) IQ, currently I'm struggling with a medium suduko. Normally I'm really patient, currently I'm a grumpy fucker.

If you are clean, healthy and surviving I congratulate you! Sounds patronising but probably isn't anymore .

There's a nice article on the bbc website about the five Cs of lockdown (compassion, creativity, control, care, continuity) which might help.

Lots of

We'll get there in the end and boy will I have a party when we do!