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Covid

Anyone else losing motivation or turning lazy as time goes on

51 replies

granadagirl · 18/04/2020 09:50

The more weeks this goes on the more I feel I’m losing motivation to do things
I know there’s not much outside the house we can do but even inside now I’ve become laid back about cleaning etc.

I don’t wanna let it get me into depression, as I’ve suffered with this a few time over decades
Before all this I’d got myself into a small routine, Pilates twice a week, shopping and a day off catch up house jobs

Now I feel I have to dig deep to even get going, it’s like 11/12 o’clock before I even think if getting dressed.

I’m in my 60’s, no young kids
So no usual having to do family things

Anyone else ?? Or how you coping ?

OP posts:
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Wetfloortiles · 18/04/2020 09:54

Yes me. My motivation is getting less and less with everyday that passes and I know I am at risk of depression. I keep having suicidal fantasies (I wouldn't act on them) as I can't see an end to it.
I've lot my job, my income and my freedom in the space of a month.

I have 5 children and I'm in my 30s btw. I'm so sorry you are feeling the same..

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inwood · 18/04/2020 09:54

Me. I've just talked myself out of my gym class (online) this morning. Struggling with motivation for work too.

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lubeybooby · 18/04/2020 09:56

No the opposite here. I was a bit floored at first and bewildered and being lazy and snacking but then I realised this is here to stay for some time and that couldn't be my new normal. So I kicked myself up the arse and have been more active ever since and getting more work done, more self care, more cleaning

Next thing to tackle is the untidiness and clutter in my office

I think keeping some level of good routine is vital for mental health and mental health is my motivation. I think if you can't find it in you to use that as motivation then it may be already starting to slip significantly and makes it even more important to do it and look after yourself in every way you can

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pocketem · 18/04/2020 09:57

Hardly. Have to juggle work and looking after DC. You should be grateful you've got it so easy

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Raella50 · 18/04/2020 09:58

I’m the opposite. I felt like I was on holiday at first, getting up later and lazing around eating rubbish food. By Easter, I felt very relaxed and now I’m much more disciplined! Back in a routine of exercising, eating good food and cleaning etc I have young kids and normally work log hours with a big commute so I think I was just totally washed out before.

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HeartZone · 18/04/2020 09:59

Trying to tell myself to get off mumsnet and do housework.
Scary thought is kids are up for it ..I’m not 😂

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muddledmidget · 18/04/2020 10:01

I was but I'm setting new routines and to do lists to try and maintain some semblance of a normal life. When the lockdown started I was working 6 days a week, now I'm back to my normal 2-3 and finding it hard to motivate myself to do so little with so much time to do it in. So I've signed up to gymondo on a 30 day free trial and scheduled a workout or 2 every day, and team tomm app to organise the housework. I thought I'd be able to organise these things for myself, but apparently my brain has turned to mush and I need external organisation!

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PatchworkElmer · 18/04/2020 10:25

I’m exercising much more, but that’s probably because it’s how I control my MH- and there’s lots to worry about at the moment!

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SquishySquirmy · 18/04/2020 10:33

Bit mean pocketem

These threads can easily turn into the 4 Yorkshiremen sketch when you start down that road....

I hear you op.
Since the clocks changed I've been getting up later and later and going to bed later and later every day. I need to get back into a disciplined routine, Jo Wicks every morning etc.
I DO have plenty to be getting on with but I'm still not doing it. I'm not bored, just missing the motivation of having to do a specific bathing at a specific time, having to get up in time to catch a certain bus etc..

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SquishySquirmy · 18/04/2020 10:34

Specific thing that should read, not bathing.

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Gammeldragz · 18/04/2020 10:36

I'm still working 3 days a week. Happily get up at 6:30 and feel fine. Every other day I'm rarely dressed before 12 and struggle to get moving. Everyone else seems to be decorating and gardening and exercising and I'm just sitting around on my phone or eating.

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JesusInTheCabbageVan · 18/04/2020 10:41

Hardly. Have to juggle work and looking after DC. You should be grateful you've got it so easy

Bit of empathy, maybe? I'm in the same position as you @pocketem, but I feel better off than people stuck at home on their own who aren't coping.

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Thighmageddon · 18/04/2020 10:43

Hardly. Have to juggle work and looking after DC. You should be grateful you've got it so easy

I'll just let my rapidly spiralling anxiety and depression know that little gem. There are words for people like you...

Yes me Op, I'm going to call my Gp on Monday to discuss going back on medication again.

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ifonly4 · 18/04/2020 10:50

I'm the opposite. It's spurred me on to do a deep clean and clean out cupboards (still ongoing though), especially as we're all here a lot more. Unfortunately, can't sort the shed as rubbish is in there. I'm generally active, but can't do my exercise class and no lifting at work, so again I've done more cycling and walking up our local hill (very close) a lot more to keep my fitness and stamina up. I love reading, have jigsaws (once I start I can't stop), happy to play games with family and have loads of films recorded (watched one yesterday, the first since lockdown).

I guess because DH is still getting up at 6am to work from home, I can't justify sitting around not doing much (I'm only in work one day a week at the moment).

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TheGreatWave · 18/04/2020 10:55

I have discovered I am just quite lazy. I am wfh though so that takes up a big chunk of time.

I was speaking to my Mum though (over 70) and she said that there was things that needed doing, the fence being painted for example, but she's like "what's the point? We can just do it tomorrow."

If posters are really struggling, consider meds if necessary. mind.org.uk has lots of resources. Also look on your local council website as there are some telephone services in some areas, but there might be a charge.

This is a very difficult time for some, seek the help and support that you need.

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Orangeblossom78 · 18/04/2020 10:56

I'm the same. I do have depression diagnosis also and am aware of this getting worse.

Trying to be kind to myself as that helps - shame others don;t realise that when posted a reply to a past MH sufferers but some seem to be lacking in empathy on here at times..

When I went to the gym classes, if you cancelled you.d get fined, so it would make you go.

I'm trying basic self care, have a shower, keep the house tidy, son.t have too high expectations, maybe a walk in PM. think we are recovering from the virus also so taking it easy- and that's ok

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Orangeblossom78 · 18/04/2020 10:57

I'm sorry but the idea of Joe wicks in the morning makes me feel worse! can't stand the annoying man

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Sparklingbrook · 18/04/2020 10:59

I was going to get up early today and go for a walk. I am still in bed. I argue with myself daily.

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MysweetAudrina · 18/04/2020 11:01

I'm gone the opposite way. I was eating all around me the first 3 weeks but now I am doing an hour yoga in the morning before wfh and then getting out for an hours walk with dh and the kids in the evening and I have cut out the junk food eating. Feeling much better for it too. There are certain things you can control and certain things you can't. Focus on the things you can control and aim to come out of this in some way better than you went in.

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granadagirl · 18/04/2020 11:08

Think is with me also
Remember ladies 60+ The weather outside as a lot of impact on me, I don’t like when it windy or raining or even too cold
As I find walking around in rain, wind or when it’s below 15 not nice. Not the same as when the sun shining, but more motivation
Now that’s just me, I’ve always been like that even when I was younger.

Suppose I admire people who can get out there garden even in the cooler weather or go walking.

I’ve got to find the happy medium line here, or I’ll find myself going under. ☹️ It’s not like you can go have a good look round the shops/garden centres etc

I know I may be luckier than some say with young children and still work, but it’s not always greener in the other side !

Over 60’s that don’t work/kids
Give me your get up and go tips
If you’ve found anything different to do

OP posts:
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Reversiblesequinsforadults · 18/04/2020 11:12

I'm struggling too, OP and finding it hard to motivate myself to do my work because there's no longer any deadline. I keep telling myself that once I've done it, I'll do the kids home schooling properly, go for a run every day and sort out my office. None of this has happened and I've had a massive row with dh. I am now a crap worker, a crap mum and a crap wife and getting really fat. I'm now in the bath and pissing about on the internet. I'm not even reading a book.
I feel for people trying to work while looking after toddlers, but it's not fair to make those of us with shitty mental health feel worse.

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Foreverlexicon · 18/04/2020 11:13

I’m slipping.
At first I found loads of stuff to do, was determined to get fitter, sort the house out. I was still working which helped.

I’ve now started a month off work (I’m essentially on call) and meh. Can’t be bothered to do anything. I hit under 700 steps (usually around 14,000) yesterday.

I need a purpose (a real one, not a shit made up one to pass time that no one including me cares about) and people around me but I have neither. Finding myself completely withdrawing, ignoring calls and not replying to texts. My eating (history of eating disorders) is slipping.

I woke up feeling slightly more positive today so I’ve made a small to do list. I guess I need to find some sort of routine but it all feels so pointless.

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Ingridla · 18/04/2020 11:14

Very much so. Also trying desperately not to booze but finding it really hard not to which is pathetic I know and I hate myself.

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Goatymcgoaty · 18/04/2020 11:19

I don’t understand how people are motivated to go out and do exercise. I find it depressing, the closed shops, same houses / streets / grass, people crossing over / looking at you like you’re a leper. The worry if you touch a fence / wall that you’re now covered with the virus and going to take it home to your family. I’ve tried walking, but just find it more depressing than staying in. I’m also a big fan of sitting while the kids burn off energy but can’t do that either.

When we’re allowed to drive again I’ll see if going further afield helps (properly drive, not an outing where you’re using the loophole to count the minutes in the car and calculating to make sure you walk for longer than the drive took).

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YeOldeTrout · 18/04/2020 11:21

I'm struggling to stay motivated. The loss of structure makes it difficult.

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