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Original poster

Feeling bored and trapped and stressed by the relentless Groundhog Day. What can I do to change it up?

24 replies

cerealmilk · 03/04/2020 22:37

Just that really.

The thought of another day of the same is making me feel really flat.

What can I do to change my days at home up? (Have young kids so that always limits me!)

Anything you’ve been doing during lockdown that is fun and distracting?

(Am also angry with myself because I have a big work project to do - but isn’t due any time soon - and can’t get my head in the right space to do it well during home schooling etc!)

OP posts:

AnneLovesGilbert · 03/04/2020 22:40

Are you making the most of getting out for exercise everyday?

Fresh air helps loads.

Lampan · 03/04/2020 22:43

I have actually found that having a routine and sticking to it seems to be working for me. At first I was just doing whatever, whenever but now I’m more into the swing of things and it gives me less time to think and it’s easier just to get on with things.
I make time every day for one housework type task, no matter how small, and some time for a hobby.

Original poster

cerealmilk · 03/04/2020 22:44

Yes but unfortunately, in london, it’s really busy and a bit stressful both in the parks, and walking to the parks. I don’t stay out more than an hour, as it’s too hard to avoid people - especially with my youngest child who just doesn’t get it.

OP posts:

Original poster

cerealmilk · 03/04/2020 22:45

That’s a good idea, Lampan. I’ve been doing plenty of housework, but not so much any hobby. When my kids go to bed, I turn on the tv and eat Easter eggs

OP posts:

FuckingGregg · 03/04/2020 22:50

I feel exactly the same. I am wfh but don't have children which must be much harder

Namelesswonder · 03/04/2020 22:51

Me too. I get up, go to spare room where my desk is, wfh for 12 hours or so (NHS back office, very busy) eat, watch tv, maybe have a quick walk, interact with family, sleep. Repeat. 6 days a week. Groundhog Day describes it perfectly. And I’m getting fed up with it!

Biensur40 · 03/04/2020 22:55

I feel your pain. I have had good days and bad days. I think apart from fresh air, avoid thinking ahead too much, if you can. Focus on the moment you are in and think in half-hour increments. For example, I am going to do half an hour of work before half an hour of hobby or whatever. Also, I have downloaded the Headspace app and on days when I do that, I feel much better and more in control of my thoughts. Also, doing a crossword and reading something (a bit) challenging intellectually stops me feeling quite as bored.

jenganinja · 03/04/2020 22:59

Be kind to yourself. Is there anything you could do to look forward to eg a bath, a new book, a movie?
But don't worry about achieving anything, most people aren't. Just cope as best you can. I actually want an Easter egg now, that sounds good

Mitsouko67 · 03/04/2020 23:03

I was feeling like this during the week but thankfully the low mood has lifted now.

Wfh but work slow, cold in the house, tension over schoolwork, just not easy.

Really missing coffee opportunitieshop but

I think reading might be the solution.

Mitsouko67 · 03/04/2020 23:05

Apologies for gobbledegook, posted too soon.

42isthemeaning · 03/04/2020 23:09

Having a routine and going outside for a little while (as pps have already said) is really helpful. I'd also add video calling friends / family as being beneficial. We've managed to play board games with a far off relative which the dc have loved.

WarmSausageTea · 03/04/2020 23:13

Can you find some chores that usually get overlooked or that you never seem to have time for?

Yesterday I sorted out a load of paperwork; not all of it, but a broke the back of it. Today I sorted out books and DVDs to get rid of; again not all, but stopped when I wanted to. I’ll do more tomorrow after breakfast.

Nothing earth shattering in the scheme of things, but I do feel that I’ve achieved something in the last couple of days.

I appreciate it’s not so easy when you’ve got to keep kids amused, but if you can get into the habit of getting something done each day, it might get you into the right headspace for doing more - and eventually cracking the dreaded work project.

Daph31 · 03/04/2020 23:13

I feel the same. Really young kids. Haven’t actually taken them out anywhere for 2 weeks. Can’t even sit in garden as the next door neighbour keeps kicking his bloody football which nearly hit me and baby in the head so avoiding outside. Is it okay to go park then? I wasn’t sure

BasilDiffuser · 04/04/2020 07:05

You can go to to the park for a walk but not use the play equipment. We’ve not been going to the park as DD wouldn’t understand and that would course upset.
I’ve found having one big sorting out job a day helps. I am starting to rub out of big jobs though. And some sort of routine. But I have been flexible with it. DD doesn’t have much of an attention span which makes the days long.
I give myself something to look forward to after DD is in bed every night. Something that wouldn’t have seemed like much before. Like lighting a new candle or a hot bath. Plus each day we get through is a day closer to normality.

Teacher12345 · 04/04/2020 07:39

I am struggling too. DD gets up at 6 and the day feels so long!
I feel like everything revolves around mealtimes and trying to get the kids off their ipads.
The first week wasn't too bad as I was working from home so had structure and being off school was a novelty. Second week, I was still working but had alot less to do and the kids were starting to get bored. Now I am on annual leave I am trying to get through some deep cleaning but I find that the less you do, the less you can be bothered doing!

pumpkinpie01 · 04/04/2020 08:19

I second the having a routine, I have been furloughed so am at home now with ds6. I'm the kind of person who is always out and about doing stuff so I thought I would feel very claustrophobic but a routine has helped me immensely. Ds6 is allowed tv on for hour and a half in morning it does not go back on til 4.30 . Exercise from you tube first , then hour of school work followed by David walliams at 11. Then he has to amuse himself for an hour while I do housework. Lunch next followed by dog walk then either half hour of schoolwork or painting etc after that it's 4.30 and he can have the tv/screen time. The day goes a lot quicker than I expected.

Original poster

cerealmilk · 04/04/2020 09:10

I really like the idea of something to look forward to when the kids are in bed!

Usually I’m an avid reader. But lately, I’ve been glued to my phone or the tv instead!

I’m going to try some structure, too. I think it’ll help!

Parks around here are open, though I know some boroughs have closed theirs. If they weren’t open, there would be no green space at all to take my dog so I’m relieved! Though I know some locals are angry and want the parks closed. I suspect if they’re very busy this weekend they might close them...

OP posts:

MrsT1405 · 04/04/2020 09:30

I'm really,really struggling at the moment.
On day 21 of total lockdown in Spain. Not allowed out for exercise. I was ok at first, baking, knitting, crafting generally but now I cant seem to motivate myself at all. I get up, shower and that's it. Surf the net and play computer games. Any tips on actually achieving something? I'm retired and live with a nice kind dh. Its ridiculous that I cant get off my arse.

highlandcoo · 04/04/2020 09:46

For anyone who has always fancied learning a language, Duolingo is really good. And free! It's fun and not pressured and you do as much or as little as you like each time. I am starting my day with 45 minutes of Italian. We were supposed to be going there for a big birthday this summer but obviously that won't be happening now. I'm looking ahead to the following year though and hoping to be speaking the language fairly well by then.

I'm also doing Joe Wicks exercise each morning which means I feel less guilty at reading for the rest of the day .. which is really how I prefer to spend my time!

I'm reading and setting myself targets like 100 pages a day (Trollope at the moment so not a fast read). A couple of weeks ago my concentration was shot to pieces but it's improving now.

One household job a day sounds like a good idea. I've been doing one big clean a week as usual but a small amount each day might work better.

Last night we played cards which was a nice change from TV.

It's a bit boring but it's doable and when I think about how hard it is for lots of other people I have nothing to complain about.

Biensur40 · 04/04/2020 09:50

@Daph31 To me, It's not fair that you feel you can't use your garden. Can you have a polite word to neighbours if that carries on as everyone is entitled to peaceful enjoyment of their home? Maybe the 8yo can play a different game?! We can still go ri open spaces/parks right now for exercise but not in playgrounds.

@MrsT1 we are not on day 21 yet so I may very well be the same by then but how about setting yourself a schedule ie writing down what you do and when? Would that help? I have been binge watching YouTube cleaning videos which gets me to do housework and organising alongside them.

Biensur40 · 04/04/2020 09:51

Hope I don't sound preachy/patronising. Just trying to keep myself going too.

Original poster

cerealmilk · 04/04/2020 10:52

I love the setting targets! I’m going to do that!

I had bought a 1000-piece puzzle about a year ago and never started it. Can’t find it now, which is a shame as this would be the perfect time

OP posts:

mrswhiplington · 04/04/2020 11:41

I was just coming on to say we bought a 1,000 piece jigsaw a week ago. It's great, keeps my mind occupied for ages. DH and DD have done some too. I put my music on when doing it and the times flies by. When it's finished I'm thinking of starting it again.

Biensur40 · 04/04/2020 12:17

Been watching this to encourage decluttering

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