I’ve been thinking about how COVID has been a great time to establish new behaviors and a new routine/schedule. Specifically, with most of us working from home. Yet, I keep reading articles about zoom fatigue (which I completely understand) and people commenting that they can’t get into a routine, that their old routine is gone and they haven’t established a new one (in this case for working out, meals, etc). I hear similar things from clients I’ve worked with and others I’ve talked to.
I was watching the US Open golf tournament this past weekend. Bryson DeChambeau won the tournament. His strategy as a player has caused some controversy throughout the PGA and golf world. He basically talked about taking the time he got back, during COVID, to completely change his approach to his sport, as a golf professional. He had more time to workout, practice and refocus.
This conversation prompted a discussion with my husband about how I’ve been talking to people that are just off their game and have found themselves stressed and haven’t used this time in a positive way. That is to say they haven’t made the positive changes to their lifestyle that they could have.
The time that we’ve been given can be used for good. Good in that we take the time to help ourselves. To create healthy sustainable habits. To establish new routines, to take advantage of no commute if you work from home now. It’s a great time to re-evaluate your routine. Part of it is getting the vision for what you want your life to look like. When I left the corporate world, I thought, “What do I want my days to look like”? I wanted to establish my “power hour” (see previous blog post). That is, a morning routine that starts my day with intention and knocks out the workout, that should it linger I’ll simply lose interest in completing. If I do anything for myself in a given day, it’s going to be to move. I must do something. HIIT training, yoga, golf, or run. Depending on the day. I created a schedule for myself and I stick to it. Even if I get going a bit later than usual, due to some unusual circumstance that is unexpected. I also made a decision that I would incorporate more veggies into my diet. I was at home and there was absolutely no reason to ignore this self imposed ‘rule’. I try to reach for baby carrots, broccoli with “Everything But The Bagel” hummus, or celery and peanut butter when I’m ready for a snack, or include it in my lunch.
I wrote a book. Because, what else am I doing?! I knew it would be good for my business and could be a passive income stream for me long term. I talk about establishing a vision and importance of mindset in the book. One of my favorite lines in the book is “… just start. Take one step. One small thing. Take a walk. Eat an apple. Drink a glass of water. It can be as small as that. Just begin”.
Take advantage of the time you’ve been given back. I spoke to a friend a while ago that stated he felt like he got a raise. He now works from home, doesn’t commute and is finding peace working for a company he was struggling with prior to COVID. In addition to a new routine of incorporating movement and cooking (a passion of his), into his everyday life.
I came across an article about the importance of taking a walk outside during the workday. I’m sharing here with this link:
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/why-you-should-take-a-walk-outside-during-the-workday/?utm_content=buffere25a6&utm_medium=Arianna&utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_campaign=Buffer
The link to my book is:
https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Start-Weight-Living-Vitality-ebook/dp/B08FFBBB82/ref=sr_1_1dchild=1&keywords=the+quick+start+guide+to+weight+loss+and+living+with+vitality&qid=1597069276&sr=8-1
There is another new book out as well, about taking micro-steps to make positive changes. It is available for pre-order, but sounds like it’s going to be a great read.
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/your-time-to-thrive-book-power-of-microsteps-to-improve-your-life/
I hope you rethink your time, if you haven't taken advantage of the break that COVID social distancing and staying home regularly, offers. Call me if you need to 'Get Back In The Game' (see my package on my services page)!