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Is lock down making you lazy.....

(255 Posts)
travelsafar Sat 14-Nov-20 09:45:35

Being as the dark nights and colder weather now rolling in i find myself starting to get lazy. In the last LD i worked every day in the garden and also walked. Now i walk for an hour a day and after completing necessary chores, time is on my hands. I have things i could do but i can't be bothered. Before there was a sense of urgency to complete tasks as i had social activities to go to, family and friends to visit and meet up with. In the summer there was the nuturing of plants in the greenhouse and garden and even after evening meal the watering of both to be done. I find myself spending more time trawling on the internet or sitting watching tv and knitting. I dont like it, is this the slippery slope to complete inactivity!!!! I also find that y diet is also up the creek because i get up later i have breakfast later, dont want lunch and make do with a cuppa and some bics around 3ish. Rarely do i want an evening meal but have to cook for DH so make myself eat something. I feel the whole stucture of my daily life has disappeared.

Alioop Sun 15-Nov-20 10:45:54

I have thought the last 3 mornings I'm going to bake- not happened. Hall needs painted, got paint, but not the enthusiasm to do it. Weather is horrible and getting my dog out once a day because she won't walk in it. Summer we walked for miles and decorated the majority of the house. Long winter ahead...

Soniah Sun 15-Nov-20 10:48:06

I still walk 4 or 5 miles most days, have started short walk and talk groups for my WI on Mondays and Wednesdays, has gone down well, esp for people living alone and dogs are welcome so those who want can give them a fuss, we are in Wales so not in lockdown, although outside we wear masks as it is easy to forget and get a bit close, I have kept the book group going on zoom or outdoors but next week we're meeting in the hall, have kept WI going and we had 10 new members in January and have had 7 more since lockdown, I write and layout some of the pages for our Town magazine, tend my many indoors plants a the cuttings in the conservatory, go to lots of online courses, talks, workshops, guided tours and theatre most of which is free, try to find time to read a bit and watch a few things on TV, write my plague diary etc etc, I'm as busy now as ever so don't think I'm getting lazy though staying in bed a bit longer if it is cold and wet is tempting!

Bigjohn Sun 15-Nov-20 10:51:11

That's a good idea I think I need to make a list ?

Dorset Sun 15-Nov-20 10:51:15

What a wonderful and much needed topic!. I was starting to think I must be the only person whose routine has gone. I too answer the door to the postman door half open not wanting him to ask if I was unwell! ? strange times. I think the weather, times etc has upset all that was once normal.

biba70 Sun 15-Nov-20 10:52:56

Kalu, I am sorry to hear and know I am very lucky that I have never suffered from true depression. My sympathy does indeed go to anyone who feels they just cannot motivate themselves in the current situation- and I am sure the terrible weather does not help.

I can't help it, but it is another gorgeous day up here, bright sunny and warm (for time of year, 15C) - and I shall be out most of the day. Not boasting- but it is the title of the thread.

Just signed up for a 6 months professional on-line course in acupressure to keep me busy when weather turns and I can't be out there on xc skis or on the slopes. I have been learning from the beginning of the year, and it is fascinating and just as effective as acupuncture, and works in the same way. I shall get certification in the Spring. Sharing the course with a young British friend who is a young mum and unemployed at the mo.

Spec1alk Sun 15-Nov-20 10:58:18

Yes, I find I’m doing less and less as the weeks wear on. I’m trying to rationalise this as change of season or lockdown blues but I would like to see light at the end of the tunnel.

NanaPlenty Sun 15-Nov-20 10:59:14

I’m just pleased to hear from everyone on here that we aren’t the only ones struggling. We really have little to complain about which just makes me feel worse. I cannot stand much more of being indoors, stuck together 24:7. My DH doesn’t sleep well so the day is starting around 11. Maybe midday he will go in the shed for a few hours. Every morning I wake and wonder what day it is. Even I am sleeping later. Hate the short days and dark nights at the best of times. Miss people, my kind de, my grandchildren and my social
Life. Trying to keep busy but really there’s only so much tidying and cooking you can do. Have lost the motivation to walk every day as I’m fed up with going up and down the same roads......when will this end.

Moggycuddler Sun 15-Nov-20 11:05:56

Not really made me lazy, I still get up at a "decent" time and showered, dressed. Try to keep to a routine. But it's easier because I'm living with DH and daughter who is working from home. It must be much easier to slide a bit when you live alone. The situation is making me feel a bit depressed though. And eating too much, and more sweet things than before.

Hetty58 Sun 15-Nov-20 11:06:37

Alioop, my dog won't walk in it either. I only got to the end of the road, yesterday, and she decided that light drizzle was enough to turn and head home. What a wimp!

Coconut, the lists, I have several (kitchen, mantelpiece, by the computer and coat pocket) - oh yes, I'm brilliant at writing lists. What I have great trouble with, is actually doing stuff and ticking things off!

I think, in fact, the lists are getting longer!

Nannan2 Sun 15-Nov-20 11:09:27

Same Maddyone-its going to be bloody depressing if this is how it is for rest of my life im only 57! Hopefully ive ages left yet but if we darent go anywhere or do anything its going to be hard going isnt it?! Yes maddyone in pj's a lot these days!?im having quick brew then going to start lunch.?Honestly, all my lads (21&17) seem to do is lurch from one mealtime to next.?(so guess it effects them too)

Nannan2 Sun 15-Nov-20 11:14:04

Hetty- yes am a great believer in lists! You're right, its the getting round to the things on them that's the trouble? I was ok first lockdown, got a few things done, but have not much motivation this time- but i guess with bad weather too there's not as much inclination?

Jillybird Sun 15-Nov-20 11:15:12

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

reelashosser Sun 15-Nov-20 11:15:12

I was finding life difficult and was frequently still in my pj's at 10.30 in the morning. So two weeks ago I started setting the alarm for 7.00 am, and it has made a big difference. I don't necessarily get up at that time, usually around 8 am, but I'm breakfasted and dressed ready for the day around 9 am, so have longer mornings to do some work and catch up with things. It's made such a difference to how I feel.

Kalu Sun 15-Nov-20 11:15:38

biba, I have never suffered with depression, true or otherwise. What I and as you have read, many are are going through is a slump, due to wading through unknown territory in such uncertain types.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and indeed the terrible weather plays a big part in our psyche. What a pity then that you couldn’t help but mention what a glorious sunny day you are having in your country. You may think I am being a bit harsh but, on a thread where I may read how down people are feeling and the bad weather, which is making matters worse, was perhaps a bit tactless.

Kalu Sun 15-Nov-20 11:16:10

Uncertain times.

Nannan2 Sun 15-Nov-20 11:20:33

I'm usually quite a 'glass half- full' type but really its all been a bit much for a lot of us this year- and light at the end of the tunnel if this vaccine works, but would be happier if they had had longer to be testing it out first- i think they're running before they can walk really?

Parsley3 Sun 15-Nov-20 11:25:03

I don’t know if I am lazier, but I am certainly slower in completing tasks. This is partly due to making them last to fill my time and to do this I am paying more attention to detail.
My biggest problem is that I can’t plan ahead just now to visit family or go on holiday. Therefore, there is little to look forward to.
On the plus side, I have discovered the joy of walking which I could see no attraction in before. Every cloud....

EEJit Sun 15-Nov-20 11:25:16

No. I was lazy tobegin with.

Nannina Sun 15-Nov-20 11:28:34

I got like this quite quickly whilst living alone and shielding during first lockdown and had to have a strong word with myself and set a structure to my day e.g a bit of housework each day instead of a weekly blitz, a quota of gardening, reading, crafting, in the garden and keeping in touch. Fed up of the same meals I took to entering ingredients in the fridge in google and came up with new recipes to try. I’ve got the same schedule this time (minus garden) but have the pleasure of bi weekly visits from my son as my support bubble.

Kalu Sun 15-Nov-20 11:29:16

This feeling has hit so many of us out of the blue Nannan. I was keeping going, feeling positive and relieved so much negativity falling on us was thankfully, not, affecting my mental health but I really have been knocked for six trying to deal with this unfamiliar mindset.

Joesoap Sun 15-Nov-20 11:29:42

I am so pleased I am not on my own feeling lazy, a thing I hate to be, lazy.Try to have one project a day,but it seldom happens,up at 9am, wander around in dressing gown to about 11 am, then panic and get dressed quickly in case someone calls! thats not very likely though, Tomorrow maybe better

Callistemon Sun 15-Nov-20 11:33:07

I am certainly slower in completing tasks
I'm slower anyway nowadays but it's getting started that is my problem!
Actually, if I get fed up with something, finishing a task is a problem too.

travelsafar I can understand how you feel if you should have been on a wonderful holiday.

The sunshine is out today! It looks a bit more inviting outside.

jocork Sun 15-Nov-20 11:36:11

Lockdown couldn't make me lazy as I've always been lazy, especially around chores. I could procrastinate for England, and often don't function at all until a deadline is close. I do agree though that this time is harder because of the time of year, and for me because I retired at the end of October so there is less structure than before. I have made myself a 'To Do' list. I try to cross something off every day though I often add more than I cross off! But even small achievements make me feel better. I've just noticed the sun has come out so perhaps I'll venture out soon. The garden needs work still and every time I considered it this week it was raining.

rowanflower0 Sun 15-Nov-20 11:37:23

I am finding that this time round, I lack the motivation to do anything and so do lots of friends. Not being able to potter in the garden doesn't help!
I have planted sweet pea seeds indoors and ordered tomato, pepper, chilli and aubergine seeds to plant indoors in January, but that is the best I can manage, along with indoor winter herbs - can only suggest that you try the same. Good luck.

Lilyflower Sun 15-Nov-20 11:38:24

Get a Fitbit and do 10,000 steps a day.
Have a daily 'To Do' list and cross off things as you do them.
Decorate a room.
Read a book, so many pages a day.
Make a fuss about meals: set the table, add some ceremony.
Have tasks and rewards, i.e., no TV until the Hoovering is done.
Routines and habits bring focus and prevent apathy.