February 9 is faster than you think
In 26 days and 13 hours it will be February 9. No idea if you can do a round through a Hema again or if I can have paint mixed at a hardware store, but it's that magical dot on the horizon that everyone is always so busy about. How do you prevent yourself from counting down the days while eating fast food in sweatpants? Well, like this.
1. Skip the news
Just delete that NOS app. Am I really saying this? Yes, I am really saying this. The more misery in the world you absorb, the longer that lockdown lasts. The same goes for social media: it’s quite nice to spend a day without absurd theories from self-proclaimed experts or questioners. Unplugging is healthy, psychologists say.
2. Start meditating
Even the most down-to-earth people are doing it these days. Meditation makes it easier to deal with difficult situations, like this lockdown. A short breathing exercise in the morning is enough to calm our system.
3. Dance, dance, dance
Sitting around in your sweatpants makes little joy happen. You’re much happier when you dance for five minutes every day to your favorite (whether extremely cheesy or not) song. I’ll turn on my Foute Friday playlist in a bit. The Mamma Mia workout by Emily Thorne on YouTube is also said to guarantee a smile.
4. Go on walking dates
A small splash of glühwein in a thermos, a thick sleeping bag jacket on, and off you go. You can take a city walk, but I prefer to hit the beach or the woods. I always check Backtonaturehikes.nl for beautiful routes. Plan a new route every week on a day off and walk a kilometer longer. You’ll easily reach 10+ kilometers.
5. Plan your breaks
This is a must if you want to get through your workday decently. I quickly fall into working non-stop, while I am much more productive if I walk around or enjoy a nice lunch in between. That’s why I start my day with an hourly schedule. From walking the dog to preparing my stir-fry and answering my emails: I write everything down. With start and end times. This creates rhythm and I don’t fall into endlessly sitting behind my laptop.
6. Listen to your body
Almost all psychologists agree on this: try to notice how your body feels. Do you feel like calling a friend? Do it. Need to go to bed early? Listen. Do you want to spend a day with Netflix and a bowl of popcorn? Take the time for that. It’s important to listen to what you need in this crazy time.
7. Swap houses for a week
This is for all the remote workers among us: plan a midweek in another house halfway through these 26 days. You can book something nice, especially during the week there are plenty of cottages available, but you can also swap with friends or family in the north or south of the country. Work continues, but in a different environment. Joe, I’m just looking for a cabin in the woods.
