I appreciated your being honest about your life not being dramatically and negatively affected. The transparency is nice, and it decreases the likelihood of annoying internet trolls (hopefully). I am also building a reading at home habit because I would only read on my commutes. Now I read before work (if I happen to wake up early) or after dinner/evening. But my partner is always home, so sometimes I feel obligated to play games and hang out with him too! lol
On weekends, I've gotten into the habit of getting up, making some tea, and reading for an hour. That period of quiet before I "start" my day has been a *game changer* in terms of my mood and general happiness!
My partner and I started a project about a month ago we call “Project Brain Chemistry!” which has been all about doing stuff that feels good (and promotes lasting feel-good chemicals) like exercising, going outside, and getting enough sleep. It felt like a good way to build habits that feel good and help us not fall into a depressed mood, while taking off the pressure of feeling like we had to do them to maximize productivity.
I'm a full time student and one change I've done is working only on weekdays, that way I have a screen-free weekend. This helps with my migraines and also I've been getting my reading on these days. Before lookdown I used to read maybe 1 book a year because of the amount of schoolwork and readings, but know I've managed to read about 4 books a month since July and I'm super happy with this. Much love
After a few weeks of working from home, I realized I was really missing the transition of a commute. So I started in the mornings, either sitting outside on my deck and reading or going for a walk and listening to a podcast or audio book. I don't as much need the transition in the afternoons, but I do sometimes sit outside and read or talk to family if I have time between finishing work and needing to start dinner. That's been the main time that I fit reading in
I've been think about the "posting on social media for the sake of posting" recently and realized that I appreciate when influensers post things that actually matter to them and more seldom rather than daily. I like to spend some of my time going though well though posts but I feel that I waste time and feel bad about it when I sit through "meaningless" posts. So the mentally of posting affects the time spent by your followers as well and I very much appreciate that you are leaning more towards posting less and better content :).
I’m so grateful that you acknowledged your relative privilege at the beginning. I’m not an essential worker but my bosses have me working from the office every day and I am so slammed and stressed by my workload. So I am jealous of people who are able to slow down. Yet I too am so lucky to still have a job and I’m fortunate that I don’t have children to watch all day.
This is super interesting. It's really hard to pinpoint what's been a change of habit due to lockdown and what has been due to pregnancy. I was 13 weeks when lockdown first happened and I'm now 35 weeks, I went straight from furlough to holiday to maternity leave (and was off 4 weeks prior due to morning sickness being so bad) so I've been at home for so bloody long. I've spent 6 months at home with no responsibilities beyond looking after myself and my bump. I've learned so much about myself, my own needs and wants, and how little I was caring for myself before. I've also been so lucky to be so in tune with my baby. I would never have had this bonding time otherwise, and while it hasn't been an easy pregnancy, and having my husband not be able to come to appointments has been really emotionally taxing, I'm so grateful for this experience. Also, I noticed how much my mental health picked up from not being at my job. I won't be returning after maternity leave, I hate my job so much. I'm so much happier when I'm not there
i think the main habit that i’ve developed during quarantine has been doing yoga every morning. the combination of not having anywhere to go, accountability from monthly calendars (thx yoga with adriene), and the mental necessity of it due to how difficult this year has been has really made me stick with it when in past years i’ve fallen off of it quickly
As a student my routine changed to having a set amount of time each day that I do my writing. At the beginning of lockdown it was 500 words a day had to be written. Now that lockdown has lessened (but also my deadline is nearer) it's 800. But after those words I give myself screen free time and make sure to go outside. Thank you for sharing with us your routine and habits as well. Seeing how other people who enjoy being and are busy have changed their routines really help me.
Regarding reading at home, i've often heard it's good to get into a routine by reading at the same time every day. Before bed is the typical one but i often find i'm too tired, and first thing after breakfast is often the perfect time to read for a bit - you're full of energy so it's the best time to delve into something you need focus for, like reading.
My life become way better since lockdown, I've never been this calm and focused before, and It makes me happy to see other people talkig openly about it, cause yes, the world is going trough something difficult now but that doesnt mean we have to make us miserable to "match" with it. It's not shameful to have a good time during all of this.
I think that the main thing that has helped me form a reading at home habit has been: pick a tv show to watch while you have the meal (cause mostly I start watching TV when I eat lunch/dinner and then it just keeps going until I go to bed), and then when the episode is over, even if you've only just finished eating, don't automatically go onto the next episode. pick up a book instead. this worked for me, at any rate, mostly because I used to just keep saying "just one more" multiple times, when if I limit myself to JUST ONE it doesn't turn into me going "just one more, just one more"
The main thing that changed for me was starting a physical to-do list. I was always out and about and didn’t want to carry it around but writing things down just cements it into my brain SO much more
About the reading: I found seeing reading as my re-charge thing made a huge difference. Me personally, I don’t relax watching tv, but I do reading. So even though I don’t read everyday, I find it easier to pick up my book, because I sort of reminded myself that I actually really enjoy reading in my lunch break and occasionally in the evenings. And I’m so happy about that 😊
One routine/habit that I've changed is getting up around the same time each day. My alarm is set for 7am and either I get up or sleep til 830. Which makes me feel like I've got more time in the day to get things done. Also it helps on the days that I work earlier so I'm not so tired.
Having a post lunch lie down for 15-20 has replaced a walk through a parking structure. Also, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" has become a thing for good and bad.
I have also been working on my reading habit, and the thing that has worked the best for me is keeping my book close and limiting the amount of time I would be spending on my phone on social media. I've found social media has been quite toxic lately and this has helped set a boundary for myself and limit that mindless scrolling, and I did not realize how much I actually read in 15 minutes. Every time I start to reach for myself, I stop myself and grab my book instead
I usually listen to podcasts (like yours!) on my drive in to work. Since I moved closer to work, its a 5-10 minute drive and I don't listen to podcasts anymore. BUT we're watching a friend's house and the drive is now 30 minutes, so I can listen to podcasts again! YAY!
I live in Michigan in the USA. We are mostly reopened but, with chronic illness that leaves me with a slightly worse immune system, I just don't like going out. I have limited my outings to most weeks I go with my husband to the grocery on Saturday morning. I go to church Sunday morning, which has made many social distancing changes. The only other time I leave the house are doctor appointments.
Get a real comfortable chair and call it the reading chair, in which you can only sit in it whilst reading. I have an IKEA Stocksund chair that is super comfortable. I didn't have a social media presence until I broke down and started my TH-cam channel. That's really the largest change I've done.
I'm still working from home so that's the biggest change for me. We are doing a phased return from September but I will be working from home much more as a permanent thing as it just gives me a much better work life balance without the commute!
I wish my office was like yours. We do not have much work in our office due to corona and i work like 5hrs instead of 8.5h, wish i could sleep in a little 🙈
I’m totally the same with exercise in lockdown - I think it’s partly because so much of life is just the same at the moment, mixing up exercise is one thing I can control !
I've dipped up & down. Mostly i don't go out v much if at all most weeks, and I'm not taking care of myself properly always. I have odd bursts of creativity or sorting stuff or something but it comes & goes v quickly. What i have noticed though is that I feel less pressure to constantly put on a front. I study performing arts at college & when I'm there I'm often conscious of how i dress and what I'm doing & just generally am not totally comfortable around ppl to just not be awkward. So inadvertently its been nice to not worry about expectations. I think its also made me start to love my body more? Like I barely looked at it before lockdown, but after building a body postive space I'm getting more ok & happy with that. I just hope i can carry that through when i have to return to college in a few weeks & just in everday life. Sorry, this became a rant- i just needed to get stuff off my chest.
I just bought myself an elliptical. Realistically, I don't feel comfortable going back to the gym either, but I also can't run and I'm a bit over "normal" home workouts, and walks don't cut it for me. So, I invested in my health, knowing that in the past I used to use a home elliptical very often when I had access to it. It's arriving in a few days and I'm very excited!
I also tend to not leave the house because I study inside all day (I am a uni student) and the heat does not help! What I do is go outside at night, usually after dinner, have a walk, enjoy the nightly breeze. I suggest you try the same ;)
From what I've learned, it's great to change up your workouts every now and then. That way your body won't get used to that specific workout and you keep challenging different muscles! Ps. It's inspiring to hear about all your fun workouts, especially now that you seem to change them every month or so :)
I listen to my books and meanwhile I take a walk/cook food/play some mindless games/do the mindless part of sewing. As long as the task doesn't require me to think, I'm good, but I also suck at *just* listening to a book. I prefer to have my hands occupied in some way or another.
I often sit down and read for 2-3 hours and treat it as the equivalent of watching a movie! Snuggling up with snacks and a blanket and no plans to move for the next 3 hours is just as enjoyable for a book than a movie :) Maybe that thinking style could help you read more at home if you're in the habit of watching films regularly? Just swap the film for a book!
What a timely video! I was just thinking about the habits I've changed in lockdown. I think the biggest change for me is that I started using a to-do list app (I use TickTick, but it seems similar to Todolist). Honestly? Life-changing. It has a built-in habit tracker and recurring tasks (but I really like being held accountable like that as if I don't have tasks in a list I often forget what I have to do and feel disappointed later). I feel like my world has opened up, I've been so much more productive, and I have been able to manage my time a lot better and I feel like I'm actually building a solid foundation, whereas before this I felt like I was always treading on water. Having the time in lockdown to actually sit down and set it all up has been game-changing, as if I didn't have that I would probably still be putting it off. I've been working really hard to start to get into a more normal routine, as I am naturally a bit of a night owl and I find if I am not strict on my bedtime I get tired and sleep in. I've been putting a lot of effort into establishing good sleep hygiene, getting into bed earlier, and not using any devices in bed. This has resulted in me reading a lot more in bed, something that I did not do as much as I liked as I felt like I was too busy to make time for it. At this point though, I look forward to reading every night and I definitely think it will continue post lockdown. I recently bought myself a Kindle as I have an ever-growing list of books I want to read and very limited space on my bookshelf. It hasn't arrived yet, but I have heard nothing but good things about them and I like the idea of being able to take my entire library wherever I go! I've also been working on my habits around waking up- I used to have my phone next to my bed and in the morning I'd either snooze my alarm, or stay in bed and scroll on social media. I've gotten into the habit of keeping my phone on my desk so I have to physically get out of bed to turn it off, and instead of going straight on social media I've been smashing out a few lessons on duolingo! I find that doing that first thing in the morning really wakes me up and makes me feel motivated. Slightly unrelated, but in the last few months I have been formally diagnosed with ADHD, which looking back explains so much. Since then I've been doing a lot of work to research how my brain works, and what I can do to support myself and to manage my ADHD. Having these answers, and an actual explanation as to why I constantly feel like I'm a chaotic mess regardless of the effort I put in to stay on top of everything has been a huge relief. It's nice to finally realise that I'm not just lazy or unmotivated, and the 'personality flaws' I thought I had are just symptoms that I can have support to work through, or at least be aware of. Being aware that I struggle with time blindness for example has allowed me to almost not trust my brain when I tell myself I've got time (when I very clearly don't lol). Having a little more time in my day and a more free schedule has allowed me to actually look at what I've been doing and I have the time to make changes to my lifestyle and habit with less pressure. As much as it sucks to be stuck in a pandemic, for my personal development, this has come at a great time and I've been trying to see the good in the terribleness that is 2020 and to use it to improve myself.
Can relate to the stains on a new mattress. I normally always knew when my period was starting including waking up just as it's starting. Month 2 of a new mattress and I woke up to Aunty Flow in the bed with me..... Also I'm surprised you can't get bigger stoma bags for night time like pads....
There's a thing you can put on top of your matress to avoid any accidents staining it. I don't know what it's called in English but it's incredibly useful.
As a 15-year-old disabled/chronically ill girl(ish) i've had an odd experience of lockdown. Because I am in the "at risk" group the only reasons I've left the house since March are to go to hospital and to my GP, and I'm already home most of the time. Something I've been doing since lockdown is writing for at least an hour a day if i can, I've started a writing what I hope will develop into a book and I'm quite proud of it, but i've also had to learn not to try and write if i don't have the energy or ability to. I've also stopped writing to-do lists at all and I feel much better about what I can acheive in a day now.
I have a pretty good habit of reading at home, and honestly I think because reading is (or should be) something you do because you just genuinely want to the habit should feel quite natural and easy to build, even though you might have to kind of consciously make yourself do it at first. I have a habit of making a cup of tea and then reading first thing every morning, which I just feel is such a good start to the day - it's a slow and easy way to wake my brain up and it's just nice to have some quiet me-time before getting to work. I also always read before going to bed which, again, feels good and natural because it's a great way to unwind (usually.. depends on the book). So just figure out what feels really good to you and then try to build a habit out of it the same way you would with any habit - by repeating it :)
reading at home was my main struggle when the lockdown hit! It's soooo haaaard when you read for years just in public transport, so I totally feel you on that. I basically just completely stopped for months, and then I went to the office again and read 11 books in one month lmao. I will need to build a habit for home pretty soon tho, cuz I'm starting to freelance in a week. When I told my friend about my struggles, she recommended reading 1st thing in the morning and just before bed, but other than that just prioritizing which is hard when, ya know, you have work to do all the time argh >:C
I can’t wait to watch after I’m out of classes for the day!! I’ve definitely made some big changes during lockdown, and I feel so out of place now when interacting with people in-person
I use Fitness Blender programmes for exercise, they're designed by personal trainers and are affordable. It's great to hold you accountable (you get a workout complete tick on the calendar which is satisfying) and offers loads of variety which has made me stick with it for years!
I started running because I can't go to gym. I love it. Also, I have made a a permanent decision to keep my cat Oscar inside. He's twelve and not as spry as he used to be. He's a LOT happier but it has taken a while. He used to like to lay around the garden. Now he does the same thing inside.
I actually rejoice in my gym membership now! It is a very very small one with a lot of safety regulations (there were 3 people today). It's 2km from my house (still take the car) and you need to reserve your hour but it holds me accountable!!! I have been 16 times in less than 2 months (max 2 times a week allowed for my plan). Also without the commute I can be there 10min after I finish work which I love. ♥️
Absolutely fascinating video. Now I wonder if when things like shoots and things eventually start up - maybe in a year or 18 months from now - I wonder if you will be more inclined to prioritize your own schedule and say "no" to many of those things or at least set limits on when you can do them. That will be very interesting to see (and I hope you do prioritize your own schedule - schedules are very helpful and stabilizing things!)
Most noticable for me is that I have become better at saying no to things. As the first "my calendar is suddenly empty" hit, I realised actually how much "too much" I had going on and how freeing it is to just do some things and realise that things can wait. So after that I have become more hesitant to saying yes to things and actually considering my choises. Otherwise it's quite the same as before, as I was already doing most of my univerity studies from home this spring and this summer I have had my summerjob (that is outside) as usual. Now when the studies start again I think this situation will affect me more than it has done in many months.
i just LOVE how you pronounce "personally" lol i apreciate your accent so much! and your videos, of course. loved this one! you're always an inspiration!!! lots of love
Honestly lockdown hasn't changed much in my life because I am mostly housebound, and have been for 9 years, so other than not being able to do my own groceries, everything is the same. However, when I wasn't able to see my girlfriend for 10 weeks, I had a little more energy so was able to do a little more housework and crafts. I've tried setting days for certain things, but my body doesn't work like that, so I've settled for an order in which I do things, when I'm able to do something. Reading is something I've also been trying to do more of. So far I've found reading at night is something I want to do, but am rarely able to due to being so exhausted by the end of the day. So I'm trying to add reading to my current routine - reading while I drink my morning coffee instead of playing games on my Kindle and watching TH-cam for example. While I'm still not reading as much as I'd like, I am now reading most days. I think the key is not to berate yourself if you don't manage it one day, and also don't use that as an excuse not to do it the next day as before you know it, a month will have gone by without doing it, and that habit has gone completely.
So interesting to see how things have changed for you! I've just started to feel like I was getting into a good grove and now work wants me to go back into the office 😅
I used to walk like 10 kms a day just by walking to and from the station, around uni, around work so my biggest habit I had to get into in lockdown is walking for 30-45 mins a day. I also ended up spending the first 3 months of lockdown when I was on uni break reading, which was great (I was also reading fanfic so even though I was reading a book sized fanfic a day it didn’t cost anything). I spend a lot less time on insta and fb now as well. Now my life’s busy again so other than making a new habit of sitting at my desk to study (which I haven’t done since I graduated school in 2017) it feels almost the same as BC.
Since lockdown I hardly posted anything on social media either. I used to post lots of stuff on instagram and facebook, but with lockdown I hardly posted anything at all. But I got into reading more and bought a kindle, which I never used to do pre lockdown. My calendar was also empty, but I started a new job this month and now it's jammed packed everyday with work. Still lacking social stuff though, and have not returned to dating apps yet
A changed habit for me is exercising at home which I have NEVER done before. I would still quite like to go back to gym classes one day but I know that I CAN work out at home now.
I always read during mealtimes (which I know could be hard living with a partner/parent) but I just commit to reading for about 15-20 minutes at breakfast, lunch, tea and then before I go to bed trying to do this every day.
I’ve instituted reading hour, so at around 3 or 4 I have a snack, put my phone on airplane mode and read for an hour or so. But my work hours from home are flexible, and also I’m a librarian, so I don’t feel like it’s skiving to read for an hour in what is technically the middle of the work day. I know not everyone can do that
Loved the video as always😄 I'm not sure what the best platform to do it on is, but could you talk more about personal interests etc. For example, you've occasionally mentioned Doctor Who in your videos over the years and I'd love to hear you talk about that👍
I’ve not watched Dr Who in years! I do the odd favourites video on this channel but mostly talk about interests like movies/tv on my Instagram or in my newsletter.
I also cancelled my gym membership I just didn't go as often before lockdown and won't go back tbh even after the virus cause I just didn't go enough to justify the monthly cost.
Are you practicing on that guitar? M .y routine is screwed up by this covid thing. Havent really recovered. I have to read a book clear through. I cant just put it down & pick it up later. compulsive disorder i think. I also get interupted while sleeping a lot by loo runs.
Concerning reading and exercise habits: My husband listens to audiobooks constantly when he's cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes etc. And I'm his PT, it's very cheap! Maybe Dan can be yours? Or a friend, over Skype/Zoom if needed?
Apologies if this is a silly question, but is there a bigger night time option for a stoma bag? In the same way there are night time sanitary pads or diapers?
This is completely non-lockdown related but hoping you'll be checking the comments of this video and might be able to help, or that other viewers might be able to help! I've had vaginismus for a couple of years and I'm having to dilate daily. Buying the lube is super expensive because I have quite a sensitive vagina so I've found only the durex naturals and Yes! lubes work. Do you know of any codes to reduce the costs of these lubes or cheapish places to buy them?
I have deleted TH-cam and Google Chrome from my phone because they were consuming enormous amounts of time each day. Despite these apps reinstalling themselves without my permission every day, I have been feeling much better.
Ok this is a weird one but have you changed anything with recording the audio? Lately your S’s sound soooo loud to me, like a not enjoyable squeaky sound. 🙈
Wow, you're so lucky you could cancel your gym membership! I can only cancel mine once a year, three months at least in advance before the annual renewal. They didn't change the rules for Corona times nor the charge. 😡
I now work from home full time, so I no longer take public transportation to go to the office. That gives me more time to workout (I replaced my commute with my workout, actually), and I am sticking to it! Also, I do not need to wake up as early as before, so I shifted my hours during the day to got to bet a bit later. This is more natural for me, as I am not a morning person, but I had to because of work. And finally, since I eat at home instead of having to pack a lunch, I find that I eat healthier now, because I can prepare my food each day, instead of meal prepping things that freeze well. So, instead of rice and pasta, I eat a lot more salads and fresh veggies, which also improve my mood!
I appreciated your being honest about your life not being dramatically and negatively affected. The transparency is nice, and it decreases the likelihood of annoying internet trolls (hopefully).
I am also building a reading at home habit because I would only read on my commutes. Now I read before work (if I happen to wake up early) or after dinner/evening. But my partner is always home, so sometimes I feel obligated to play games and hang out with him too! lol
On weekends, I've gotten into the habit of getting up, making some tea, and reading for an hour. That period of quiet before I "start" my day has been a *game changer* in terms of my mood and general happiness!
Ooh I love that
Thanks for sharing that idea! Sounds like something I should try for myself
My partner and I started a project about a month ago we call “Project Brain Chemistry!” which has been all about doing stuff that feels good (and promotes lasting feel-good chemicals) like exercising, going outside, and getting enough sleep. It felt like a good way to build habits that feel good and help us not fall into a depressed mood, while taking off the pressure of feeling like we had to do them to maximize productivity.
I'm a full time student and one change I've done is working only on weekdays, that way I have a screen-free weekend. This helps with my migraines and also I've been getting my reading on these days. Before lookdown I used to read maybe 1 book a year because of the amount of schoolwork and readings, but know I've managed to read about 4 books a month since July and I'm super happy with this. Much love
Oh nice!!
Loving the cameo from Mona 😆
She loves to join in
After a few weeks of working from home, I realized I was really missing the transition of a commute. So I started in the mornings, either sitting outside on my deck and reading or going for a walk and listening to a podcast or audio book. I don't as much need the transition in the afternoons, but I do sometimes sit outside and read or talk to family if I have time between finishing work and needing to start dinner. That's been the main time that I fit reading in
I've been think about the "posting on social media for the sake of posting" recently and realized that I appreciate when influensers post things that actually matter to them and more seldom rather than daily. I like to spend some of my time going though well though posts but I feel that I waste time and feel bad about it when I sit through "meaningless" posts. So the mentally of posting affects the time spent by your followers as well and I very much appreciate that you are leaning more towards posting less and better content :).
I’m so grateful that you acknowledged your relative privilege at the beginning. I’m not an essential worker but my bosses have me working from the office every day and I am so slammed and stressed by my workload. So I am jealous of people who are able to slow down. Yet I too am so lucky to still have a job and I’m fortunate that I don’t have children to watch all day.
“Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.”
― Aristotle
This is super interesting. It's really hard to pinpoint what's been a change of habit due to lockdown and what has been due to pregnancy. I was 13 weeks when lockdown first happened and I'm now 35 weeks, I went straight from furlough to holiday to maternity leave (and was off 4 weeks prior due to morning sickness being so bad) so I've been at home for so bloody long. I've spent 6 months at home with no responsibilities beyond looking after myself and my bump. I've learned so much about myself, my own needs and wants, and how little I was caring for myself before. I've also been so lucky to be so in tune with my baby. I would never have had this bonding time otherwise, and while it hasn't been an easy pregnancy, and having my husband not be able to come to appointments has been really emotionally taxing, I'm so grateful for this experience. Also, I noticed how much my mental health picked up from not being at my job. I won't be returning after maternity leave, I hate my job so much. I'm so much happier when I'm not there
i think the main habit that i’ve developed during quarantine has been doing yoga every morning. the combination of not having anywhere to go, accountability from monthly calendars (thx yoga with adriene), and the mental necessity of it due to how difficult this year has been has really made me stick with it when in past years i’ve fallen off of it quickly
As a student my routine changed to having a set amount of time each day that I do my writing. At the beginning of lockdown it was 500 words a day had to be written. Now that lockdown has lessened (but also my deadline is nearer) it's 800. But after those words I give myself screen free time and make sure to go outside.
Thank you for sharing with us your routine and habits as well. Seeing how other people who enjoy being and are busy have changed their routines really help me.
Regarding reading at home, i've often heard it's good to get into a routine by reading at the same time every day. Before bed is the typical one but i often find i'm too tired, and first thing after breakfast is often the perfect time to read for a bit - you're full of energy so it's the best time to delve into something you need focus for, like reading.
My life become way better since lockdown, I've never been this calm and focused before, and It makes me happy to see other people talkig openly about it, cause yes, the world is going trough something difficult now but that doesnt mean we have to make us miserable to "match" with it. It's not shameful to have a good time during all of this.
I think that the main thing that has helped me form a reading at home habit has been: pick a tv show to watch while you have the meal (cause mostly I start watching TV when I eat lunch/dinner and then it just keeps going until I go to bed), and then when the episode is over, even if you've only just finished eating, don't automatically go onto the next episode. pick up a book instead. this worked for me, at any rate, mostly because I used to just keep saying "just one more" multiple times, when if I limit myself to JUST ONE it doesn't turn into me going "just one more, just one more"
TOTALLY with you on the daily tasks . I was putting exercise, duolingo, and read on my to do list every day at the beginning of lockdown. 😳
Uhhh glad I wasn’t the only one!
The main thing that changed for me was starting a physical to-do list. I was always out and about and didn’t want to carry it around but writing things down just cements it into my brain SO much more
My favourite reading habit is a weekend morning with a cup of tea in bed before getting up properly!
About the reading: I found seeing reading as my re-charge thing made a huge difference. Me personally, I don’t relax watching tv, but I do reading. So even though I don’t read everyday, I find it easier to pick up my book, because I sort of reminded myself that I actually really enjoy reading in my lunch break and occasionally in the evenings. And I’m so happy about that 😊
My mum told me once that watching tv is a passive task while reading is more active so maybe that's why it's more relaxing? I'm the same :)
Loved the vibe to this video Hannah!! Keep up the amazing work!x
One routine/habit that I've changed is getting up around the same time each day. My alarm is set for 7am and either I get up or sleep til 830. Which makes me feel like I've got more time in the day to get things done. Also it helps on the days that I work earlier so I'm not so tired.
Having a post lunch lie down for 15-20 has replaced a walk through a parking structure.
Also, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" has become a thing for good and bad.
The ad placed after you talk about how expensive personal trainers are!!! Genius! I support this!
I have also been working on my reading habit, and the thing that has worked the best for me is keeping my book close and limiting the amount of time I would be spending on my phone on social media. I've found social media has been quite toxic lately and this has helped set a boundary for myself and limit that mindless scrolling, and I did not realize how much I actually read in 15 minutes. Every time I start to reach for myself, I stop myself and grab my book instead
I usually listen to podcasts (like yours!) on my drive in to work. Since I moved closer to work, its a 5-10 minute drive and I don't listen to podcasts anymore. BUT we're watching a friend's house and the drive is now 30 minutes, so I can listen to podcasts again! YAY!
I am on social media hiatus until my birthday because I can't read the trash people say about us teachers during this time. So far I'm loving it.
I live in Michigan in the USA. We are mostly reopened but, with chronic illness that leaves me with a slightly worse immune system, I just don't like going out. I have limited my outings to most weeks I go with my husband to the grocery on Saturday morning. I go to church Sunday morning, which has made many social distancing changes. The only other time I leave the house are doctor appointments.
Get a real comfortable chair and call it the reading chair, in which you can only sit in it whilst reading. I have an IKEA Stocksund chair that is super comfortable.
I didn't have a social media presence until I broke down and started my TH-cam channel. That's really the largest change I've done.
I'm still working from home so that's the biggest change for me. We are doing a phased return from September but I will be working from home much more as a permanent thing as it just gives me a much better work life balance without the commute!
I wish my office was like yours. We do not have much work in our office due to corona and i work like 5hrs instead of 8.5h, wish i could sleep in a little 🙈
I’m totally the same with exercise in lockdown - I think it’s partly because so much of life is just the same at the moment, mixing up exercise is one thing I can control !
I've dipped up & down. Mostly i don't go out v much if at all most weeks, and I'm not taking care of myself properly always. I have odd bursts of creativity or sorting stuff or something but it comes & goes v quickly. What i have noticed though is that I feel less pressure to constantly put on a front. I study performing arts at college & when I'm there I'm often conscious of how i dress and what I'm doing & just generally am not totally comfortable around ppl to just not be awkward. So inadvertently its been nice to not worry about expectations. I think its also made me start to love my body more? Like I barely looked at it before lockdown, but after building a body postive space I'm getting more ok & happy with that. I just hope i can carry that through when i have to return to college in a few weeks & just in everday life. Sorry, this became a rant- i just needed to get stuff off my chest.
I just bought myself an elliptical. Realistically, I don't feel comfortable going back to the gym either, but I also can't run and I'm a bit over "normal" home workouts, and walks don't cut it for me. So, I invested in my health, knowing that in the past I used to use a home elliptical very often when I had access to it. It's arriving in a few days and I'm very excited!
I also tend to not leave the house because I study inside all day (I am a uni student) and the heat does not help! What I do is go outside at night, usually after dinner, have a walk, enjoy the nightly breeze. I suggest you try the same ;)
From what I've learned, it's great to change up your workouts every now and then. That way your body won't get used to that specific workout and you keep challenging different muscles! Ps. It's inspiring to hear about all your fun workouts, especially now that you seem to change them every month or so :)
I listen to my books and meanwhile I take a walk/cook food/play some mindless games/do the mindless part of sewing. As long as the task doesn't require me to think, I'm good, but I also suck at *just* listening to a book. I prefer to have my hands occupied in some way or another.
I often sit down and read for 2-3 hours and treat it as the equivalent of watching a movie! Snuggling up with snacks and a blanket and no plans to move for the next 3 hours is just as enjoyable for a book than a movie :) Maybe that thinking style could help you read more at home if you're in the habit of watching films regularly? Just swap the film for a book!
What a timely video! I was just thinking about the habits I've changed in lockdown.
I think the biggest change for me is that I started using a to-do list app (I use TickTick, but it seems similar to Todolist). Honestly? Life-changing. It has a built-in habit tracker and recurring tasks (but I really like being held accountable like that as if I don't have tasks in a list I often forget what I have to do and feel disappointed later). I feel like my world has opened up, I've been so much more productive, and I have been able to manage my time a lot better and I feel like I'm actually building a solid foundation, whereas before this I felt like I was always treading on water. Having the time in lockdown to actually sit down and set it all up has been game-changing, as if I didn't have that I would probably still be putting it off.
I've been working really hard to start to get into a more normal routine, as I am naturally a bit of a night owl and I find if I am not strict on my bedtime I get tired and sleep in. I've been putting a lot of effort into establishing good sleep hygiene, getting into bed earlier, and not using any devices in bed. This has resulted in me reading a lot more in bed, something that I did not do as much as I liked as I felt like I was too busy to make time for it. At this point though, I look forward to reading every night and I definitely think it will continue post lockdown. I recently bought myself a Kindle as I have an ever-growing list of books I want to read and very limited space on my bookshelf. It hasn't arrived yet, but I have heard nothing but good things about them and I like the idea of being able to take my entire library wherever I go!
I've also been working on my habits around waking up- I used to have my phone next to my bed and in the morning I'd either snooze my alarm, or stay in bed and scroll on social media. I've gotten into the habit of keeping my phone on my desk so I have to physically get out of bed to turn it off, and instead of going straight on social media I've been smashing out a few lessons on duolingo! I find that doing that first thing in the morning really wakes me up and makes me feel motivated.
Slightly unrelated, but in the last few months I have been formally diagnosed with ADHD, which looking back explains so much. Since then I've been doing a lot of work to research how my brain works, and what I can do to support myself and to manage my ADHD. Having these answers, and an actual explanation as to why I constantly feel like I'm a chaotic mess regardless of the effort I put in to stay on top of everything has been a huge relief. It's nice to finally realise that I'm not just lazy or unmotivated, and the 'personality flaws' I thought I had are just symptoms that I can have support to work through, or at least be aware of. Being aware that I struggle with time blindness for example has allowed me to almost not trust my brain when I tell myself I've got time (when I very clearly don't lol). Having a little more time in my day and a more free schedule has allowed me to actually look at what I've been doing and I have the time to make changes to my lifestyle and habit with less pressure. As much as it sucks to be stuck in a pandemic, for my personal development, this has come at a great time and I've been trying to see the good in the terribleness that is 2020 and to use it to improve myself.
Can relate to the stains on a new mattress. I normally always knew when my period was starting including waking up just as it's starting. Month 2 of a new mattress and I woke up to Aunty Flow in the bed with me.....
Also I'm surprised you can't get bigger stoma bags for night time like pads....
There's a thing you can put on top of your matress to avoid any accidents staining it. I don't know what it's called in English but it's incredibly useful.
As a 15-year-old disabled/chronically ill girl(ish) i've had an odd experience of lockdown. Because I am in the "at risk" group the only reasons I've left the house since March are to go to hospital and to my GP, and I'm already home most of the time. Something I've been doing since lockdown is writing for at least an hour a day if i can, I've started a writing what I hope will develop into a book and I'm quite proud of it, but i've also had to learn not to try and write if i don't have the energy or ability to. I've also stopped writing to-do lists at all and I feel much better about what I can acheive in a day now.
I have a pretty good habit of reading at home, and honestly I think because reading is (or should be) something you do because you just genuinely want to the habit should feel quite natural and easy to build, even though you might have to kind of consciously make yourself do it at first. I have a habit of making a cup of tea and then reading first thing every morning, which I just feel is such a good start to the day - it's a slow and easy way to wake my brain up and it's just nice to have some quiet me-time before getting to work. I also always read before going to bed which, again, feels good and natural because it's a great way to unwind (usually.. depends on the book). So just figure out what feels really good to you and then try to build a habit out of it the same way you would with any habit - by repeating it :)
reading at home was my main struggle when the lockdown hit! It's soooo haaaard when you read for years just in public transport, so I totally feel you on that. I basically just completely stopped for months, and then I went to the office again and read 11 books in one month lmao. I will need to build a habit for home pretty soon tho, cuz I'm starting to freelance in a week. When I told my friend about my struggles, she recommended reading 1st thing in the morning and just before bed, but other than that just prioritizing which is hard when, ya know, you have work to do all the time argh >:C
I can’t wait to watch after I’m out of classes for the day!! I’ve definitely made some big changes during lockdown, and I feel so out of place now when interacting with people in-person
I use Fitness Blender programmes for exercise, they're designed by personal trainers and are affordable. It's great to hold you accountable (you get a workout complete tick on the calendar which is satisfying) and offers loads of variety which has made me stick with it for years!
I started running because I can't go to gym. I love it. Also, I have made a a permanent decision to keep my cat Oscar inside. He's twelve and not as spry as he used to be. He's a LOT happier but it has taken a while. He used to like to lay around the garden. Now he does the same thing inside.
I actually rejoice in my gym membership now! It is a very very small one with a lot of safety regulations (there were 3 people today). It's 2km from my house (still take the car) and you need to reserve your hour but it holds me accountable!!! I have been 16 times in less than 2 months (max 2 times a week allowed for my plan). Also without the commute I can be there 10min after I finish work which I love. ♥️
Absolutely fascinating video. Now I wonder if when things like shoots and things eventually start up - maybe in a year or 18 months from now - I wonder if you will be more inclined to prioritize your own schedule and say "no" to many of those things or at least set limits on when you can do them. That will be very interesting to see (and I hope you do prioritize your own schedule - schedules are very helpful and stabilizing things!)
Most noticable for me is that I have become better at saying no to things. As the first "my calendar is suddenly empty" hit, I realised actually how much "too much" I had going on and how freeing it is to just do some things and realise that things can wait. So after that I have become more hesitant to saying yes to things and actually considering my choises.
Otherwise it's quite the same as before, as I was already doing most of my univerity studies from home this spring and this summer I have had my summerjob (that is outside) as usual. Now when the studies start again I think this situation will affect me more than it has done in many months.
Omg I feel this. I can no longer use “I’m busy” as an excuse because ummmm I’m basically home every evening 😂
@@morehannah well, you can be "busy" being at home and relaxing too ;)
At least that's what I am trying to learn myself.
Happy to hear how Mona's doing!
i just LOVE how you pronounce "personally" lol i apreciate your accent so much! and your videos, of course. loved this one! you're always an inspiration!!! lots of love
Honestly lockdown hasn't changed much in my life because I am mostly housebound, and have been for 9 years, so other than not being able to do my own groceries, everything is the same. However, when I wasn't able to see my girlfriend for 10 weeks, I had a little more energy so was able to do a little more housework and crafts. I've tried setting days for certain things, but my body doesn't work like that, so I've settled for an order in which I do things, when I'm able to do something. Reading is something I've also been trying to do more of. So far I've found reading at night is something I want to do, but am rarely able to due to being so exhausted by the end of the day. So I'm trying to add reading to my current routine - reading while I drink my morning coffee instead of playing games on my Kindle and watching TH-cam for example. While I'm still not reading as much as I'd like, I am now reading most days. I think the key is not to berate yourself if you don't manage it one day, and also don't use that as an excuse not to do it the next day as before you know it, a month will have gone by without doing it, and that habit has gone completely.
So interesting to see how things have changed for you! I've just started to feel like I was getting into a good grove and now work wants me to go back into the office 😅
I used to walk like 10 kms a day just by walking to and from the station, around uni, around work so my biggest habit I had to get into in lockdown is walking for 30-45 mins a day.
I also ended up spending the first 3 months of lockdown when I was on uni break reading, which was great (I was also reading fanfic so even though I was reading a book sized fanfic a day it didn’t cost anything).
I spend a lot less time on insta and fb now as well.
Now my life’s busy again so other than making a new habit of sitting at my desk to study (which I haven’t done since I graduated school in 2017) it feels almost the same as BC.
Since lockdown I hardly posted anything on social media either. I used to post lots of stuff on instagram and facebook, but with lockdown I hardly posted anything at all. But I got into reading more and bought a kindle, which I never used to do pre lockdown. My calendar was also empty, but I started a new job this month and now it's jammed packed everyday with work. Still lacking social stuff though, and have not returned to dating apps yet
A changed habit for me is exercising at home which I have NEVER done before. I would still quite like to go back to gym classes one day but I know that I CAN work out at home now.
Have you got an update of the habits that stuck and the ones that haven't?
I especially love the More Hannah channel.
I always read during mealtimes (which I know could be hard living with a partner/parent) but I just commit to reading for about 15-20 minutes at breakfast, lunch, tea and then before I go to bed trying to do this every day.
How do you read AND eat?! I’m so bad at multitasking haha
@@morehannah I won't lie and say I have a few books with food splotches on lol but it's so much of a routine now that it just works for me
I’ve instituted reading hour, so at around 3 or 4 I have a snack, put my phone on airplane mode and read for an hour or so. But my work hours from home are flexible, and also I’m a librarian, so I don’t feel like it’s skiving to read for an hour in what is technically the middle of the work day. I know not everyone can do that
Loved the video as always😄
I'm not sure what the best platform to do it on is, but could you talk more about personal interests etc. For example, you've occasionally mentioned Doctor Who in your videos over the years and I'd love to hear you talk about that👍
I’ve not watched Dr Who in years! I do the odd favourites video on this channel but mostly talk about interests like movies/tv on my Instagram or in my newsletter.
Love your reading vlogs Hannah! If those help you read more I would not be opposed to more book content 😊 💕
There are lots of zumba videos on youtube that are really fun :) Sunny fitness does a lot of 15 min dance routines !
I also cancelled my gym membership I just didn't go as often before lockdown and won't go back tbh even after the virus cause I just didn't go enough to justify the monthly cost.
Let’s letting you know much I LOVE this channel ❤️
Aw thanks!
This was so refreshing to watch 🥰
Are you practicing on that guitar? M .y routine is screwed up by this covid thing. Havent really recovered. I have to read a book clear through. I cant just put it down & pick it up later. compulsive disorder i think. I also get interupted while sleeping a lot by loo runs.
Concerning reading and exercise habits: My husband listens to audiobooks constantly when he's cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes etc. And I'm his PT, it's very cheap! Maybe Dan can be yours? Or a friend, over Skype/Zoom if needed?
Hahaha Dan does no exercise so I think he’d be a terrible PT 😂
@@morehannah hahaha well okay, a friend then? you could pep talk each other ^_^
I totally agree with you and your T-shirt please stay safe and i really love you and your beautiful channel love John from Australia xxxx
Yup, "no uninterrupted sleep for two years" sounds like having a baby to me 😅😆
Apologies if this is a silly question, but is there a bigger night time option for a stoma bag? In the same way there are night time sanitary pads or diapers?
got real dodie vibes from “please like the video, if you liked it”
i’m not sure why but this video didn’t come to my subscription box/notifications. just to let you know if there is anything up with youtube
This is completely non-lockdown related but hoping you'll be checking the comments of this video and might be able to help, or that other viewers might be able to help! I've had vaginismus for a couple of years and I'm having to dilate daily. Buying the lube is super expensive because I have quite a sensitive vagina so I've found only the durex naturals and Yes! lubes work. Do you know of any codes to reduce the costs of these lubes or cheapish places to buy them?
I have deleted TH-cam and Google Chrome from my phone because they were consuming enormous amounts of time each day. Despite these apps reinstalling themselves without my permission every day, I have been feeling much better.
My life is almos the same as before. I say one thing i changed i stop smoking weed and before i would smoke 3 joints after work.
Where's the subtitles? :(
Pleaseeeeee review OMGYes!!!
Ok this is a weird one but have you changed anything with recording the audio? Lately your S’s sound soooo loud to me, like a not enjoyable squeaky sound. 🙈
Hannah we have shit stains from our cats on our mattress 🙈nothing a good mattress protector cannot fix!
A mattress protector can’t go back in time though...
@@morehannah You'll need to buy a new one at some point :) Live and learn!
I’ve developed a peanut butter M & M habit during lockdown...☹️
My takeaway from this video: do British people not use mattress pads/protectors?
There are also great Zumba Videos on TH-cam. For example Red Studio, Mark Kramer Pastrana, Sunny Funny Fitness and CoreFX Fitness. :)
👍🌸🕊🌺🦋 for you
Wow, you're so lucky you could cancel your gym membership! I can only cancel mine once a year, three months at least in advance before the annual renewal. They didn't change the rules for Corona times nor the charge. 😡
Why don't they make bigger stoma bags for night time?
Does anyone else get super distracted by the dark freckle on Hannah's neck 😂 no idea why..... No.... Just me then 😅
You'd think there are bigger stoma bags for night time so you wouldn't have to empty it in the middle of the night...?
I now work from home full time, so I no longer take public transportation to go to the office. That gives me more time to workout (I replaced my commute with my workout, actually), and I am sticking to it!
Also, I do not need to wake up as early as before, so I shifted my hours during the day to got to bet a bit later. This is more natural for me, as I am not a morning person, but I had to because of work.
And finally, since I eat at home instead of having to pack a lunch, I find that I eat healthier now, because I can prepare my food each day, instead of meal prepping things that freeze well. So, instead of rice and pasta, I eat a lot more salads and fresh veggies, which also improve my mood!