Post-Covid blahs cause tasks to grow in my mind as I consider all the things I could or should be doing. It’s amazing how quickly I can feel overwhelmed and present myself with reasons to delay. How about you? Are delays dangerous to your motivation?

I have been writing about coping skills for depression, and anxiety – and I’m realizing that depression (or at least the ‘blahs’) can affect us even when we don’t recognize it. Depression doesn’t need to show itself in tears.

Does this pattern seem familiar?

• Disruption in circadian rhythms so that insomnia becomes frequent, and bedtimes irregular (perhaps sliding into the wee hours of the morning).
• Daytime fatigue
• Loss of energy and motivation for general household activities
• Boredom
• Loss of creative energy and focus
• Loss of appetite

Ouch! That’s not a happy or a healthy list. We can use it to warn us of risk, and if we do recognize such signs – we can take action to turn things around in a more positive direction.

Before we prescribe positive actions let’s be clear — these may take some ‘kick-it’ kinds of movement to get started, and commitment to keep things going.

Isaac Newton explained that bodies at rest – tend to stay at rest … while bodies in motion tend to stay in motion. If we’ve been inactive it may feel that we are ‘stuck’ rather than resting. The more settled in to our routines we are – the greater the nudge that might be needed to get un-stuck and moving. We might need outside help. The good news, according to Newton, is that once we do get in motion – it won’t be such a struggle to continue.

So, what kind of things can we do? First – we can talk things over with God. Just tell it like it is. He already knows our thoughts and He cares. Then we might try some of these strategies:

1. Irregular bedtimes and sleep insomnia. We can start by setting old-fashioned limits on ourselves and insisting on a reasonable bedtime. Even if we don’t think we can sleep, we should still get into bed at our regular time – with NO T.V. or cell phones.
2. We need to set the alarm for a reasonable hour to awake – and force ourselves to get up at that time – even if it’s just to stagger around the kitchen in search of our morning jolt of caffeine.
3. We need to STAY up and awake during the daytime. This may take a few days or weeks to pay off – but eventually, we should be able to adjust to the new routine.
4. For insomnia: Try establishing a nighttime routine. A warm bath or other self-care.; turning away from the TV or cell phone a bit earlier (can we go for an hour before bedtime?); a nighttime snack about an hour before bed can help. We could try some fresh cheese (not aged) and crackers with a warm cup of herbal tea.
5. With better sleep patterns, we should see improvement in our daytime levels of fatigue. Meanwhile, we can help ourselves by adding more movement and fresh air to our routines.
6. We can ask for help with household chores or hire someone to help get us started. Not surprisingly, once someone else has come in and started to work– we may discover new motivation and energy within ourselves to do more. It can be a very worthwhile investment!
7. The best cure for boredom is engagement. We can connect with other people (by Zoom, telephone, or other means of contact). We can also reconnect with the outside world. In these days of house-bound isolation, we may need a refresher. Consider a drive through the country – or a walk in the park. Perhaps a visit to your local coffee shop and an exchange of greeting with staff or friends. Even a drive-through order for take-out, to be enjoyed in the car while parked at some scenic and safe location. Volunteer activity can get us out and about. New challenges are good. Is there something you’ve wanted to know – how about a class (on-line or in person).
8. Do something. If you’re facing a blank sheet of paper and can’t think of what to write … begin with that. You can edit your content later. The deliberate choice to begin is powerful, and it might just move you to something really good. The same is true for painting, crafting, and a variety of other projects. Begin.
9. Appetites may change, so be willing to change with them. If you have little desire for food – try protein shakes or some other source of good nutrition. IF dining with others feels too risky – how about making yourself one of the guests of honor in a Zoom dinner party … with special table settings and recipes to share? Make it fun.

Let me repeat that last suggestion … MAKE IT FUN. Whatever we’re doing can probably be livened up with music. Have you ever tried out new dance moves alone – even with a broom? How about being the star of a sing-along concert? Don’t be afraid to belt out a tune. We can also practice laughter. Yep, just laugh out loud to lift your spirits. You might experiment with laughs while looking in a mirror.

Look for other activities you can enjoy and reward yourself with them often. Above all – we need reminders that we are not alone. Find some way to connect and let someone know they are in your thoughts. Share the love.

The blahs are like a foggy day – hiding our view of the sunshine. It’s important to remember that the sun IS still shining – even when we don’t see it, and it doesn’t take much of a breeze to blow fog away. Blessings, Love and Laughter to you.