A Lockdown Life Update: How I’ve Been Feeling Lately

Outfit: Dress - Custom (similar here and here)/ Necklace - Topshop (old, similar here)

We are in the thick of lockdown (or “travel restrictions” as its been labelled) here in Sri Lanka and honestly, I’m kind of done with it which is completely unlike me. Last year lockdown, I was absolutely fine and happy but this one? I have no idea why but there’s something about this time around where I’m like “no thanks, I’m good without this.” It’s completely natural, I know that everyone’s probably felt this way at one point of another. 

What has made it a little bit more rubbish this time around is that my energy levels have completely plummeted into the abyss. The last few months I was on a rocket to the moon; working out pretty much everyday, and I mean HIIT workouts, getting work done, being a busy bee. But now, I’m like... blah. And it absolutely sucks. 

Anyone deal with this? You’re on a roll and you don’t think anything could stop you and then you just completely face plant to the floor? Raise your hand if you have or are feeling this way because I need to not feel guilty, haha.

I definitely went to bed last night saying “I need change” and in circumstances where you can’t change everything, you have to change something. So I switched up my routine a little bit. Now it’s only the afternoon here so I can’t tell you if this routine works, but one thing I will say is; change up the schedule, do not stick to the same mundane routine you’ve been in. Seems easier said than done when you’re in lockdown right? Well there’s just different things you can add and remove from your routine that might make it feel a little bit better.

Also, don’t forget that Mercury is in retrograde and if all else fails, blame your lack of energy, motivation and focus on that because we can all use a scapegoat at times.

So far here, lockdown is said to continue until June 21st, but even that is uncertain. Who knows what’ll happen in the coming days or weeks? All I’ll say is, if you’re feeling a bit blah, I’m definitely with you; you’re not alone. And remember it’s okay to feel like that, whether it’s a short or long period of time, just ride the wave of it. Sometimes you just have to. Look after yourself first before you push yourself too far.

I’m going to be following up this post with another this week on the things I’m doing to keep my energy refreshed. So stay tuned! 

Until then, I hope you’re all staying safe and well. Sending you lots of love,

Emily xx

How To Be Productive Without All The Pressure During Lockdown

Outfit: Shirt - M&S (similar) / Leggings - Primark

Some of us have been in the confines our home for nearly two months now, and it's not easy. Work and home environments have become one, for some work may even be on a complete hold and we're stuck with our devices and an unlimited access to social media. As you scroll endlessly through Instagram, especially, you may find people are doing more or even the most. Influencers are out there creating and delivering new content, they're still working and earning - putting on normal outfits everyday as if they would for street-style pictures. If I'm completely honest, it makes me feel a little guilty as a "blogger" myself that I'm not doing the most or even a little bit. Of course there's certain circumstances that prohibit me from maybe creating content (i.e: not being able to order any new products because that's kind of stopped here in Colombo, to my knowledge. Also my camera battery has taken to the grave and I haven't got a spare.) But I didn't let that stop me; I actually relaunched my YouTube channel because I suddenly had this time on my hands and thought; "I've got my phone, I've got a tripod, I've got editing software and internet. What the hell is stopping me?" And so last week, I posted a brand new YouTube video of 6 Easy Work From Home Outfits - I really enjoyed the experience, but here's the issue now: what do I do next? I have to top the last video. 

I also have been racking my brain for good blogpost ideas because there's only so much we can do sometimes and let's be really honest - I'm living in pyjamas or sweats, no make up and messy hair. If you're getting ready and all prim and proper right now, hats off to you because I simply cannot be bothered. I think the only truly productive thing I do on most days is workout and even that I slack on because I hate HIIT workouts, so I end up doing yoga or pilates instead. 

Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else feel like they're not doing enough? That there's this underlying pressure creeping up on you to do more?

Well I'm here to hopefully try and debunk that pressure by giving you productive things you can do that don't make you feel so guilty and feed your soul. 

1. Reading: As simple as it sounds, crack open a book. I cannot tell you how good it feels to just disappear into another world. I always talk about reading with my best friend, Tasha. We're both bookworms and we've set ourselves onto the GoodReads Reading Challenge, where you set yourself a number of books to read by the end of the year. I set myself at 24, Tasha's only gone and upped hers to 40 and she's already on book #26. That made me feel a little inadequate I can't lie but it's so good to realise you've got all this time to read. Finally grab those books that have been sitting collecting dust on a shelf or if you want to try something new, head to the iBooks or Kindle store and see what there is. I'm even just downloading free books from Apple iBooks because why the hell not and plus, they've got a whole array of Classics available for free too. I'm currently reading Wuthering Heights for the first time and plan to read a few more classics too. So why not sign yourself up for GoodReads and set a challenge, or just set a challenge by yourself: grab a notebook, a pen and write down a number of books you want to read, then keep a record of that and add a few stars as rating to remind you which books you really loved. 

2. Working Out: Okay I never shut up about working out, I know. But I really do enjoy it and I miss the gym but over this time, I've discovered new loves; yoga and pilates. I cannot tell you how good it is to stretch yourself out and have a change in my regular routine. Honestly, just jump onto YouTube and search for whatever you want because I guarantee it's on there. Then grab a mat, a water bottle and yourself and get to it. When you feel that pressure to workout, you don't have to go ham and do something crazy. The simplest workout that you feel and gives a bit of sweat is enough. Even simply giving yourself a good stretch out in the morning might just be enough. As long as you keep the blood flowing, the heart pumping and your energy up, you are absolutely fine.

3. Learn something new: I've seen lots of people mention this and I couldn't agree more. Maybe you've got a bucketlist/checklist of things that you've been dying to do or learn and you just haven't had the time. Well, now's the time and you've got no excuses. I mean, you do if it involves something like jumping out of an airplane or travelling the world... But you get my point. I've found via Coursera that there's online courses, both free and paid for, you can take from the comfort of your home. Whatever you want to learn, it's probably there. *Disclaimer for the free courses: if you want to participate and get a certificate, you have to pay like $50, otherwise you don't get a certificate but there are financial aid options or you can just do it for the hell of it.* However you want to go about it, it's a great time to learn something new and it'll make you feel really productive with tasks and readings etc. So why not try?

4. Create: Ah creation, my favourite thing in the world. I'm a creative, first and foremost so therefore this is my go-to. If you've got a passion for art, music, design, theatre and so on, why not dive into that? Take the time to draw or paint, work on that skill. If you can, learn a new instrument or take the time to further your knowledge in an instrument you already know. If you like acting, why not write yourself your own plays or skits or even act out your favourite scenes or plays then perform them for your family or even for the internet by filming yourself and publishing to YouTube. Filmmakers and script writers, maybe now is the time to work on that masterpiece. Why not write a book if you've got a flair with words? I find that creativity sparks so much joy and the time will fly while you're doing it, so before you know it you've been productive without realising or without the pressure. Enjoy yourselves, that's the main idea. 

5. Cooking & Baking: More than me, I think my Mum could tell you about this one. She has learned so many recipes online and executed them so beautifully that my tummy sings. It's so therapeutic as well and since we've all got to eat anyway, why not try out new recipes? You can get the most delicious things with the simplest and smallest list of ingredients sometimes. Seriously, my Mum's out here making homemade pasta and cinnamon rolls with very small amount of ingredients. So put on the food channel that you love, grab that cookbook of the shelf or even Google or YouTube recipes that you want to try and get to it. It'll make good use of your time because you're making treats for yourself and we all need a little bit of treating yourself right now. 

These five very simple things you can do without even thinking twice and they'll instantly make you feel more productive. There's probably other things you could do as well if you're up for it and have the resources, like redecorating or creating your master business plan. This is the time to do the things you've been putting aside because you didn't have the time. It's time to do things that you truly love. I know that for me it's really boosted my mood when I've felt a little down for not doing enough. But remember, you're all doing more than enough. This major change in our lives is not something we're accustomed to, we didn't plan or expect this. This is something we couldn't have prepared for, so doing your bit by social distancing and keeping yourself and others safe is more than enough productivity than you even realise. So well done to you for pushing through this. It's not easy, even for us self-decided homebodies because we all need a little bit of outside & friendship time too.  

I'm sending you lots of love and hoping you're keeping safe!

And a reminder, don't let social media make you feel inadequate. You're more than enough.

Lots of Love, 

Emily xx

Lockdown Life: Things I’m Grateful For And Won't Take For Granted Anymore

I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude; giving thanks for what I have. I have been actively doing this for nearly a year now, listing things that I’m grateful for everyday, sometimes writing them down. I’ve made it a habit and it helps me to see the good in every day, even if it’s been a bad one. At an uncertain time like this, we are definitely left to our thoughts and it may be a tricky time for some or even most.

I watched an Instagram story the other night, from Calum Hood of 5 Seconds of Summer (yes, I’m a big fan and no I do not care what you think on this one) and what he said stuck with me. He said, “be easy on yourself, don’t put too much pressure on yourself in these times and keep being positive moving forward.” What I loved about this was that it was so simple in essence but heavy in it’s meaning. We do need to take the time to make sure that our minds aren’t pressurised.

I know for me I’ve felt constantly during this time that I’ve been so unproductive, that I’m not doing enough, being a bit lazy and so on. In reality, I haven’t been lazy, I’m getting up every morning and working out. After an uneasy sleep last night, a productive my overthinking mind never shutting up, I woke up this morning tired and not having energy to workout. I nearly actually told myself off for it. But then I realised that I should be grateful I’m working out at all regularly during this time.

That brought me to the point of this blogpost; what do I have to be grateful for right now and what will I not take for granted when this is all over.

 I currently have a lot of pictures of the sky in my camera roll

Going Outside

The most simple thing of all that we take for granted normally. As much as I’m a homebody, I’ve realised that I miss the outside. I’m lucky that I have a garden to go out into and a view to admire. My favourite part of my days lately has been sitting outside in the evenings on our wall, drinking tea and having a chat or even just looking at the sky transition from day to night. That fresh air is so welcoming. I even found myself yesterday wanting to go out for a run – I hate running. It’s just the idea of having that freedom to go outside that you no longer have. I’m grateful that I can still go outside, but I won’t ever take for granted after this the freedom to go outside. I’m going to do some exploring after this is all over let me tell you that.

 

Mum's cooking > everything

Food

When am I not grateful for food? Never. But right now when there might be shortage of products, there are normal purchases that aren’t easy to come by and you’re only allowed a certain amount, I have to be thankful for what we have, what we are able to get and my Mum. My Mum, ladies and gents, has been cooking up an absolute storm in our kitchen and I am truly blessed. She’s made everything from cakes to pies to bread to homemade pasta. Let me tell you, the lady who hated to bake is now baking every day. She’s actively finding recipes that include things that we have readily available at home and is making them so that we are spoilt. And spoilt we are. I’m truly grateful for the luxuries that we have at this time when realistically not everyone may have.

Friends

I already missed my friends since a good majority of them live in other countries, but this time makes me miss them more. Now I will tell you, I have cancelled plans in order to stay at home before but I’m vowing after this to not cancel plans – ever. When a friend asks me to hang out or whatever, I’m doing it because when you have to live that social distancing life and Facetime, Whatsapp, DMs, texting and phone calls become your new norm, you miss actually seeing the ugly mugs in front of you. (And yes, I am specifically talking about Tasha, Mel & Grace. If you’re reading this, I bloody miss you lot. I miss all my girls – Upandha, Alizey, Ushma, Sandali, Jamila… the list goes on.) But I’m so grateful that we live in a time when we can connect through that device constantly in our hands or our laptops. I’m grateful as hell for WiFi and social media because without it, it would be a lot harder to stay connected.

People Who Are Still Working & Risking Their Lives To Save Ours

I think we are all grateful for the people who are still doing their duties to ensure that we can keep on living. Medical professionals, law enforcements, food industry workers, scientists working on a cure and so on. While we sit in the comfort of our homes, they are on the frontlines making sure we have everything we need and that is truly a gift. Even one of my best friends is a paramedic and she’s still working – I couldn’t be prouder. We should all take the time every day to say thank you, whether that’s silently or openly by clapping outside of your window, for the people who are still going so that we can come together sooner. We shouldn’t take these people for granted. So think about them for a moment and take the time to think about what you can do for them when this is all over. Maybe don’t use and abuse the privileges that you have if you don’t need to. Give them a big old smile when you see them. Say thank you, even for the smallest thing or for nothing at all. Let them know that you are grateful for their service.

There’s a whole lot more that I’m thankful for, but I wanted to leave it with these because they are the biggest things for me right now and are at the forefront of my mind. I would love to know what you are grateful for right now and what you won’t take for granted when this period is over. Drop comments below, let’s have a conversation. And again, if you need an extra friend, I’m here for you!

Sending you lots of love and hoping you’re staying safe!

And don’t forget to be grateful.

Emily xx

How I'm Staying Motivated To Workout During Lockdown

At a time like this, when you’re at home living in sweats, you might just be making every excuse in the book to justify your laziness. I used to be like this until I started going to the gym religiously 5-6 days a week. So when that all came to a halt and lockdown life began, I had to motivate myself to workout.

Some people are absolutely blessed and have a home gym or a modified-work-with-what-you-have-and-make-it-a-home-gym; to those people, I applaud you because not only have you subconsciously prepared for this situation but you’ve got a gym sitting in your house that will probably make you feel guilty if you don’t use it.

Others may not have much at all to supplement a home gym, which isn’t a problem either. You might find a few random weights lying around or a yoga mat or some sort of exercise equipment and trust me that is more than enough. I’ve got a couple of weights, a yoga mat, a few resistance bands and luckily, a punching bag and some boxing gloves - I’ve got more than enough to work with.

If you don’t have enough to work with, you might just be able to jump onto Amazon and purchase a few bits. But if you don’t want to do that, you don’t have to. The point I’m making here is that equipment, or should I say the lack thereof, should not halt you from keeping fit.

Over these last 6 weeks, my best friend has undoubtedly become YouTube. I absolutely love YouTube and for good reason; it’s a saving grace at time like this. In that realm of wonderful video content is an array of workout videos. You will find everything from HIIT to yoga to pilates to structured workouts for different areas of the body. And if you aren’t into all the basic stuff, pick things that are out of the ordinary like dance, Zumba or boxing.

I’ve been so determined to keep my fitness levels up because it took work to get to the point that I’m at and I don’t want that to flop. A few things that I do to keep my motivation and fitness high are…

1.) To-do lists might just do the trick. I have been writing to do lists for every week and I follow them pretty much to a T. As well as writing all the productive things I have to do in the day, the first things I write down are; wake up early, workout plan and keep hydrated.

2.) Mix it up! For workout plan, I give myself a rough outline of what I’m going to do, even if that just means writing down “abs” or “legs”, “cardio” or “yoga”. I make sure that every day is different so I don’t get bored.

3.) Find a place that you can call your workout zone. It’s important to have a specific place that makes you comfortable to workout in. For me, I’m lucky to have a nice veranda out in my garden that overlooks a lake – that sounds really boujee, doesn’t it? But this is my new happy place for working out. The natural breeze, all the birds and beautiful sunshine keeps my mood high.

4.) Listen to your body and your mind. Your physical and mental health is so important right now. Stay tuned into the signals that your mind and body are giving you. If you didn’t sleep so well, then don’t overdo it or don’t do it at all. It’s okay to have a break, don’t punish yourself. Take it easy when you need to. And on those days you feel the energy is high, give it the best you’ve got.

With all this being said, make sure you keep hydrated, get good sleep and eat well too. It’s all about moderation and how you feel. Personally, workout out every morning has been really good for me mentally as well as physically. So if you’ve been feeling a little down, why not try getting in some exercise, even if it’s just giving your body a much needed stretch.

Here are the videos I’ve been following lately for workouts:

HIIT & Workouts

MadFit Full Body Fat Burn HIIT

MadFit 15 Min Total Core/Ab Workout

MadFit 10 Min Standing Abs Workout

Alexis Ren 10 Min Ab Workout

Caro Daur 22 Minutes Full Body Workout HIIT

Yoga & Pilates

SarahBethYoga 15 Minute Morning Yoga For Beginners – Weight Loss

SarahBethYoga 20 Minute Full Body Yoga Stretch For Beginners

SarahBethYoga 20 Minute Calming Yoga For Anxiety

PyscheTruth Total Body Pilates! 20 Minute Tone & Shape Beginners Workout

Sarah’s Day Core & Ab Pilates Home Workout

Sending you lots of love and hoping you’re staying safe!

Emily xx

Lockdown Life Diaries: The Little Positive Changes I'm Making

Outfit: Top - Zara (old but here's a similar)/ Leggings - Primark

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a good weekend and stayed safe.

I think I must be heading into week 6 of self isolation and week 4 of government mandated lockdown – I think the last time we were actually allowed out to break curfew was on the 24^th of March and the curfew was imposed the week before that. I don’t know, honestly I’m losing track.

I went through a bit of a slump at the end of last week; I think it was all getting a bit much and I honestly thought I was overreacting because I’m lucky to be in the place that I’m in and have the family I have. However, it’s not easy when routines break, not for anyone. Being able to go outside or to work or even to the shops are little luxuries that we normally take for granted and are now pining for. I’ve probably said that before, but I’ll say it again.

With that being said, I do want to remind you to please try and keep your spirits as high as you can. Make sure your mental health is in check because whilst this is nothing like going to war or something far worse, this is something none of us have been prepared for. This is not normal in the slightest and even the most resilient of minds can feel low at this time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please talk to someone that you feel comfortable with and let out all those emotions; it’s the healthiest option.

As I sat down to write my to-do lists for the week last night, I decided to make add in things that would make me a little happier. I’ve made it my goal to start drawing more, read some new books, write more, learn new skills or develop ones, make time for mediation and even for religion. As it’s Easter Week as well, I thought it would be nice to take time to read Bible passages and psalms. I’ve added things in that will keep me calm but also move my routine from being mundane to a little more interesting.

Take the time to brainstorm all the things you’ve been wanting to do and just go ahead and do them. You’ve got time to! If you’ve got the resources as well, then all the more reason.

I also started my day with a kickass workout – and yes, I truly kicked my own ass. I tried out Caro Daur’s HIIT Full Body Workout that she shared on YouTube last night, and let me tell you it was a task. I also got some boxing in, thanks to the fact that I have a punching bag in my house that needed some attention. I ended off the workout with Sarah Beth’s Weightloss Beginner’s Yoga for a good stretch.

I absolutely sweat my butt off so I proceeded to take a good shower, wash my hair and put in some coconut oil to nourish my hair. And I actually got a little bit more dressed today; I thought I would ditch the leggings, but I didn’t, however I did put a nicer top on for a change. I think it’s important for your mind to not always be in sweats – take the time to get a little dressed here and there, it’ll do you some good. I’ve even moved myself outside to the garden with the dogs for a change of scenery (as opposed to the inside of my house) and for fresh air.

It’s the little changes that will make the difference at a time like this. So do the things that make you happy and keep doing them!

Right, I’m going to shut up now, drink my cuppa and do some drawing.

Sending you lots of love and hoping you’re staying safe!

Emily xx