So Unmotivated

Have you ever felt that strange in-between mood, where you’re not quite anxious or deeply down, but you’re just… low? That’s exactly where I found myself on day five of lockdown. I wanted to share this experience because I know I’m not the only one who feels a bit off when routine goes out the window.

This podcast episode dives into that murky territory, exploring why it’s not always a bad thing to ride out these lows and how others are coping. I chat about the slump, the patience it requires, and the small bits of hope that emerge when we give ourselves permission to feel a bit meh. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re not alone and we shouldn’t beat ourselves up over days that feel heavy.

Life in a Lockdown Slump

When you’re on day five of staying at home, it can feel like you’ve reached the midpoint in a marathon you never signed up for. Your energy dips. You’re too tired to be productive but too restless to fully relax. It’s a maddening balance.

I noticed how my mind started to replay old insecurities. I worried that I should be doing more, reaching out more, or learning new skills. Then I realised it’s a global situation and sometimes just getting through the day is enough.

What Helped Me Keep Going

There’s no magic formula, but leaning into a few simple tactics can lighten the mood. Here’s what I found helpful:

• Short walks for fresh air and a change of scenery.
• Talking to a friend, even if it’s just to vent.
• Setting a tiny goal, like tidying one corner of a room.
• Accepting that some days will be slow and that’s fine.

Embracing the River

“It’s not anxiety and it’s not depression, it’s just a river you have to ride.”

This line from the episode stood out to me. It’s a soothing truth, because not every down day has to be labelled or fixed. Sometimes all you can do is flow with it until you reach a calmer stretch of water.

Treat a low mood like passing weather. It may not be sunny right now, but sooner or later the clouds shift. There’s comfort in knowing we can ride the current without needing to label every feeling as a crisis.

Day 5 Realisations

After acknowledging my slump, I found a sense of relief. It reminded me that I’m human and it’s perfectly normal to wobble when life gets unpredictable. Reflecting on it in the podcast felt like opening a window in a stuffy room. Fresh air came in, thoughts cleared, and I realised I’m definitely not alone.

By owning these low feelings, I stopped seeing them as a weakness. It’s just another part of the ride. I look back on day five and appreciate that it led to new insights. Moments like these remind us our emotions are valid, and we can carry on without guilt.

• It’s normal to have spells of low energy.
• Talking about a slump can help you move through it.
• You don’t need to find a cure, just a bit of comfort.
• Riding the river eventually leads to calmer waters.

If you want to hear the full story and soak up some reassuring vibes, give the podcast a listen—it’s at the top of this page. Press play and join me as we navigate this winding river together.