Out of shape and out of mind. Constantly tired, hungry, and lacking motivation. A statement that resonates with many of us.

This pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives. If we were not hooked on our phones and laptops before, our screen-time reports delicately remind us that our average usage hovers at around 3-4 hours (if we’re being modest). From studying to socialising, it seems that life can be lived from the comfort of our own homes. Naturally, with time, we hit a wall – a sort of plateau. If you are anything like me, plateauing is one of the worst feelings. Days can often seem to repeat, and when you look back, the only significant thing you have accomplished is binge-watching 5 different programmes in less than two days. While this is quite an impressive feat, it probably won’t help with dragging us out of this stagnant lifestyle. So, what can we do to break this spell of unproductivity and laziness?

Well, a glimmer of hope comes as the seasons change and the sun stays up with us a little longer. The cold harsh winter is behind us and it is time to get up and spring forward into a summer filled with optimism and hope. Begin by making goals and setting targets for yourself each day, no matter how small or insignificant they may be. If you aim to exercise, start by taking walks in the park. If your goal is to become more studious, try starting by setting yourself just 15 minutes of revision a day. After all, Rome was not built in a day and your habits won’t either. Settling in a routine is a good thing. Many will argue that routines are boring – but what’s wrong with boring if it means accomplishing the goals you set out to achieve?

A lot of us may believe that our biggest opponent is the pandemic, but in reality, the only thing stopping you from growing is you, the reader of this article. This short article isn’t meant to patronise or disparage those struggling with the current situation, but it is meant to encourage healthy habits that may help others reach their full potential. As a withered winter flower eventually blooms in the heart of spring, hopefully we can do the same.