Staying motivated during lockdown starts with basics.
Working from home, but losing your drive? For obvious reasons, social distancing and quarantining can take its toll on your motivation and productivity. You’ve probably seen the tweet, “You are not working from home, you are at home during a crisis trying to work.” While you are very appreciative to have a position that allows you to stay safe within your walls, this doesn’t make you immune to the emotional challenges that come with it. We’ve outlined some simple reminders that may help your day run a little smoother.
Make your bed
You’ve heard it from self-help gurus and successful leaders everywhere. Set the tone for your day with the simple task of smoothing the sheets, spreading the comforter, and fluffing the pillows. It’s a small but significant act, a symbol of transition from rest to activity.
Create a peaceful workspace
Create a work area that will help you feel productive. Try to keep your workspace clean to avoid being distracted by clutter. If possible, pick a spot in your home that offers natural light, which contributes to health and productivity.
Make time for breaks
You aren’t a machine. You’ll find that you are more productive when you allow for a few short mental and physical breaks in the day. Call a friend or family member. Get up and stretch. Step outdoors and sunbathe for a moment. Just a few minutes will make a difference.
Avoid total social isolation
In the zone, with no commute, you may feel that working from home, alone, is your ideal scenario. However, studies show that “meaningful friendships at work may actually be a psychological necessity.” So, make an effort to communicate with your coworkers throughout the day. Keep the meme game alive in the chat, take the time to thank someone for their help, enjoy coffee together over your morning meetings.
Maintain a balance
For some of us, working from home has made it difficult to log off. Take a lunch break, as if you were at the office. Have a scheduled start and stop time. And, at the end of a workday, turn off your computer, signaling to yourself that it’s time for rest. If you prioritize your personal needs, you will find that you are even more productive during working hours.
Stay Mindful
This looks different for all of us. A morning run, a meditation session, picking around on the guitar. Improve your mind space for more productive workdays. Some suggestions? Headspace offers effective mindfulness sessions from the comfort of your own home. With Libby, you will find a treasure trove of ebooks and audiobooks available for free through your local library. Aaptiv can help you keep your workout routine intact.
To have a job during COVID-19 is something to be thankful for. Show your gratitude by staying productive! Keeping to a workable routine will ensure a level of peace and productivity amidst this mayhem.
P.S.: Hydrate.
P.P.S.: Stay home.
