LIFESTYLE | APRIL 2020
You are not required to be productive, to write the next bestseller, or to learn a new language during this time. It’s a traumatic experience that we are all going through together.
You are allowed to give yourself grace and deal with everything that is going on in your own way. That said, it seems to be a waste of this ‘free time’ if you are not going to put it to good use.
REMEMBER, THIS IS NOT AN UNPLANNED HOLIDAY. IT’S ISOLATION.
I have heard of some people through social media, have complained so much about working and how dangerous it is for them (those not mixing with the general public at work), to then fall silent when they have been asked to stay at home! Coincidence?
As much as I want to sit back, watch the news, drink cocktails, and just contemplate everything that is going on, the truth of the matter is at the end of this lockdown what can you actually say you’ve achieved?
So, I am choosing to stay productive during this crazy time by keeping myself occupied.
Here are my tips on how to be productive during isolation!
STICK TO A SCHEDULE
I have talked about the importance of setting a schedule before in my Managing Stress Through COVID-19 blog.
With many things cancelled or closed schedules can go out the window especially when you’re isolating and turning into a bit of a hermit crab, it’s easy to stay up late and binge on Netflix…only to sleep in and do it all over again.
While this may sound fun short term the best way to maintain a positive attitude and stay productive is to create a schedule for yourself.
By creating a schedule of tasks you want to accomplish the next day and a set time to get up, you give yourself structure. Right now a bit of structure is good.
Set an Alarm
First things first, many of us may not have to commute to work, but if you’re wanting to be productive get up at a reasonable hour. I’m not talking at 6 am but I would suggest not lounging around in bed for hours.
Time Block
Break up your day into blocks (30, 60, 90 minutes for example). If you have a task to do then set yourself a reasonable goal to have said task completed.
This helps so much so I get it done in an efficient manner and I don’t get distracted by things like scrolling through my phone; whoops, there goes thirty minutes.
Establish a “Clock Out” Time
If you’re working from home you may have a struggle “turning off” or “clocking out” because there isn’t necessarily a set time for that.
You can send an email quickly or check your phone for updates but it’s important to allow yourself time to slowly and mentally check out of work. Try to establish when that time is and stick to it.
TAKE THE NEWS IN SMALL DOSES
Don’t spend all day scrolling on your phone or watching the news. This isn’t to say don’t watch the news completely. It’s important to stay informed, but don’t let it completely overwhelm you.
Don’t let the news dominate your day
There is so much going on right now and it changes by the hour it can sometimes be tricky to digest the information. Too much can cause your mind to overthink that could lead to stress, panic and can deter you away from being productive. Stay informed, read up on updates from credible sources but don’t play the news 24/7.
PLAN AHEAD FOR THE FUTURE
Make goals for yourself and work on them little by little each and every day.
This also includes planning out future holidays!
While you might not be booking that ticket right this minute having something to look forward to in the future boosts a sense of well-being.
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
By taking care of yourself you can be more present and tackle other projects with confidence. Here are a few key things to remember:
Exercise Your Body
Exercise is one of the best ways to boost your endorphins and make you feel better. There are many apps and Youtube channels offering free workouts so you don’t have to sacrifice your sweat while you’re home.
Get Dressed
While you don’t have to put on your work attire it helps to switch out of your pyjamas. Make some effort.
Get Your Sleep
Make sure that you are getting adequate sleep. This is the time to take advantage of being home and allowing your body to rest.
Nourish Yourself
Drink a lot of water and try to maintain a healthy diet as well. While it may be easy to dig into your quarantine snacks slow down and find new recipes that you will enjoy cooking. This is a chance to avoid fast food and things that might not be the best for you.
Keep Your Space Tidy
Anyone that knows me will also know this doesn’t take isolation for me to be on-top of this. I highly suggest making your bed, don’t let dishes stack up, and keep your space clean and tidy.
CONNECT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Just because you’re social distancing doesn’t mean you have to become a complete recluse. Thanks to Facetime, Skype, Whatsapp Caller, getting in contact with your friends for a virtual catch-up or virtual party is a piece of cake.
Make time for the people who mean the most to you and get that interaction in! This is really good for raising spirits and talking through things.
CREATE SOME ‘YOU’ TIME FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Whether you’re working from home, or others in your household are turning the kitchen table into their office, or you’ve got little ones constantly running around–creating a space just for you is IMPORTANT.
Don’t feel like this is selfish, but rather, you’re doing it to be the best version of yourself.
Think about it this way: in a normal routine you get time to yourself – whether it’s during your commute to/from work with the radio on, lunch break, or elsewhere you get time to just be with yourself. That may be time to wind-down to read or listen to a podcast.
Take at least 30 minutes to yourself and do whatever it is you need to do.
Drink that glass of wine, read that book, scroll mindlessly through social media. It’s all okay. Ultimately give yourself grace during this time. It’s all commendable being productive but there are some days when things will be overwhelming and it’s okay to let those emotions live. You don’t need to ignore or suppress them.
If you need to take a day to rest, take a bath, relax, and just be—that’s totally fine.
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