As homeowners, we try different things to keep ourselves entertained as we stay home. Some opted to get a remote job to try to limit their exposure to the outside world. Others have no choice but to limit outdoor activities for their families’ sake.
But then, if we simply indulge in a sedentary lifestyle at home, our health and quality of life will deteriorate. This is why we ought to stay productive even as we stay indoors most of the time. This will help improve our health, get all necessary things done, and avoid pandemic-related stress.
If you are looking for other ways to motivate yourself to be more productive, you can consider the following tips for success.
Focus on the Things You Have Complete Control Over
One reason we are so stressed out during the crisis is that we worry about the things we can’t control. Sure, we strictly follow social distancing, handwashing, and mask-wearing. But we also obsess over the news that we tend to overthink and over worry.
There are many things that are out of our control and that is okay. What we can do instead is to put our attention on what we can control. This will help keep our attention away from the negatives and start a more fulfilling life during quarantine.
During the pandemic, more homeowners went on to work on home improvement projects. This may not protect them against Covid-19. But this gave them a better sense of control over something they own and want to change.
Improving your home is a great way to improve your family’s health, safety, and security. You can tackle projects to better fit your quarantine lifestyle. You can even indulge in projects that will allow you to enjoy a low-maintenance home so you can focus on more important tasks in the future.
For instance, you are sick and tired of vacuuming your carpets but have no choice because your kids have allergies. You can choose to replace those carpets with engineered wood or laminate flooring. With brand-new floors that do not require much cleaning and maintenance, you can have more control over your cleaning schedule, improve the health of your home, and get that sense of achievement.
Stick to a Doable Routine
Whether you are a full-time homemaker or you also work from home, it pays to invest in an everyday routine. A routine gives your day more structure. When you have tasks to finish each day and you make it a point to do these on time, this will help break your tendency to procrastinate.
Routines are meant to make our lives more efficient and productive. With a daily routine in place, we know exactly what to do and when we need to do this. This helps break bad habits that we usually indulge in when we stay longer hours at home.
With a doable routine and by prioritizing the heaviest tasks each day, we get to eliminate the thing that usually takes the longest to accomplish. Once we are done with the biggest task, we will be more motivated to finish the rest. When we get to finish all the things on our to-do list, we can indulge in more time for self-care.
You can start by waking up one hour earlier than usual and don’t forget to make your bed before leaving the room. Before you reach out for your phone, make yourself a healthy breakfast and write a list of everything you need to accomplish for the day. Make sure you do this every day and soon it will feel more like a routine than a chore.
Take Breaks
This may seem like a piece of advice that goes against productivity. But in reality, the best way to stay productive is to give yourself enough time to rest in between your to-do list. Consider a break as your reward for finishing up a couple of your to-do lists.
That short time you spend away from your chores can help clear your mind. This allows you to breathe, take your focus away from what’s stressing you out, and come back feeling a little better and with a fresher mind. Take a time off whenever you need it and you will feel find both physical and mental relief.
For instance, you spend your morning cleaning the house. Before your go on preparing your lunch, take some time off to rest. Instead of browsing on social media, consider taking a quick nap, walk around the neighborhood, or call a friend instead. Physically and mentally taking your focus off of your list will give you some time to improve your performance and reduce your need for a longer recovery time.
You can still take great care of your health and stay productive even while quarantining. All it takes is your focus and dedication to adopt better habits. If you need some help in maintaining productivity mid-pandemic, you can consider this list as your short guide.
