During this turbulent time, many of us are spending much more time inside of our homes. While rest and relaxation sound appealing, it’s only a matter of time before we all start feeling stir crazy and throw all motivation out the window. However, with these five simple tips, we can all stay motivated at home and turn these days of global crisis into highly-productive times.
Maintain a Routine
Although this may seem like a great time to stay up watching Netflix until 2:00am and staying in your pajamas for days, your mental health will ultimately benefit from a consistent daily routine. In fact, a structured schedule paints a picture of the day and also splits the large chunk of time into several smaller, manageable segments.
You can segment the day into one-hour blocks or even structure it to reflect what a typical day looked like before the COVID-19 outbreak. Mix enjoyable activities between more daunting tasks, and don’t forget to schedule some brain breaks so that the day doesn’t grow too stale!
Take Care of Your Body
When you neglect your body, motivation quickly goes out the window. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize your most basic needs while we’re trapped at home for days on end. First and foremost, make sure that you’re getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Also, nourish your body with healthy meals and snacks — even if that means braving the grocery store to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. These two items, along with proper daily exercise, will ultimately keep your mood elevated and increase your motivation and concentration even when you’re stuck at home.
Stay Connected
Humans are social creatures, and we all benefit from social interaction. Even during this time of self-quarantine, you can still stay connected to your friends through several digital methods. FaceTime study sessions with a classmate can break up the monotony, or you can compare notes via Snapchat or Marco Polo. If you want to throw a (virtual) get-together, check out Houseparty or set up a Zoom account.
Get Outside
Studies show that even brief interactions with nature help improve mood and motivation. So, try to work in a few short breaks each day to get out of your house. Whether you go for a walk or just sit out on your patio, the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders. If you can’t actually get out of the house, at least set up a space near a window that you can crack open so that you can still experience a temporary escape.
Learn Something New
We’re all highly motivated when the subject or cause is something we feel passionate about. So, why not use this time at home as an opportunity to learn something new? There are many great online resources available where you can study any subject that piques your interest and motivates you to continue studying during the Coronavirus pandemic. What’s more, a Career Launcher program can provide virtual learning opportunities for motivated college students who want to recession-proof themselves.
The days may feel like they’re blending together, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still make them productive, too. With a consistent routine, proper nutrition, and some mindful moments in place, we can all remain motivated during this unprecedented time in history.