Lockdowns are tough on everyone. When you’re working from home or trying to run a business it can be particularly difficult to stay motivated. For most of us, it has been a long time since we’ve been able to get to the office and back into our usual routine and this can make us feel isolated and less productive.
To help, we have compiled a list of eight simple ways to stay motivated during lockdown:
1. Set small daily goals
Setting small, achievable daily goals is a great way to help with productivity and motivation. Having something specific to work towards each day will help to give you direction and keep you focused on the task at hand. As a bonus, the satisfaction of “ticking off your list” at the end of the day can give you a boost of confidence and help you feel accomplished. Finish off your day by doing an ‘end of day reflection’ which will help keep you focused, it’s like a little check point to make sure you’re on track.
2. Plan your day so that you have regular breaks and time away from your desk to relax
It is so important to take regular breaks and allow yourself to step away from your desk while working from home. Sometimes it’s harder to “unplug” when your home is doubling as your office, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of working extra days and longer hours. Research has shown that nearly 70% of professionals who transitioned to remote work because of the pandemic say they now work on weekends, and 45% say they regularly work more hours than they did before. This is why it’s so important to plan out your day and allow time in your schedule for breaks. Be mindful of your behaviour and if you need to create boundaries so that you don’t allow work to creep into your family or personal time. Go outside and take a walk for some fresh air, or simply move to a different room in your house to eat your lunch or to have a tea break.
3. Celebrate little wins
Each day you will normally accomplish something that can be classified as a win, it could be as small as getting through a tough meeting or ticking off your daily to-do list. It can be easy to let these little victories go unnoticed, however it is important not to ignore these wins, because they provide joy and motivation. Make an effort to notice your small wins, get excited about them and communicate them with someone to share the excitement.
4. Reward yourself
Most of us are used to working in an office surrounded by other people, which means that when you succeed at something, you may be used to getting some praise or recognition from the people around you. When working from home, we miss out on this kind of acknowledgement. Instead, try to give yourself a small reward when you finish a task. Find something you enjoy, like a short TV break, or have your favourite food for dinner and reward yourself to celebrate your successes. Make it a priority to bring joy into your day for a boost of motivation and positivity.
5. Join an online group so you feel supported and less isolated
At a time when most of us are feeling more isolated and craving social interaction, joining an online group can help you to feel more connected to the outside world and supported by likeminded people. It can also be a great place to vent frustrations and find people in similar situations who might be able to provide advice or even just a listening ear.
6. Listen to uplifting music or an inspiring Ted talk
Music is a great tool to lift your mood. On days where you feel flat or can’t get motivated, putting on some of you favourite upbeat and uplifting music can instantly brighten your mood and get you in the zone for a productive day.
Another great idea is to listen to a podcast or an inspiring TED talk to get you feeling motivated. This TED talk by Shawn Achor about the Psychology of Positivity, explains how your attitude toward a situation tends to determine the outcome of that situation. It is a great choice when you need a motivational boost.
Another great choice if you’re looking for some business-related motivation, is this TED talk by Simon Sinek about How Great Leaders Inspire Action. Starting your day with these kinds of videos can help provide the kick start you need to have a positive and productive day.
7. Get active
Physical activity is one of the ways to stay motivated. It boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels, all of which affect focus and attention. Starting your day with some exercise can help you concentrate better throughout the day. You can also take some time throughout the day to go outdoors for a walk. This will break up your work day, and you’ll be able to get some fresh air and stay energised.
8. Get in touch with your customers
Lastly, use this time to check in with your customers. Pick up the phone and give them a call. Everyone is going through this together and there is no doubt that your customers are also feeling the strain of the pandemic and constant lockdowns. Your customers will appreciate the personal touch and you can use this opportunity to authentically connect with your customers and strengthen your business relationship. If you need help with your business direction or goal setting, please reach out to us.