5 secrets to staying productive while physical distancing
July 6, 2021
Physical distancing has become engraved in our minds since the very beginning of this seemingly never-ending pandemic. Although my mind understands this rationale, my body and soul find it hard to adapt to this change because it is so foreign to me. Due to this, I found myself wasting time because of a lack of motivation and my productivity suffered. I am not lazy per se but, staring at a screen for hours in my PJ’s is not exactly exciting and I'm sure you can agree!
Nonetheless, I realized there are many ways to adjust and make the best of this time by implementing a few small changes. I promise these tweaks in your routine will be a game-changer!
Develop a routine
If you haven’t done so already, try to structure out your day with the goals you wish to accomplish. I often make a to-do list on paper and also love using Google Calendar to get an idea of what the day will look like. Trust me when I say so much satisfaction comes from checking off items you've completed! More importantly, try to stick with it so that you are in that productive mindset as opposed to giving yourself a loose schedule which can be very distracting!
Incorporate some physical activity - bonus points if it’s in the morning!
I am either stressing, thinking about stressing, or about to start stressing. I think it is really important to get out of your head and move! I feel that my days are 100 times more productive when I run in the mornings or do a YouTube workout because it makes me feel accomplished; Chloe Ting’s workouts really push me! Here’s her two-week shred I often follow.
Journal
Now I am not telling you to write out your whole life story or an essay but I am telling you to try to express how you’re feeling in writing. I used to think journaling was a waste of time and only for influencers or fitness gurus but it is a mindful act we (or at least I) often neglect. If I write about how I’m feeling and validate my feelings on paper, it helps me not spend time throughout the day worrying about these things in the back of my mind. This is so crucial right now since many of us might feel lonely or isolated with physical distancing. Trust me you need to try this!
Read
I used to make all the excuses in the world to not read and to tell you the truth, I only read a book when it was part of a course or assignment. This year I promised myself things would change because I wanted to challenge myself. Reading is a great way to "go places” with the support of our imaginations because obviously travelling isn’t really an option right now. Check out Z-library for literally any book you can think of!
Phone a friend
I think one of the main reasons I have kept my cool during these times is having my friends be a Skype call, Whatsapp chat, or Facetime call away. We talk about anything and everything and I feel it truly keeps me motivated and productive to know my friends are also sitting in their homes doing their work, hence why shouldn’t I?
That’s all for now folks! These are the five secrets through which I have stayed productive and also sane! I think you should give it a try and see what works for you. I know it may be difficult to incorporate drastic changes all at once especially if your productivity has been suffering for quite some time, but it will get better as you progress!
