This week I decided since we're all stuck inside, the idea to do anything but binge watch Netflix with a packet of biscuits and maybe a bottle of wine is a little too tempting; I'd give 5 tips on how to stay motivated in the mist of a global pandemic when there's really not much to do. I'm *kind of* lucky I have university work to complete, and exams to revise for and so being productive is a must- but you can do it too! Whether it's getting fit or learning a new skills these tips can help you, and hopefully not send you stir crazy while you're at it.
Commit! The first thing to remember is to commit yourself to something! Sounds easy enough, "I'm going to try and learn a language in the next three weeks because honestly, what else is there to do?" However in most cases, saying you're going to commit is just the reality and actually committing is still off dreaming. The best way to stick to something is to try it for three weeks- after three weeks you should be on your way to forming a habit, and you might find you're starting to enjoy it. I've always had a mentality that if you really want to do something badly, then you will- but that doesn't mean you wait around for it- commit to something, and try it for a week, and then another; keep it going. For myself, it's amazing how much you can get done waking up earlier than 11am everyday.
Take a Break! (Maybe have a Kitkat?) Taking breaks is crucial to success in staying motivated. Failing to take a break results in burning yourself out- and from personal experience, it isn't the greatest look. A massive tip I've been using when planning and maintaining breaks is through the Promodoro Technique. This technique is all about giving yourself a break between working- 25 minutes of work, training or completing a task and a 5 minute break afterwards, to complete the cycle over again. This method is effective for big projects that can start to feel overwhelming- you allow yourself a break and you break down the project into smaller goals to finish. Whether your break is scrolling through Facebook or actually grabbing yourself a Kitkat (or any other chocolate treat) taking a break relaxes you and can help you push through mental blocks and well, hunger ones too.
Congratulate Yourself! Staying motivated to complete something is good, but make sure you congratulate yourself afterwards! This is different to taking a break, when you pause for 5 minutes, you're setting yourself up to head straight back into the work but once it's finished it's important you find time for yourself, or with friends/ family and celebrate- you've been able to achieve something, and especially during these challenging times, you deserve it! I normally congratulate myself with a meal out with friends, or if I'm on my own I usually grab a take away and binge a new true crime documentary- it's the little things that can bring you the most joy.
Think short term! Just like with the Pomodoro Technique, splitting up a project into smaller tasks/goals will make it easier to complete. Setting yourself up with short term tasks that contribute to the overall goal everyday or every week will see you reach your goal sooner than you'd think. For example, taking a look my uni work, I decided to split all my tasks up and allocate days in which I'd work on them- I found myself completing tasks earlier than expected, as well as taking longer on some tasks too. Short term goals are key- they help assess where you are in reaching your overall goal but also gives you something to celebrate!
Switch it up! Make sure if you're doing the same thing everyday you switch it up sometimes. Whether thats changing location (In the current situation that might be going from the dining room to the living room but the sentiments the same) or changing the time of your breaks or even what you do in those breaks. Switching up what you're doing every couple of days will make sure you're still on course to complete what you want! Doing the same thing everyday is boring, especially when we can't leave the house unless its necessary- so doing the best with whats around you and trying to change up the day to day work will keep you motivated and might help you not go stir crazy in your own home.
And there you have it! 5 tips on how to stay motivated, tailored towards staying indoors these tips can help you over the next few weeks for those working from home and those deciding on starting something new. These tips can even help you when the world heads back to normality- It might be a challenging few weeks for us all so I'm sending you all the best, stay safe, stay indoors, save lives.
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