How To Stay Productive During Lockdown

With the outbreak of COVID-19,  some of our daily routines such as waking up early, travelling to work, going to the gym and getting the kids ready for school are currently on hold. Working from home is now a popular option so in these uncertain times it’s important to have a sense of purpose and normality by creating a daily routine. Here are some tips on how to create a consistent routine that will help boost your productivity at home.

Define your spaces

This will help you separate work from home. Have a room dedicated to working. Don’t do it wherever you happen to be. Set aside some space in your home , preferably a room (it doesn’t have to be big) to be your workspace. That way, when you enter it, you know consciously what you’re there to do: go to work. It changes your  state of mind from “I’m at home” to “I’m at work”.

Create a Daily Schedule

Stay on top of things by having a fixed sleeping time, walking up time and all your meal times. Prioritise building your immune system by having plenty of rest and eating healthy. Home made food will be most nutritious. 

Dress Up For Work

One of the biggest temptations that comes with working from home is to stay in your pyjamas and loungewear all day. Dressing up is a simple thing that we can do to keep us fresh and happy. So pop some clean clothes on and even some light make up will help. 

Set Your Hours 

Try and keep your working hours the same as your normally would if you were in for work. This will help you work in a disciplined way and avoid distractions. It will also enhance the sense of normality even when you are housebound. 

Keep Your Workspace Tidy 

I’ll keep this one short and sweet. A tidy workspace helps maintain a tidy mind, which helps make your day more productive.

Turn Off Your Phone

This is easier said than done but when put into practice, breeds great results. Turning off your phone simply reduces distractions. This goes for turning  off your  IM and email notifications too. In fact, if possible, switch off the Internet completely if you don’t need it at that time. 

Work Out Regularly

As most of our Norma morning activities have disappeared, you will find you have plenty of extra time. Use this to create a healthy lifestyle by exercising to keep a healthy weight and your stress low. This will not only create a sense of calm but help you build the mental strength to get through the lockdown periods. 

Stay Connected 

As life slows down it gives us an opportunity to spend some quality time with friends and family. Play board games or online quizzes and stay connecting with others using video calls so you can encourage and reassure each other. 

The lockdown will be a test of mental strength and patience but we have the ability to respond positively and make the most of the time that we have.