There’s no question that the lockdown has been difficult on a lot of people. It’s tough to stay motivated when you have to work from home and can’t go anywhere, but there are ways to better manage your time, so you don’t feel like it is wasted away. Whether you are trying to continue to run your own business or working remotely instead of the office, there’s no doubt this is an unusual situation that can be difficult for some people. But there are a few things that can make it easier.
At Breed Business Centre, we have all been working from home for the lockdown, and we have found a few tricks that work for us to stay motivated.
Plan your day
The lockdown is definitely one of those times when it’s important to plan out what you are going to do for the day. Make your to-do list, break it up into morning and afternoon tasks so you can tick things off as you go along. Try to tackle those difficult projects that take longer first, when you have the most energy and focus. If you can start work at the same time you usually would, it really helps to start the day on the right track.
It’s about being productive but also realistic too, so find out what things make you feel most motivated and then do more of them! Try to pick a time of day when you traditionally get the most done. Then put everything on your calendar–Mondays at 11 am for marketing, Wednesdays at noon for emailing clients, for example. Adding some structure to your week will keep you focused. It is hard to focus if you have too many choices, so set up some parameters around what tasks need to be completed each day and then stick with them!
Prioritise your tasks
It’s important to prioritise the things you need to get done so that you can complete them and not worry if you don’t get to some of the smaller tasks that day. Put your focus into the big stuff, so it feels like there’s progress being made every day by completing some goals.
Focus on your business and career goals
It is definitely hard being locked in your house all day, but if you’re able to focus on your business goals, then it will help you to emerge even stronger and more determined when lockdown ends. Why not use this opportunity to learn a new skill or refresh your knowledge about your industry? Think of all the things you often wish you had time to do. This lockdown is a great time to get ahead by upskilling or looking into that new business venture you’ve been thinking about but didn’t have the time to dive into.
Allow yourself to take breaks
It is really important to give yourself plenty of time-outs while you work from home, so you aren’t feeling too overwhelmed and get burnt out quickly. Take a few minutes for some deep breaths, do some stretches or go for a quick walk around the block – whatever does the trick for you to unwind and feel recharged again. It will help your mind stay fresh, and you’ll be more clear-headed to work on the next task.
Reward yourself
While working at the office, you might be used to getting praise or feedback from your boss or colleagues. When working from home, it can be easy to feel like you’re not accomplishing anything. Try giving yourself a small reward when you complete a task like a piece of chocolate or 15 minutes of your favourite TV show. This will help you get that much needed positive feedback and the motivation to keep going.
Make a plan for when lockdown ends
Try not to be too pessimistic about what is happening now because it will be over soon. By making plans for what you are going to do when lockdown does finally end, it helps you to remain positive that lockdown will be over soon, and you’ll have a chance to get back to normal. Sometimes it’s the best thing to keep your mind off of what is happening now by focusing on something else. So think about places you want to visit, who you want to see, where you would like to dine out, and what events you might like to attend. It’s all about optimism to keep you focused and motivated.
Take care of yourself
It’s important not only for staying motivated but also for your physical and mental well-being so that lockdown doesn’t take a toll on your health too. Try to make time every day for some kind of self-care, whether it be getting enough sleep, exercising in the fresh air or cooking dinner instead of getting take away. These small steps will help you feel more positive, motivated and help your physical and mental health.
While your life might look very different with lockdown in place, there will still be little things that make this difficult period more bearable, whether it’s treating yourself to some online shopping or catching up on Game of Thrones all weekend long without having to worry about work commitments.
The lockdown is stressful, and it might feel like it will never end but try not to be too hard on yourself if there are days where nothing seems to go right and your motivation drops. It is normal to feel unproductive some days; just try to make tomorrow more enjoyable, and you will feel happier and more motivated.
Know your limits
We all have a different tolerance for lockdown, and it’s important to know your limits. Whether you want to stay home and do some DIY or go for long walks every day, make sure that whatever you do is what feels right for you and will help with work-life balance during the lockdown. Don’t worry about what other people are doing; focus on what is best for you.Â
There will be days when you struggle to feel optimistic and be motivated, and that is completely normal. Don’t be too tough on yourself, and remember that this is something you have never experienced before. No one is perfect, and no one is kicking goals every day while working from home. Just do your best; it’s not about being perfect.
Stay positive
It can be hard when you’re feeling isolated or frustrated with lockdown and its effects but staying positive goes so far in helping work-life balance during the lockdown. We find that if we stay upbeat, then the lockdown doesn’t seem so bad.
Make time to keep in touch with family and friends. This really helps keep us grounded and motivated as well as feeling less isolated. Reach out to the people in your life and make plans to hang out after lockdown ends.
 Staying motivated can sometimes be really hard but try not to give up hope! Remind yourself that lockdown won’t last forever, and everything you accomplish while working from home counts towards future successes, no matter how small it might be.Â
We hope these tips help you to stay motivated during this lockdown period. Stay positive, everyone and don’t be too hard on yourself.Â
Keep safe and well during this time, and we look forward to seeing you all back at the Breed Business Centre soon.
