With the current state of things, it's so immensely easy to fall into a state of plateau. So much of the past year and a half have been spent trying to cope and adjust with all the ways that our lives have changed. Social distancing, masking on at all times, the ever-changing rules of what's allowed and what's not - it's safe to say that none of us has it truly figured out yet. There has been a lot going on in the world, so it's completely normal for all of the new changes to lead to distraction and demotivation.
So how do we take care of ourselves during what is still a very arduous time?
The times are strange, but we only need to handle right now. Find the best way for you to handle and cope your right now. The rest will come when it comes.
Even when things feel like they're spiraling out of control, there still might be a few things you can do to make things better. If your motivation meter is pointing to low, give these tips a go to set yourself up for a more productive mindset to get back into the swing of things.
Make your bed
The simple act of getting up and out of bed, and starting the day with completing a task will set a notion on how the rest of the day will go. Look at it as a way of gaining momentum for everything else that needs to get done. Plus, once your bed is all made up, you'll be less tempted to get back into it!
Get ready as though you are heading out
If you stay in your pajamas with your bed hair in tact, all you'd want to do is be lazy. Have a good long shower, continue with your skincare routine, wear that outfit you've been saving for a post-pandemic outing, and put on some color on your face. Hype yourself up for a day to get stuff done. You are putting the energy and time to make yourself feel good and look good, so you'll most likely not want to waste those efforts!
Plan it out
Have a general to do list of the things you want to get done. With that said however, make a point not to over plan as that can turn out to be unproductive. Having too many things on your plate will stress you out as you'd worry about crossing everything on your list. You'd probably spend more time thinking about the tasks on your list rather than completing them. The key is to focus on one thing at a time, and put attention on what needs priority.
Clean and organize
It would be much easier to focus when the area around you is more in control. Cleaning and organizing your work space and/or home is like a fresh start to clearing your head.
Learn something new
Don't be afraid to pick up a new hobby. Having a creative outlet, whether or not it relates to your tasks, will lead to better productivity due to the feeling of inspiration that comes with it. Who knows, you might just find a new passion and/or uncover a hidden talent.
Take a break from your phone
It's undeniable that we spend too much time looking at our phones what with the endless temptations from the many social media apps, online news portals, mobile games... the list is basically never ending. Often times, it can get more than a little overwhelming on the mind. When things get a little too much, remove yourself from your devices that if used improperly, are essentially time wasters.
Accept that life is full of distractions and imperfect
Have you ever wanted to do something, but decided to wait for the right time? Well, we are here to tell you that that type of perfection does not exist. The days you spend waiting can turn to months or years, and you'd end up putting the whole thing off altogether. So whatever it is you've been wanting to do or start, do it! And by having this kind of acceptance, you would be more flexible when things don't go the way you want them to. When this happens, learn to gauge your mental state and adjust.
Act with purpose
Whatever it is that you do, always remember to act with purpose. Finish what is necessary and important to you, and forget those that are not. Let go of anything and everything that serves no purpose to you and your life in the grander scheme of things.
Do nothing
When all else fails, do nothing and try again tomorrow. The idea that you have to be constantly productive is simply fictitious. If you were to never take a break or time off, it would make you resentful of any work that comes your way. Always prioritize your well-being, and listen to your mind, body and soul. Sometimes we just need to embrace the downs as much as the ups, and sit with the discomfort and anxiety, instead of perpetually trying to fix it.
Above all, we shouldn't try so hard for the current year to be this massive leap forward. What we all need is to take a moment to acknowledge what a difficult time we've been going through, and just take one day at a time.