How to stay motivated during COVID-19

There will always be days when you struggle to get out of bed and stay motivated – even opening your eyes in the morning can be a chore. Regardless, our days are most productive when we manage to fit in (and make the most of) our routines. However, being on lockdown has given us a different kind of routine – by that, I mean there’s a lot of eating, sleeping and Netflix.

With virtual socializing and staying indoors being the new norm, it’s understandable if sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated and you lack enthusiasm for the things that once brought you joy.

Psychology Today reported that quarantine has been linked to anger, fear, frustration, anxiety and stress. All of these emotions can overwhelm and begin to consume us. After months of lockdown – whether you’re a student,  a recent graduate looking for work or a professional – we’re all craving the pre-lockdown routine that helped us stay motivated and focused every day. Luckily, we have a few ways to help get you over that slump.

Change your eat, sleep and Netflix routine

Easier said than done. A way to combat laziness and lack of motivation is to do something out of the ordinary that provides you with the drive and energy you need to focus on other tasks. Spending time outdoors sounds pretty out of the ordinary right now, so why not make some time for nature?

Yes, the pandemic is ongoing and has halted pretty much everything, closing parks and other outdoorsy destinations. But, don’t worry – going for a walk, a ride on your bike or a long scenic drive is still acceptable. Just be sure you remember to wear a mask and observe recommended safety measures like social distancing and personal hygiene while you are out and about.

Write out your goals

Listing goals and tasks may sound like an exercise in futility. But, handwriting a clear list and keeping it at your workstation will encourage you to get them done sooner so you can tick them off. Whether they are short-term or long-term goals, visualizing them will motivate you and give you the drive you need to achieve them.

If you don’t have a set plan, it can be easy to spiral and procrastinate. Trust us when we say this – there is something so satisfying about taking a pen and crossing those things off your to-do list.

Practice self-care

We don’t mean bubble baths and bottles of wine, while that may classify as self-care to some. To truly practice self-care, one must learn to take care of their body, mind and soul. People are too often consumed in their hectic daily schedules, and forget to take care of themselves.

Me-time is underrated. We frequently find ourselves surrounded by others and incessantly socializing. During these unprecedented times, it’s especially important to carve out time to spend time with ourselves and take care of our physical and mental health.

Taking care of yourself will help you stay motivated and improve your overall mood. Here are a few methods to practice self-care:

• Have a balanced sleep schedule
• Say no to others and say yes to me-time
• Let a pet help you with self-care (who doesn’t love puppies?)
• Pamper yourself from time to time

Get an accountability buddy

Whether it’s a friend, family member or coworker, an accountability partner will help you keep track of your progress toward your goals, and vice versa. When you have someone to report to, you’re more likely to stay motivated, complete tasks on time and have progress to show for your efforts.

Count your accomplishments

Counting your accomplishments is important because they’re a result of your hard work and they deserve recognition. Counting your achievements will also help you stay motivated by showing you what you’re capable of. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and treat yourself with rewards for a job well done. It’s essential to recognize the amount of work you’ve put into your journey.

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