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5 Tips For Staying Productive During Quarantine
dymond phillips • Apr 23, 2020
I had to decide if I was going to adjust or continue to complain!
If you would've told me two months ago that I'd be working from home everyday and actually being productive, I would've thought you were crazy. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has forced us all to stay inside, but for me, there's still work that needs to be done. In the past, I've said multiple times, working at home doesn't work for me. I used to go sit in Starbucks for hours just to get work done. It's something about sitting in Starbucks, it just gets my creative juices flowing. When I'm at Starbucks, everybody around me seems to be doing something, so it forces me to be productive. Before the quarantine, whenever I tried to work at home, whether it was school work, blog work or anything, it would be an epic fail. I would end up on my bed, watching Netflix and eating Gushers. I always thought I could work in my bed, or on the couch, simply because it was comfortable.
After the quarantine started, and I realized that this was going to be my new normal for a while, I had to make some changes. I had already started putting together my vanity/desk area, but I got serious. I ordered so much stuff to make the space feel exactly how I wanted. When you love and organize your space, it allows your mind to flow. I added a girly pen holder, gold calendar, a chair, drawer organizers, and so much more. I hung the pictures I had been procrastinating on doing. If you know me, you know I'm always cold, so I added my small space heater right next to my chair. I was determined to make my space exactly how I had been imagining.
One of my focuses during this quarantine is creating a lifestyle I wanted. When you're a kid, you play dress up and talk about what you're going to be when you grow up. I had to use that same strategy in my adult life. I pray so much about wanting to blog full-time, that I had to use this time to create the life as if I did. My job is currently closed and I always said if I had more time, I would be doing so much more. At first, I was doing absolutely nothing, so I had to change things up. I lacked motivation, but I refused to let that stop me.
I created daily habits and tasks that forced me to be productive. Even on days I didn't feel like working, I had a "routine" that my body was used to doing. That doesn't mean that everyday I get so much done. I have many lazy days. I completely understand that it is a pandemic going on, and I allow myself days to feel the feels. BUT, I don't allow myself to stay there. Blogger, Mattie James, once said, "I am more disciplined than I am motivated. Everyday I have tasks to accomplish to keep me aligned with my goals. Tasks are action steps to help you achieve a goal. Goals are bigger projects attached to your legacy aka the person you want to become." I had to embody that mindset and I work everyday to train my mind to be stronger than my body.
Some other things that helped me be productive are:
1. NO TV
I can watch tv, only after 3pm. That forces me to focus on the tasks at hand. I learned that once I turn on the tv, my focus is there. I end up on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and whatever else. I become so indulged, and the day just passes me by. I definitely give myself breaks throughout the day, but I don't turn on the tv. If I start watching tv, my break goes from 30 minutes to 3 hours. I had to be honest with myself.
2. POSITIVITY
Before I do any work, I write down a positive affirmation at the top of my to-do list. It sets the tone for my workday. Plus, I added motivational quotes all over my work area. On the days I don't feel like working, I glance at the quotes, and they push me to keep going. While I'm working, I listen to podcasts and music that uplift me. Gospel music and 90's R&B are the only genres I can work to. Anything else, is a distraction and doesn't help my brain to do work.
3. CANDLES
I honestly have no idea what it is, but when I sit at my desk, I have to light a candle. Before the quarantine, I liked candles, but they weren't essential. That all changed when I started lighting them daily. I quickly saw a change in my productivity. According to LifeHack.org, "Scented candles can help you succeed in various tasks – it all depends on the scent you choose. Generate Ideas with Peppermint or Cinnamon. Stay Awake with Orange or Lemon. Calm Nerves By Using Jasmine. Focus More Using Rosemary." Research different scents and grab some that you like. Try lighting one before doing some work, and watch how things change.
4. FRESH FLOWERS
Yes, you read that right, fresh flowers. A few weeks ago, my mom brought me some flowers to brighten up my mood. I put them next to my desk, and things began to shift. I didn't know what caused this shift initially. She got me some more flowers for my birthday, and I put them in the same spot. I then realized flowers have a deeper effect. I was never a flower person, I never used to take care of them, so they would always die. Now that I see they help my productivity, I'll always keep fresh flowers in my office. Some researchers at Texas A&M actually tested this. " Results showed higher productivity as well as creativity for those employees in designated workspaces decorated with fresh flowers and plants."
5. GRATITUDE
Everyday when I wake up, after I do my devotional and prayer, I write a list of three things I'm grateful for that day. They can be big things or small things. When you operate in a place of gratitude, you tend to be more productive. Being thankful will switch your entire attitude and make you more hunger for success. Learn to appreciate where you are. The only way you'll be blessed with more is if you're thankful for what you have.
These are just my tips for being more productive when working at home. You will have days when you aren't in the best mood. With everything going on in the world, you may even have some sad days. Be kind and patient with yourself. Allow yourself to feel and go thru the motions. Set some tasks and habits in place so you're still productive even when you don't feel like it. Feelings aren't facts and you can't allow yourself to stay in your feelings forever. Try different things, you never know how they'll change your creativity. Trial and error are the only things to help you learn yourself, which ultimately reflects your productivity. Be honest with yourself on things that distract you, and remove them. Nobody knows you like you. I hope these helped. Until next week!
