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COVID-19 has changed life as we know it indefinitely. Thousands of people are dying each day. People’s lives have been turned upside down. While you may not be directly affected by the virus, it is imperative that the magnitude and the atrocities caused by this virus always remains at the forefront of your mind.
Even though you may not know anyone with the virus or have not gotten it yourself, it is rare to see anyone who has not been impacted in some way, shape, or form. Many have been having trouble getting into a routine or being productive. This being said, there are small things you can do every day to regain a sense of normality and to return or begin a productive life.
Step 1:
Get Dressed/Ready Immediately After You Wake Up
The longer you stay in your pyjamas the less likely you are to feel a sense of drive or need to accomplish tasks on your to-do list. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, try to plan out your outfit the night before, so once you wake up, you can get dressed and begin your day. Even if you are not leaving your home, still change out of your pyjamas because it will alter your mindset for the day.
Step 2:
Once You Are Awake/Out of Bed - Immediately Make Your Bed.
This will help those of us who tend to want to return to bed or to press snooze. The sooner you start your day, the more time you have to accomplish your goals. Making your bed rarely takes over 30 seconds, yet many people do not do this. Keep in mind that small changes in habit can lead to big changes in your life.
Step 3:
Have A Morning Playlist
Music has been proven to boost your mood. By having a designated morning playlist, you will be incentivized to start your morning routine. In addition, you may be in a more positive mood which can also help set the tone for the day.
Step 4:
Write a GOOD To-Do-List
List should include 3 task you MUST get done today and 3 tasks which would BE NICE to complete today.
Have your to-do-list at your desk or on your computer - anywhere where you will see it frequently. Consistently remind yourself that those 3 “must-get-done tasks”, are not up for discussion. Once you have these 3 tasks, then any extra time can be allocated for the “be nice to get done” tasks. Try to be strict with yourself, yet kind. If you notice a task is going to require more time, then add more time accordingly, but if you know you can finish it then do not let distractions get between you and your goal. In addition, beside each task, write down the amount of time it should take you to complete it. Try to be firm with yourself, because if you give yourself an indefinite amount of time to complete something, it is more likely to drag on.
Step 5:
Don’t Think Too Much
As counterintuitive as this may sound, often people will find themselves worried about when and how they will complete a very daunting task, instead of actually working on it. Worrying about the task in no way closes the gap between where you are and the finish point. A more productive mentality is sometimes to just start. You have this time - use it to the best of your ability. Worrying about if you have enough time to finish it or being anxious if you are capable of complete a job will not help - it will drain your energy and your time. Instead, just start. Even if it is not perfect, you are closer than you were 5 minutes ago, when you had not started yet.
“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.” - Bruce Lee
Be kind to yourself and try to make each day more productive than your last. Once you are in a routine, work hard to maintain it for 28 days and then afterwards you will see that it will be habit.
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