8 WAYS TO HELP YOU STAY PRODUCTIVE DURING LOCKDOWN

Staying productive during this period of lockdown can be hard if your quarantining, self-isolating, or enduring the lockdown alone. The reality is, I only started to embrace the extra quiet time of everyday life while trying to find new ways to keep myself busy. As much as we all miss our ‘normal life,’ we might as well make the most out of the free time we do have.

Part of staying productive includes not having the news on 24/7. I tried leaving the TV on, on a few occasions and I was left feeling like there was little hope. So I compared this with YouTube watching everything from cartoons, to documentaries, music videos and I must admit, I forgot all about COVID-19 and slowly came back to reality after seeing what was trending online. Still, I noticed a difference in my mood, feeling a lot more positive. I'm a realist, so I understand the importance of being up to date with what's going on but I like balance too.

Here are 8 ways to help you stay productive during lockdown.

1. Find something to do

Whether it’s spring cleaning, catching up on your favourite shows or organizing your important emails from your casual ones, I guarantee you’ll find something to do.

2. Plan ahead

Think of things you’d like to do during the week or the next, so you can spread your new routine and make the most out of it.

3. Take a walk

I take walks and think to myself why I didn’t do this more often before the pandemic. Sometimes we think we need a reason behind it such as going to the shop or if you happen to be on your way out, but it’s nice to take a walk just because. Anyway, it’s peaceful.

4. Exercise

For the days I’m indoors I try and get my stretches done by the afternoon and do a little exercise. Depending on where you are, you might be restricted with lockdown but make the most of your immediate area to give your body a workout.

5. Talk to people – it might be someone you don’t know.

When I go out for essential shopping, my main goal is to go out and to come back. However, recently it didn’t quite pan out like that. It was a nice day, and I thought why not respond to a hello, despite it turning to a short conversation…and about COVID-19. Now we’re all indoors, it’s a good time to bond with family but if you haven’t seen daylight in a while and now out for essentials, maintain social distance, wear a face mask, but it’s ok to be human too.

6. Reading

Books, and even reading an article can be relaxing, and a way to pass the time. Reading daily scriptures, and/or positive quotes can lift the spirit too.

7. Listen to music

They say music can heal and is therapeutic, so there’s no better time than to add to your playlist or go down memory lane with your favourite tunes. If your a music lover, VERZUZ (a live music battle of the greats) created by Timbaland & Swizz Beatz is one way to keep entertained inspiring my next blog, where I’ll rundown the battles so far and how music (even with social distancing) brings people together.

8. Relax and be Positive

I like to relax and when I feel tense, I find a quiet space to meditate. Taking a walk is both relaxing and can help you clear your mind. However you choose to relax, just unwind and stay positive, knowing there is life after this pandemic.