FOUR WAYS TO BEAT LAZINESS DURING QUARANTINE

Is it just me, or has this pandemic made things a lot harder to stay motivated?

Many of us are still working from home, many still are trying to find employment, and many of us have found side hustles to keep us busy during these uncertain times. One thing we might all have in common, though, is that it cab be hard to keep going when we don’t know what’s coming in the next month, week, or even day.

If you’re like me, Facebook has become more interesting than ever. Pinterest is a time consumer. Online shopping? My new addiction. While these sites hold their purpose, distracting us from doing normal things like showering shouldn’t be one of them. Let’s talk about how you can beat the lazy, and start to feel good about your productivity throughout the day.

Set A Schedule, and STICK TO IT

If you haven’t heard it yet, you might want to try like this guy, and stay as close to your daily routine as possible

Okay, maybe not that strict. It’s true, though, that if you set a schedule for yourself, you’re more likely to be productive. You can plan time to work, time to do things you love, and time to veg on Facebook. Even Benjamin Franklin, one of the most successful and influential people in our nation, knew that he had to stick to a schedule to optimize his day. Based on the fact that we now have an operating nation as a result, I’d say it worked pretty well for him.

2. Be Accountable

Ever wonder why it’s so easy to start something and not finish it? It’s because when we do, we usually don’t have someone breathing down our necks telling us to get it done. When we let someone hold us accountable for our work, a new sense of urgency appears that can be totally motivating.

So grab your friend, your mom, your dog, and let them know what it is you’d like to accomplish, give yourself a deadline, and ask them to hold you accountable to it. If you want to make it extra spicy, have them include a reward or consequence based upon your completion of the task. You’ll be a productivity machine in no time!

3. Exercise

Ugh, really? You’re telling me to stop being lazy, I have to work out?

Yes. Yes you do. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day does all sorts of good things to your brain. It releases adrenaline and dopamine, the feel-good hormones that will put you in a good mood. Once you’re done with your workout, your brain will be on a hormone high that will make you want to keep up your momentum. Plus, the feeling of accomplishing something will make you want to keep going.

Don’t worry about what you do for exercise, just worry about doing it. Pick something, anything, that you like to do and gets your heart rate pumping, go out, and do it. In the end, your body and mind will both be happier and ready to take on a busy day.

4. Take Breaks to Do What You Love

Someone once said to me, if you do something you love every day, then you will always be happy. So far, it has been completely true! Laziness can come about because of dread, boredom, and so many other reasons. If you follow the above steps your’e sure to stay busy, but you will not dread being productive if you give yourself time to do something that you love.

It can be talking to a friend on the phone, going for a walk (doubles as exercise!), writing, singing to yourslef, watching videos on TikTok, you name it! Indulging in your interests and improving your talents improves self esteem and confidence. A happy you is a productive you!

So, what are you waiting for? Continue reading this post, or get started planning how you’re going to be productive, today. Not tomorrow, start with today. Even if it’s 11:59 pm, sit down and make a plan on how you’re going to make this day count. There’s no time like the present! You’ve got this!