Tips to Keep Yourself Motivated

Life has not been quite the same since the COVID-19 pandemic began. For months now, you may have been working from home or attending school remotely. Staying motivated can be really hard when you are spending so much time at home and learning to live in this new “normal.” Here are some tips I have for you to stay motivated and productive during these tough times:

Follow a routine

It can be hard to focus at home when there are so many distractions, but having a routine can help: wake up, have breakfast, and get ready for the day. Simple tasks like making your bed and getting out of your pj’s can give you a sense of accomplishment and set you up to be motivated to do the rest of your work.

Stay connected with friends and family

It is so important to find ways to stay connected to friends and family during this time. They can give you that reassurance and courage that you need throughout the week to stay motivated. You can have a Zoom call, FaceTime, or play online games. If you are still in school, having an online study session with friends is also a great way to stay connected and keep each other motivated. Take breaks together and catch up during those times as well!

Set daily goals

Writing out a list of things you want to get done, whether it is for home or work, is a great way to motivate yourself. When setting goals, make sure to add in ones that involve doing something you love or something new you want to try. Don’t forget to add in a break from your work to go get some fresh air outside on the list too. Also, be realistic with these goals and focus on small ones you can get done and manage. Try your best to complete the goals, but don’t overwhelm yourself.

Set time for relaxation

Staying motivated will be hard if you don’t take time to rest and focus on your mental health. Stay informed about the news, but don’t get too wrapped up in it if it is negatively impacting your emotions. Practicing mindfulness exercises and doing yoga are great ways to relax and stay calm too. You can also incorporate other activities that make you happy into your day, such as exercising, reading, and playing games. Even take the time to enjoy TV and social media. As long as you keep yourself moving, you won’t get bored and can stay in a motivated mindset.

While I hope these tips can keep you motivated, remember that it is acceptable to not be constantly productive right now. There will be days where you are more motivated than others, and that is okay. It is important to set realistic schedules and take care of yourself. As we all learn to adjust to this new “normal,” prioritize the most important things that you need to complete and just know that doing your best is enough.