Let’s face it: Staying motivated in the midst of a pandemic is tricky to say the least. Throw in the fact that many of us are now working—and/or schooling kids—from home, remaining productive with so many distractions is easier said than done.
Good news: With a little effort and imagination, you can stay focused and inspired at home no matter what’s going on around you. From creating your own designated workstation to simply making daily to-do lists, read ahead for five ways to maintain motivation during the pandemic.
1. Design a distinct workspace.
In order to stay focused and productive while working and teaching from home, it’s important to have a designated space to create the right environment. Now’s the time to turn your guest room into a proper home office, complete with a desk, storage, and window treatments that allow for ample natural light to stream in while you’re working, such as Belgian Linen Roman Shades. No spare room for an office? No worries. You can carve out a distinct workstation in any size of space with a wall-mounted drop leaf table and side chair.
Photo by @athomewithashley via @barnandwillow
2. Try color therapy.
A little color can go a long way in keeping you motivated. In fact, scientific research suggests that certain hues, especially bright ones, can boost your mood and make you more productive just by looking at them. Employ some cool lavender-hued shades in your home office for an inspiring pop of color, or try velvet drapes in a bold shade, like sapphire blue or teal, to help keep your mind focused when you work from home.
3. Set a daily schedule and make to-do lists.
If your mind tends to wander when you’re working from home, consider making a daily schedule and to-do list—and sticking to both. Whether it’s a designated time for reading and responding to emails or a list of chores you hope to accomplish that day, knowing and writing down what needs to get done will help keep you focused on the task at hand.
Photo by @emilyedithbowser via @barnandwillow
4. Stay connected with loved ones.
Whether it’s an old-fashioned phone call to a friend or a virtual happy hour with colleagues, keeping in close touch with friends and family is key during these uncertain times. Make a habit of calling a loved one at the end of the day to help you unwind from working at home, or Zoom a close friend whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed to stay constantly connected with your emotional support systems.
5. Make time for yourself.
As important as it is to stay motivated during the pandemic, it’s also crucial to schedule time for yourself. If you’re having a hard time maintaining a work-life balance while working from home, set an alarm on your phone to remind you when it’s time to sign off at the end of the day. Or, set aside at least a half hour every day to go on a brisk walk outside. The sunlight and fresh air will instantly lift your spirits, while the endorphins from exercise will help keep your mind focused the rest of the day.
