5 Ways To Stay Motivated During Quarantine
I'm not going to lie and say that making content and working from home has been easy. With us being stuck inside with what seems to like “nothing to do,” there is an overarching pressure to do things you’ve never done before or complete things you’ve been telling yourself you would complete if you had the time. This pressure gave me a lot of anxiety, especially when seeing other productive people on social media. This self-isolating has been just that, isolating.
At the beginning of quarantine, I was a little happy because I felt like I needed a break, but after week two, the boredom struck and I lost motivation to do anything. Now, in our third month of self-quarantine, I’ve grown my personal brand, rebranded and relaunched Academe, maintained a part-time job, and transferred universities. If you’re feeling down in this quarantine, I’m going to share how to get up, stay motivated, and get stuff done!
Go Outside
Going outside has been a major game-changer for me. There's something about getting fresh air when you first wake up—it brings a calmness to your day. And don’t worry about the neighbors judging you because we’re all stuck in quarantine together. We all look a mess sis! Luckily, my dad finished redoing our backyard before quarantine so if I’m not looking so hot, I can still go outside. If you’re feeling trapped or stir crazy, try moving outside. If you’re working from home, grab your laptop, and go outside for appropriate projects. It has been proven that going outside has a de-stressor effect. During your lunch break, get out and take a walk. My mom calls me when she takes her afternoon walk and it makes my day!
Stay Connected With Friends and Family
Quarantine has definitely been isolating, and social distancing doesn’t make it easier when you’re with people. Luckily, we are in the age of great technology and were able to keep in touch via Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and social media. My friends and I have set up FaceTime dates that have consisted of catching up, spilling the tea, playing online games together, and watching Netflix together. Even though they aren’t physically here with me, it makes it feel a little more normal. Your friends and family can be your biggest support system, and not having them there like they usually are, can take a toll on you subconsciously. Keep them as close as you can. They will keep you motivated.
As for social media, it can be good and bad during quarantine. Try not to overindulge in social media because comparing yourself to the people you see is inevitable. When stuck in the house, the feeling of being trapped can weight heavily on you especially when seeing others being productive and doing great. Limit your social media time and screen time altogether. If you’re really bored and can’t help scrolling, try muting people you find comparing yourself to. This allows you to still follow them but limit them on your feed. Keep on doing you sis!
Set Daily Goals
Like I said above, there is an overarching pressure to perform better during quarantine because we have time. Just because we have time does it mean we will use it wisely. At the beginning of my quarantine, I spent most of my time online shopping. I had about 35 Amazon boxes come to my house before March was over. Now, I treat online shopping just like the normal grocery store, I only go on there for essential items. This has saved me time and money, believe me.
To use your time wisely, instead of making a huge list of all the things you want to get done, set 1-3 daily goals. They can be small goals like making your bed or big goals like re-painting the kitchen. Once you achieved your goal, the act of checking it off your list keeps you motivated to finish the next goal. Soon, you won’t have anything on your list!
Just Start
Remember, you are your biggest competition. You’re competing against your procrastination, laziness, and your own personal will. When tasks pile up, they can be overwhelming as a whole. Sometimes just starting the project is the hardest part. If you already have a list of tasks to complete, start with the easiest ones and mark them off from there. Once you have all the easiest ones out of the way, start working on the hard ones. Take frequent breaks when necessary to do things that make you happy to keep you motivated to keep going and complete your tasks.
Self-care
If you invest any time in something during quarantine, it should be yourself. During this time, do the things that you love. Read your favorite book, watch your favorite movies, journal, take pictures, film videos, write music, take a bubble bath, get your skin right, try a wig—do things that make YOU happy! Quarantine doesn’t have to be just for new hobbies, building on brand, or starting a new project. This time is about keeping you safe and alive, and that starts with how you are feeling at home.
Take care of yourself during this trying time. Stay home and stay safe! You can do it and you can do it from home! Show yourself you can achieve greatness using the tools you have—you!
Karisa Brown
Instagram // @lifewithkarisa
