10 Ways to Stay Motivated During Quarantine

Quarantine has been a hard time on many. With a global pandemic wreaking havoc outside our front doors many have had a huge lifestyle change. Many are working from home, have lost their jobs, have lost loved ones, or are suddenly working in PPE 24/7. Life is not the same, and motivation can be tough in what feel like hopeless times.

1. Remind Yourself You Can Adapt

It can be hard to see the end of this, and that’s because we have no idea what will happen. Remind yourself that you’re adaptable to change. Even if the change sucks. You can get through this, and life will go back to (as normal) as possible, when we’re ready.

2. Set Routines

Especially if you’re stuck at home all the time, routine is important. Get up before your day “starts”, spend time with yourself, make your bed, take breaks and go for walks. Try to make your routine as normal, and as healthy as possible.

3. Stop Ordering In

Yes, supporting local business is important. But so is supporting your health and your wallet.  Don’t order in every time you get busy, stick to your fridge and make sure you plan your meals for the week. Eating poorly starts a negative cycle of not feeling well.

4. Set Goals

Setting goals for yourself can help hold you accountable to yourself and keep you motivated to working towards something. Celebrate when you reach a goal, then set a new one. If you don’t reach a goal, evaluate why, then try again.

5. Keep Exercising

I know it’s hard when gyms have closed and your normal life has been thrown off balance, but keep exercising. Even going for a daily walk is better than nothing. Your body needs to move. If you can get outside daily, that’s best, fresh air is important!

6. Take Up New Hobbies

New hobbies can help squash the gloominess you might be feeling and create some excitement in your life. They will help you develop new skills as well, which is always helpful. You can then continue to add new hobbies or perfect the one you’ve taken up.

7. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene and Routine

Start to wind down every night before bed. Put your phone away and dim the lights to ensure you’re ready to embark to dream land. Set your phone on do not disturb and then wake up at a good time. Sleep tracker apps can wake you during a light sleep window ton make your days easier. Restful sleep helps immensely with motivation.

8. Make Adventure Plans for the Future

Planning ahead may seem futile right now, but it will actually get you excited. If you plan now, you can start saving months in advance and create the best plan ever. This will keep your mind occupied and your spirits high.

9. Try to Keep Your Space as Organized as Possible

Mess and clutter causes anxiety in a lot of people, even subconsciously. This leads to more anxious behaviors which can manifest differently in different people, but are rarely productive. Cleaning your space or re-organizing will give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which helps with motivation.

10. Congratulate Yourself on Your Accomplishments

Remind yourself that little wins are still wins. When you’re not in the office or surrounded by friends, accomplishments can feel less exciting, so make sure to be your own biggest fan. Do not downplay your success, even if it doesn’t feel the same.