How To Stay Motivated (After Two Years At Home…)

Ah, finally! We see a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. However, the last two years have been trying, to say the least, and perhaps that experience is the catalyst to the many journeys we’ve embarked on since then.  

Staying motivated, though, is hard enough even when the whole world isn’t in shambles. So as positive as many of us feel to finally see glimmers of hope for the future, it doesn’t necessarily take away the stagnation of the past two years that we may have come to know as the norm. 

So, what CAN you do? 

…whatever you can to boost your productivity! 

Research shows that productivity and motivation are directly related – the higher the motivation level, the higher the productivity potential. 

Getting to that motivated level without a plan can be tough, though! So in true pivot fashion, I say let’s reverse engineer that ish! 

Here are seven (yes, 7!) ways to help boost your productivity: 

Write a checklist.

It may seem trivial, but sometimes getting everything out of your head onto paper cant declutter the hell out of overwhelm! It doesn’t have to be a perfectly crafted list, in the right order, and on your best stationery (if you even have that, amiright?). This checklist should serve as a 5-10 minute exercise to just get it all out of your head, and you can even throw it in a google doc if you’re more of a digital organizer. 

Spoiler alert: This one simple step will encourage you to take the next step…whether that’s organizing that brain dump in order of priorities, or just giving you that extra motivational push to tackle one of the items! 

Go for a walk.

If you ever find yourself stressed but refusing to stop what you’re doing for fear of missing a deadline, you’re actually working against yourself. Why? Because sitting and staring at a blank computer screen, or better yet, getting distracted by every ping and ding is NOT going to help you finish in time. You’re much more likely to actually make your deadline if you step away and go for a walk. Fresh air and movement will help clear any temporary blocks you may be having, and help you come back feeling more invigorated and motivated to finish!  

Keep a journal.

Ah, the morning ritual. You, a cup of tea, and a journal, sitting quietly in the northeast corner of your coziest room watching the sun come up… OKAY…Sure, this all sounds wonderful but seriously? Don’t beat yourself up if this isn’t how you start your day. Because what works for some, won’t work for others, and that’s just stating fact! You know what else is fact? However you do start, run or end your day, squeeze in some time to journal. Maybe it’s in the car while you’re waiting to pick up your kid from school. Maybe it’s when you’re unwinding after dinner with a glass of wine. Whenever it is, and for however long it is – take some time to journal your thoughts for the day. Not sure what to write? Start with what went well and what could be better, tomorrow. How’s that for some hope?

Drink more water.

You don’t need me to tell you this but all science points to hydration, hydration, hydration! Unfortunately, most of us don’t get the right amount of water (about 11.5 cups a day for most women is ideal). So, I challenge you to a fun “drinking” game… Feeling tired? Drink! (water). Feeling excited? Drink! Feeling like scrolling through your Instagram feed? Drink! 

You get the idea. 

Delegate tasks.

This is a big one! A lot of people acknowledge that they need support, and (usually) go about asking for it, but when it comes time to delegate out what needs to be done, there tends to be some inner friction. 

Real talk? It’s our egos, thinking that we need to be involved in every aspect of what we want done because otherwise, how will it get done right…right? Wrong. The truth is, we oftentimes sit in overwhelm and do nothing because we’re afraid of delegating out but are also at capacity to handle it ourselves. 

I suggest starting small in your delegation journey. Once you realize the freedom that comes with giving up a little control, you’ll feel how much positive space you’ve opened up for yourself. 

Exercise in the morning and stretch frequently.

Making it a practice to get your body moving earlier in the day, will legit establish a regular fitness routine you may actually stick to. Science shows that exercising in the morning actually helps you sleep better at night, and when we’re in tune with our sleep patterns, we’re naturally more alert and productive throughout the day. 

Clean your desk.

This may seem insignificant but you’d be surprised! Having a clear workspace helps you stay focused on your task at hand. And if you’re feeling distracted, stopping to clean your is what I can productive procrastination! You get a break, your desk gets cleaned, and you feel even more productive – it’s a win-win. 

All of these mood boosters are great, and most don’t take too much commitment. Remember, you don’t have to do them all at the same time. Start small and momentum will build. 

Which will you commit to? Head on over to my Instagram @allthingsmeghoule and let me know! And be sure to join my email list, where I promise not to spam you! I send value-filled emails bi-weekly with all the career pivot pick-me-ups you could dream of. Sign up here!