How To Be Productive If You Feel Stuck

It can definitely feel defeating if you want to get things done at home, but can't seem to find a rhythm or routine because of outside forces. I recently took a leadership course through... you guessed it... Zoom, and I learned a few tips and tricks from the successful people in my life about how to be productive. They have been working from home for years, so I think they have it down pat.

Some of these mental blocks can be a lot to get through, but it's really important to overcome and control your emotions rather than letting your emotions control you so that you can have a great day, even if you can't go outside.

I know that some people who have lost their jobs have it even harder and can't seem to find a routine or purpose because there is no more schedule. Create your own schedule and find a passion project to work on. Network, talk to people, take classes online, learn something new, get a certification, etc.

Think about this:

Can you control this situation? The pandemic? Not being able to go outside? Getting your hours cut? Losing your job? Your team not working hard? etc. etc. etc.

Ask yourself: "Can I control this?"

If the answer is no, then try to accept it and move on, leverage the situation and make the best out of it. "Develop a truth that will replace your lie."

Now onto concrete tips of how you can improve your day while at home.

1. Wake up at the same time everyday
This will help you start your day right, and have a feeling of consistency. You will also feel like you need to go to bed at the same time every night so you can get up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for your day.

2. Have a hard start and stop time
This is for both types of people, for those who can't find motivation to start and for those who don't know when to stop. Set a timer if you have to. Deadlines make us work more effectively anyway. Take a break for lunch or for your workout. Time block everything out so you don't waste time scrolling on Facebook or looking at meme compilations on YouTube... or even worse... start cleaning the kitchen (that'll take you hours!)

3. Create a work space that is only meant for work
This can be hard in a small apartment, or if you are in a home full of people. Try to find a nook, clear off your desk, claim one end of the dining table as yours. Make sure you communicate that to the people who live with you so they respect it. If thats difficult and don't listen, try again. If still nothing, you have to adapt. You can't control their actions. College students who have moved back home probably have a lot of trouble with parents who want chores done when... clearly, Mom, I am on a WebEx class for the next three hours... no I can't go mow the lawn right now. If you are a parent reading this, respect your students workload.

4. Have a "mental commute" 
If you're really struggling, try to imitate your morning commute. Make it a point to take a walk around the block before starting your day, or drive to Target and back if it helps. Maybe making breakfast or getting a morning cup of coffee from your brewer will help trigger your brain. Okay, now it's time to work. Time to sit down and finish my tasks.

5. Don't get lost in house work
Don't suddenly get inspired to go dust your entire house in the middle of your work flow at 2 pm. That is destruction to your work productivity. Treat your home office like you would treat your actual office. I know it's hard because you're at home and you can just finish that work tomorrow, and now you finally have the time to do all of that stuff you want to do! Do it after work!

6. Take a lunch break, enjoy it with family/roommates
Now that we have the privilege to be at home, we can finally eat lunch with our loved-ones. Take that well deserved break and make a badass lunch with your daughter, or cook something cool that you normally wouldn't if you were at the office. If you're alone at home, take the time to listen to a podcast, or your favorite album, maybe listen in on an online class...

7. Focus on a single task at a time
No. We cannot multitask. I don't care what you think, but humans cannot multitask. We are really great at switching between tasks rapidly, but we can't do two things at once. Accept it and focus in on one thing at a time. Close out of all tabs on your computer that don't pertain to that task. All in all, remove your distractions.

8. Realize that it takes you 8 minutes to get into a "work flow" 
It has been proven that it takes the average person 8 minutes to get back into effective work flow. Every time you get distracted, it will take you another 8 minutes to be back at 100% output. Put down the phone.

9. Try working 50 minutes on, 10 minutes off. 
I find this super helpful, I'll set a timer or guess approximately and take an effective break. The timer probably helps more for the 10 minute break, especially because distractions are easier. I try to take a walk around the block, go grab some water, or just sit out on the porch to be in a green space, away from my computer. Whatever makes you happy and effective.

10. Get moving when you aren't working. 
Don't forget to exercise guys. I know that my friends who go to the gym religiously want to scream right now, but there are other ways you can get moving. YouTube is a great place for yoga, group fitness, dancing, and the outside is awesome for taking walks. Check out your local studios and gyms for classes online too. They might be in need for some local monetary support, so if you have it, pay for the class and enjoy. Might make you more accountable too.

11. Avoid the fridge because you're bored. 
I don't need to say much about this one.

Happy Quarantine. I feel like I'm in a dystopian novel.