Pandemic Survival Guide: Tips for Staying Sane and Productive
April 28, 2020
The pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives. From quarantines to social distancing, many of us have been forced to adjust to a new way of living. With all these changes, it is understandable that many people are struggling to stay sane and productive. Whether you are working from home, homeschooling your kids, or simply adjusting to a new routine, it’s important to take care of your mental health.
In this blog post, I have compiled some tips and tricks to help you stay productive, motivated, and most importantly, sane during these challenging times. From creating a schedule to staying connected, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and learn how to survive and thrive during the pandemic!
1. Acknowledge and accept the situation
The pandemic has been a tough time for everyone, and it’s important to acknowledge and accept the situation we are in. It’s okay to feel anxious, scared, or uncertain about the future. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel how you feel and not suppress your emotions.
Accepting the situation means accepting that things are different and that we need to adjust our lives accordingly. This could mean working from home, homeschooling children, or being unable to see friends and family.
However, accepting the situation does not mean giving up or losing hope. It simply means acknowledging the reality of the situation and taking steps to adapt and cope.
One way to do this is to create a routine and stick to it. Having a routine can provide a sense of structure and stability in an otherwise uncertain time. It can also help you stay productive and motivated.
Another way to cope is to practice self-care. This could mean taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy, like reading a book or taking a bubble bath. It could also mean practicing mindfulness or meditation to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Remember, we are all in this together and it’s important to be kind to yourself and others during these challenging times. By acknowledging and accepting the situation, we can take the necessary steps to stay sane and productive.
2. Develop a routine and stick to it
Developing a routine and sticking to it is essential for staying sane and productive during a pandemic. When we’re stuck at home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of feeling like every day is the same. We lose track of time and we start to feel like we’re not accomplishing anything. That’s why it’s so important to create a daily routine and stick to it.
Start by setting a regular wake-up time and bedtime. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on the weekends. This will help regulate your body clock and ensure that you’re getting enough sleep. Next, plan out your day. Make a to-do list and prioritize your tasks. Schedule time for work, exercise, meals, and relaxation. And don’t forget to include breaks in your schedule. Taking short breaks throughout the day can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
It’s also important to create a dedicated workspace. If you can, set up a home office or a designated workspace where you can concentrate and be productive. This will help you mentally separate work from home life and make it easier to switch off at the end of the day.
Finally, be flexible with your routine. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a task or you need to adjust your schedule. The most important thing is to have a framework to work within that helps you stay on track and maintain a sense of normalcy during these uncertain times.
3. Create a designated workspace
Creating a designated workspace is essential for staying productive during the pandemic. When you’re working from home, it’s easy to get distracted by household chores or personal tasks. Having a designated workspace can help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
Ideally, this workspace should be a quiet area away from high-traffic areas in your home, like the living room or kitchen. You should have a comfortable chair and a desk or table to work on. Make sure that your workspace is well-lit and has all the necessary equipment, such as a computer, printer, and phone.
If you don’t have a spare room or a large space to create a designated workspace, you can still make it work. Consider using a corner of your bedroom or a section of your living room as your workspace. Use dividers or screens to create a physical boundary between your workspace and the rest of your home.
Remember, your workspace should be a place where you can focus and be productive. Avoid using it for non-work related activities, like watching TV or playing video games. By creating a designated workspace, you’ll be able to separate work from home life, which can help you stay sane and productive during the pandemic.
4. Take breaks and move around
The pandemic has forced a lot of people to work from home, which means that we are spending a lot more time sitting in front of our computers. It’s important to take breaks and move around throughout the day to stay healthy, sane, and productive.
One great way to do this is to schedule breaks into your workday. Set a timer for every hour or so and take a five- to ten-minute break. During this time, get up, stretch, and move around. You can take a walk around your home or outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air and clear your mind.
You can also use these breaks to do something that you enjoy. For example, you can read a chapter of your favorite book, listen to a podcast, or call a friend for a quick chat. Doing something you enjoy during these breaks will help you feel refreshed and energized when you return to work.
In addition to taking scheduled breaks, it’s important to make sure you are moving your body throughout the day. You can do this by taking a walk, doing some yoga stretches, or even just dancing around your living room for a few minutes. Find a movement routine that works for you and make it a part of your daily routine.
Taking breaks and moving around may seem counterproductive, but in reality, it’s essential for our well-being and productivity. By taking care of ourselves, we can better take care of our work and responsibilities.
5. Limit news and social media consumption
In times of uncertainty, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and seek out information to feel a sense of control. However, too much exposure to news and social media can have a negative impact on your mental health and productivity.
It’s important to set limits on how much time you spend consuming news and social media. Consider designating specific times of day to check the news or social media and avoid it outside of those times. You can also try setting a time limit for how long you will spend scrolling or reading.
When you do consume news and social media, make sure to be mindful of the sources you are getting your information from. Stick to reliable sources and avoid sensationalized or clickbait headlines that can contribute to anxiety and stress.
Instead, focus on maintaining a healthy routine that includes exercise, meditation, and reading or watching something that is uplifting or brings you joy. Connecting with loved ones and engaging in activities that bring you fulfillment can also help provide a sense of normalcy and alleviate stress.
Remember, taking care of your mental health and well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health during these challenging times.
6. Stay connected with loved ones
During this pandemic, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from the outside world. However, staying connected with loved ones is more important now than ever before. With so many digital platforms available, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of where they are in the world.
Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Skype are great tools to stay connected with loved ones. You could plan virtual game nights, happy hours, or even dinner parties. This will not only help you stay connected with your loved ones but also help alleviate the feeling of isolation.
Another great way to stay connected is by using social media. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram can help you stay updated on your friends and family’s lives, and you can comment or message them to maintain a connection.
Aside from digital platforms, you could also send handwritten letters or care packages to your loved ones. This can be a great way to show your appreciation for them and keep in touch.
Staying connected with loved ones during a pandemic is critical for both your mental and emotional well-being. It can provide a sense of normalcy and help you get through these difficult times.
7. Keep learning and developing skills
One of the best ways to stay productive and focused during these uncertain times is to keep learning and developing new skills. There are a plethora of online courses, webinars, and training programs available that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your own home. Not only will this help you stay productive, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Learning new skills can also help you adapt to the changing job market. With so many industries being impacted by the pandemic, it’s important to be flexible and open to new opportunities. By developing new skills, you can make yourself more marketable and increase your chances of finding work.
In addition to professional development, you can also use this time to learn new hobbies or interests. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar or how to cook a new cuisine. Now is the perfect time to explore these interests and develop new passions. Not only will this keep you busy and engaged, but it will also help you maintain a positive attitude and outlook during these challenging times.
Remember, just because the world feels like it’s on hold right now, doesn’t mean your personal growth and development has to be. By staying curious and committed to learning, you can come out of this pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever before.
8. Practice self-care and prioritize mental health
During these unprecedented times, it’s important to prioritize self-care and mental health. With the pandemic causing widespread anxiety and stress, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and neglect our mental wellbeing.
One of the best ways to practice self-care is by engaging in activities that bring us joy and relaxation. This could be anything from reading a book, practicing yoga, or even taking a long bath. It’s important to take time out of your day to focus on yourself and your mental health.
Another tip is to maintain a routine as much as possible. With many people working from home and adjusting to new schedules, it’s easy to fall into bad habits and disrupt our normal routines. By sticking to a consistent schedule, we can help reduce stress and maintain a sense of normalcy.
It’s also important to stay connected with loved ones and reach out to friends and family for support. With many people feeling isolated due to social distancing measures, it’s more important than ever to maintain social connections and support networks.
Lastly, if you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to seek professional help. Many therapists and mental health professionals are offering virtual sessions, which can be a great way to access support while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
By prioritizing self-care and mental health, we can navigate these challenging times with greater resilience and positivity.
9. Embrace new hobbies and interests
During the pandemic, it’s important to keep your mind active by embracing new hobbies and interests. With the extra free time, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new that you’ve always wanted to do.
There are so many hobbies to choose from, such as painting, writing, cooking, gardening, and even learning a new language. Not only will these hobbies keep you busy, but they will also help you learn new skills and can lead to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
You can even make your new hobby a group activity by joining a virtual class or online community. This will help you stay connected with others who share your interests and create a sense of community.
Embracing new hobbies and interests will not only help you stay sane during these challenging times, but it will also help you stay productive by keeping your mind active and engaged. So, why not take this opportunity to learn something new and discover a new passion?