Idleness Indoors: How to Overcome It
Productivity during the pandemic - expectation vs. reality
The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly taken its toll on us. On the bright side, it also seemed like a perfect opportunity to be productive, given the copious time. While many are changing themselves into their best version, I have found it quite difficult to accomplish my day-to-day work. To my disappointment, even with ample time, I could not bring myself to seize the opportunity by doing something inventive. Sometimes, a sudden wave of motivation makes me adopt healthy habits. Shortly after that, it seemed impossible to break the circle of procrastination. Living under lockdown for a long time has slowed down our lives. Because staying indoors most of the time has made our lives more sedentary than ever. As a result, we end up feeling our energy has drained out more than usual.
Furthermore, the occasional lift of the lockdown also meant we had to frequently readjust our routine, which meant a hiatus in our activity. Therefore, the feeling of disorientation has significantly reduced our levels of motivation. Many of us were unable to live up to our goals despite the effort.
Not all is lost, though.
After many failed attempts, I have realized that the best way to remain organized despite persistent dullness is to start by taking small steps. It will eventually help us overcome the drawbacks of an inactive lifestyle. There are a few ways we can easily have a sense of organization even when we do not feel like ourselves.
1) Make a routine.
We can always start by making a schedule of what we will do throughout the day. It does not have to be a rigorous schedule, but rather a way of keeping up with our activities. Consequently, it will give us a sense of purpose and work as a driving force throughout the day.
2) Do some exercise.
The benefits of exercise are something everyone is aware of. Since we have been living an inactive life for too long, it is indispensable that we include some form of physical activity in our routine. For instance, some light-intensity physical movement like stretching or performing yoga is ideal indoors. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suggested regular physical activity during quarantine. It significantly reduces the risk of numerous chronic diseases, making us less vulnerable to COVID-19.
3) Do not sit for too long.
Moreover, we should also remind ourselves to take a break from work because sitting for a long time leads to obesity, deteriorating our health. An easy way to do this is by setting up a reminder on our smartphones so we can take a break in between work.
4) Cut back on screen time.
Furthermore, it is alarming that we spend more time in front of the screen—whether doing classes online or working from home. Excessive screen time causes fatigue and eye strain, leading to sleep deprivation. Perhaps reducing the amount of time we spend on social media could minimize the effects.
5) Remind yourself to sleep well.
It is also crucial to maintain a consistent circadian rhythm. Since we do not have the urgency to wake up early and go to work, our sleep schedule has turned upside down. Ensuring a stable bedtime and wake-up time will contribute to our overall productivity because we will not feel drowsy and can concentrate better.
6) Spend more time with family.
It is also a perfect opportunity to spend more time with our family. Playing various indoor games instead of spending time on social media will strengthen our bond with family members. It will also help fill the void of limited social interaction throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, spending quality time with family members will also positively impact our mental health.
7) Break the procrastination cycle.
However, it is tempting to give ourselves over to the rabbit hole of procrastination with an abundance of time. It is, therefore, necessary to have some form of self-regulation. It has worked for me whenever I try to retreat from an unfinished assignment. At times, being hard on yourself may not sound euphonious, but it does the job.
8) Lastly, the small act will have a positive impact.
To proceed further, we should always remind ourselves that after all the uncertainties we faced amidst the pandemic, it is normal that we feel disorderly. Also, the definition of self-growth might differ from one person to another. For some of us, it may be having a new hobby. For others, it may be as simple as completing an assignment before the deadline. We must remember that if we take proper care of our health, we will only be able to give our best in everything we do.
Though it may seem counterintuitive, staying active is the best thing to do when stuck indoors. Of course, it can be tempting to curl up on the couch and watch Netflix all day when we are bored, but this can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, we know that a sedentary lifestyle comes with various health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. However, if we consistently try to stay active, even at home, we can overcome the disadvantages of an idle life. Furthermore, by staying active, we will not only improve our physical health, but we will also make the most of our time at home.
