By: Carmen Tan | Outreach Worker in Kingston-Galloway
I can’t believe it’s been over a year since we have been in lockdown and trying to figure out what is our new normal. This past year, I have been feeling bored and there are days when I forget what the weekday is. I am a person who loves staying busy and work but with the pandemic, it felt like God was trying to slow me down. I have to admit, I spent the first few months being a couch potato binging on Netflix to the point I ran out of things to watch.
But I quickly snapped out of it because I want to make use of my time.
The past year, I discovered some new favourites and picked up some new hobbies I didn’t think I would have had the opportunity to do. I have always enjoyed walks but now I get to enjoy walks with a cute little puppy, learning how to time my recycle and garbage days to purge stuff I need to get rid of, and realizing how much I love takeout.
I’m going to share 5 tips and tricks I have learned that kept me productive the past year.
Tip #1: Make a Plan (Schedule your day/week)
If I didn’t have a plan or agenda, I would have no idea what I need to do. So my agenda and calendar have been really helpful for me, I check it every morning and night to see what I need to achieve today and the next day.
I find it helpful to write down the things/errands/projects I want to achieve in a week. Planning a week ahead allows you to have the flexibility to do it within the week versus planning a list day by day. I find it less stressful and much more manageable for me. I create a checklist and tick it off when it’s completed - it brings me a lot of satisfaction!
Tip #2: Take Breaks
When you’re working from home, it’s so easy to be sitting all day and staring at a computer screen. I highly suggest taking lots of breaks, 5-minute breaks, 10-minute breaks, or 30-minute breaks to refresh yourself.
I love Starbucks and I had the habit of buying coffee all the time. So during the pandemic, I decided I will try to be a barista at home - there were many times I failed but taking the 10-minute break to make coffee was helpful. Getting up from my chair, walking around, and being in another environment was beneficial. I finally figured out a routine and recipe that works for my tastebud!
If it’s not making coffee, whip on a coat and put on your boots for a walk around the neighbourhood. I have been running and walking in the neighbourhood and met some friendly neighbours I never would’ve met.
Tip #3: It’s OK to dress up!
At the beginning of the pandemic, I was excited to be able to work from home because I get to wear my pyjamas all day long. But I wanted to make a routine for myself, so I decided to have house clothes and pyjamas clothes. When I wake up in the morning I will do my get-ready routine, and change into my house clothes.
At the end of the day, I would change to pyjamas and get ready for bed. It helps me separate rest and work by just changing outfits.
Tip #4: Create Themed Days at Home
Prior to the pandemic, after work or the weekends, I always had something to look forward to. Whether it was meeting up with a friend for a meal or playing sports, there was something fun to look forward to.
With the pandemic and stay at home orders, we seem to be stuck between four walls. So I decided to create themed days - it gives me something to look forward to!
Here are some of my themed days:
Every Friday - Take-Out Day I would order some of my favourite foods from local restaurants to support their business!
Every Saturday - I find a way to get active by going on long walks and maybe treat myself to a Starbucks or bubble tea
What are some fun-themed days to add to my list?
Tip #5: Reach out to your Family and Friends
A big part of my life is meeting up with friends and family over meals. I spent months with only my family and found myself not really engaging or connecting with my friends outside of Instagram likes and sending memes to each other.
Reach out to your family and friends with virtual dates, eating together, or even doing a workout together to catch up and check in with another.
In my agenda, I also write down my church service time and small group gatherings to remind myself to not give up gathering together. I always find myself in a better mood and feeling refreshed after talking and listening to others.
I hope some of the tricks and tips can help you feel more productive during this pandemic. Start small land find a median that works well for you!