Tips for Staying Motivated While Sheltering in Place
Do you have low energy and feel less productive? Are you grieving the loss of your normal routine and slowly losing motivation while staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Below are some tips that might help you stay motivated when sheltering in place:
1. Stick To A Routine
  • Establishing a routine during this time is one of the most important things you can do to stay motivated. Too much ‘downtime’ can be detrimental when times are uncertain, and sticking to a routine will help you maintain a sense of control. Wake up and go to sleep at consistent times, eat healthy meals, manage your work hours, and find time to relax.
2. Avoid Electronics When You First Wake Up
  • You might normally check your phone, review email, or look at social media first thing in the morning. Instead, take a few moments to meditate or engage in physical activity upon waking. Focusing on your physical and mental health when you wake up positively impacts your mindset and enhances well-being. 
3. Get Dressed
  • It might be tempting to stay in pajamas all day but getting dressed allows you to create structure and stick to your schedule.
4. Take Breaks
  • Make time for breaks. Throughout the day you will inevitably get bored or distracted, and it is a good idea to take breaks every 90 minutes to two hours if you are working from home. If you need to remind yourself to take breaks, set a timer. 
5. Have A Dedicated Workspace
  • If you do not have a separate office space in your home, let your family members know when you are working on your computer or sitting at your desk and that you should not be disturbed. Even if you are not working from home, you will still need to set aside time to pay expenses, plan meals, and other household tasks. You might want to wear headphones to send a clear message that you do not want to be disturbed. Avoid lounging around on the couch or lying in bed with your laptop. 
6. Take Turns
  • If you have kids, keeping the kids entertained and following a routine can be like a second job. Balance is important. If you have a partner or other adult in your home, share Copyright 2020 Between Sessions Resources household, child-, and pet-related responsibilities. While one adult works, the other does childcare, walks the dog, or mops the kitchen, for example. 
7. Plan Your Day
  • Take just 5-10 minutes each morning (or the night before) to plan your day, and you will get significantly more out of each day.