How to stay productive during self-isolation

It is the year 2050 and A-Level students across the globe turn their exam pages to see this question:

Please explain the relationship between the Corona Virus and toilet paper consumption in 2020. (25 marks)

ʷʰᵉⁿ ʸᵒᵘ ᵏⁿᵒʷ ˡᵉᵗ ᵐᵉ ᵏⁿᵒʷ

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I think we can all agree when I say that we are living in some very strange times right now. With global pandemic COVID-19 being the topic 24/7, it’s hard to remember what life was like before.

These days, it feels like we’re featuring in the purge! God forbid someone dare takes the last toilet paper or even the soap... no not the soap! Maybe this is an episode of Black mirror (which I promise I’ll try to watch at some point… I guess I have the time now). Who knows what the F*ck is going on, but for now we’ll have to sit tight, self-isolate and try not to eat all our quarantine snacks on the first day!

For most of you, you’d have been working from home (WFH) for a week, maybe more. For others, this might be your first day. Those of you who have been at home, how’s it been going for you? I thought so. Not great.

Well it can’t be all doom and gloom. For a start, I’ve discovered that some of you are comedians! Who knew self isolation for a few days could create such jokers!? I legit have not stopped laughing at all the jokes and memes and we can always rely on black twitter to get us through. It’s not a joke though (let me just add my disclaimer before you come for my necks), but in uncertain times, what else can you do to cope?

The hardest part about it all is staying productive and motivated. It’s easy to wake up late and say “I’ll do it later” because you’re saving the commute time and no-one’s on your neck like that, right? Perhaps you’re not working (or you’re self-employed/a creator - soz man I know times are tough right now), it can be hard to get into the swing of things when your diary has suddenly cleared for who knows how long.

Maybe you’re someone who stays in anyways so your routine hasn't changed much, but now that you’re being told to stay in all you want to do is leave the house! I hear ya. Whatever your situation is (and there are many I know), most of us will be stuck indoors for a while, and a lot of us will not be able to adjust as easily as we would like to. Staying in for someone like me is stress! Yes, I can be busy at home but I like to get out for sanity and I like my gym too so what’s a girl to do? Well, below, I’m going to help you get through this and suggest things for everyone.

For those working from home:

Set a routine similar to one you usually have for work.
Utilise the time you usually commute to meditate, read, listen to a podcast… or sleep in (I won’t judge you).
Get changed like you’re going to work - This may help you get into the mindset. Working in PJ’s might be too chilled!
Make a plan for the day or a list to tick off. This will keep you on track and monitor your progress.
Put your phone away during your working hours and treat it like work.
STAY AWAY FROM YOUR BED - honestly, we all know that won’t end well!
Have a work area - set up a desk (ideally in another room) that is well lit and quiet.
Set alarms. This will help you stay on job. It’s so easy to extend that lunch break and you’ll only be paying for it in the evening.
Make time to look after yourself. Do something for the body (home workout), the brain (read), something productive (keeping a clean space) and a passion. This will help keep variety.

For those looking after children:

Just keeping them safe is enough. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Take their devices away during the school day (as usual) and encourage them to do their homework or reading.
Encourage exercises. We all know children have energy and it’s hard to burn it off in the house without something bad happening. The Body Coach will be doing PE sessions on his YouTube from Monday 9am and there a load of other’s who are offering free services during this time.
Give them educational things to do and keep up to date with the TV listings. I believe BBC will be putting on more educational programmes to help students get through this time.
Set quizzes and make it fun. Use this time to bond with your children (if you can) and make learning fun. Why not do a puzzle, painting?
Enjoy and cherish this time. These circumstances don’t happen often so look at the silver lining. You’ve been blessed with family time.
update - Audible will be offering stories help by offering loads of titles for free as long as schools are closed. You DON’T need an account or password… just click, stream and listen!

For those self-isolating or have nothing to do:

By day 3 you’ll be feeling it. How are you going to last 2 weeks or more you might ask!? Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

Even if you’re not working, set a routine. You’ve committed to training at home? Set a time each day.
Tap into your creative side! The internet is free and you can learn so much from YouTube. Examples can be:
- Cooking, Painting, Writing, Making films/videos, Making/playing music, Completing a project
Learn a Language! Duo Lingo is a great place to start and there are other resources available
Learn a new skill! Something you can add to your CV or something you’ve “exaggerated” on your CV. This is the time to brush up.
Watch a film or catch up on those series you didn’t get to watch. Celebrities are also doing their bit by offering live concerts on Instagram. I enjoyed John Legend’s live the other day with my family, and more will be joining in too!
Read! Those books you got but never got past the 1st chapter? Pick them up again.
Stay connected online and talk with your friends and family. Set up FaceTime dates and check up on your peeps. The virus might stop you seeing them in person but it won’t break that bond!
Organise your finances and make a plan. It’s always good to be organised and prepared, now more than ever.
Lean some dance routines. If you’re stuck, here’s a thread of Beyonce dances to learn!
Get Tic Tok
Perfect the dramatic story you’ll tell your children and Grand-children. Our parents were all top of their class? Well I fought the virus with my bare hands and fought the aliens that came with it!
It’s a little morbid but prepare your will (or check those who are elder have one in place). I’m just saying.
If you’d like some food or fitness Inspo, head over here. Alternatively, there a loads of useful accounts on insta!

For those who are ill:

Rest, relax, watch films, drink fluids. I mean it. The quickest way to recover is to rest. Put on a film, relax, light a candle, play music. REST.

Lemon juice is amazing, oranges will help boost your system and sleep will help your body repair. Listen to your body and ask for help if you can.

Final notes:

There will be a bunch of people who will say that they’re healthy and continue to go out despite the warnings. I’m usually that person but even I’m doing my part by self-isolating because I know that although I might not get ill, I still could be compromising someone else’s health. Now is not the time to be selfish. Be kind, help where you can, practice social distancing and encourage others to do the same.

I know there’s a sad side of this pandemic where people don’t know about the certainty of their jobs or have recently lost theirs. It’s tough times but be ready for when we bounce back. Use this time to improve, reflect and elevate. For those of you who can help someone get back into work or have someone you can refer, these gestures will be greatly appreciated!

I hope this helped. Stay safe, drink your fluids, up your vitamin C intake and ride it out. Whilst I’m here, let me also suggest that you don’t stay glued to the news. It will only add to your stress and anxiety and that’s not good for your mental health. Take care of that too and speak up if you need support…

If all else fails and you’re still bored, you can pick the seeds off a strawberry x

Liz x

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