In the midst of the pandemic, many companies have converted to a remote setting; meaning no more, or limited, in-office meetings, face-to-face team projects and the absence, or alteration, of those close-knit colleague relationships. This has caused many to feel unmotivated and overwhelmed while working from home. However, it is very possible to reignite that motivation! Motivation leads to a clearer headspace and better, more satisfying work that you can be proud of. Here are some ways you can stay motivated while working remotely.
Make time for what you love outside of work
Filling your whole day with nothing but work and chores leads to a stressful mood and an unmotivated, unfulfilling feeling that can be hard to shake. It is important to make room in your schedule for activities you genuinely enjoy to blow off some steam and allow yourself to feel relaxed. Whether it’s doing yoga, going to the gym, trying out a new recipe or getting comfy in your bed and watching a few episodes of your favorite show, make it a priority during your week. It’s just as important as your work, if not more. If your mental health and mood is not in a good place, you are not going to be able to do your best work.
Having something to look forward to outside of work will help you be more productive and feel more fulfilled overall.
Fuel your Body
Feeling low on energy and motivation can be a byproduct of not feeding your body what it needs. Get those greens in, eat your fruit, carbs (a great source of energy!), protein and allow yourself to indulge in your favorite treats when you want them. Skipping meals and not giving your body the nutrients it needs will cause unproductive habits, both in your work and outside of work. Food is fuel – use it!
One tip to fuel your body is to set reminders on your phone for your ideal times of the day to eat. Sometimes, we get so busy and we don’t notice how much time has passed until hours have gone by. Scheduling your meal times will give you that friendly reminder to take care of yourself.
Another tip is to meal prep at the beginning of the week. Although this can seem like a lot all at once, It will save you time throughout the week and guarantee that you will have a meal prepared and ready for those busy days.
Set Small Attainable Goals Each Day
Setting a goal that is very possible to reach every day creates something you can be proud of at the end of a long workday. It can be something as simple as sending out an email to someone you have been meaning to get in touch with for a few days, or finishing up a project you worked hard on. A goal gives you something meaningful to work for and makes the outcome that much better.
Keep your Workspace Free of Clutter
A messy workspace often leads to an unorganized mindset. Feeling unorganized leads to feeling stressed and unproductive. Take any basket or extra drawer you have and put those unnecessary items in it that have been cluttering up your space. Put it away somewhere where it won’t distract you. Get a desk organizer to hold pens, scissors, a stapler and any other office supplies you will need. You could even light a candle to create a calmer atmosphere.
While these are useful tips, there are hundreds of ways to stay motivated, even while working remotely. Find those small things that make you happy and make your workday better, and stick to them.
