11 Ways to Be Productive in Isolation

by admin on March 25, 2020

Just a few weeks ago, life was business as usual. Visiting the gym in the morning, travelling to the office, meeting clients throughout the day. Followed by going out for lunch with a few colleagues, stopping for some groceries on the way home, taking our toddler to the park. Then, going to our favourite Italian restaurant in town for a delicious dinner.

A few weeks later, and Covid-19 has changed everything. Between isolation, quarantine and fear of the unknown, much of the population is isolated. But, don’t fear, as this too shall pass. We are resilient people and will come out of this pandemic better than before. Until then, here are 11 ways to be productive in isolation.

Fitness

Your gym may be closed, but that’s no excuse. Let creativity take control and use whatever you have available. Whether you have to dust off that old treadmill in your basement, or find those old dumbbells tucked away in a closet. Use whatever you have and make the best of it. I am loving the 25 push up challenge on social media. Calisthenics like push ups, sit ups, chin-ups and dips are a great way to sculpt your body. There are also many great programs you can watch online or become a member of (I like Beachbody.com) that offer exciting programs that require little or no equipment. I also recommend to make time during the day to head outside for a walk or run. Please be mindful to keep a safe distance from others. It’s a great way to clear your mind, have some interaction and burn calories.

Healthy Diet

With lots of restaurants closed or only open for take-out, let’s use this as an opportunity to cook at home. Cook some real food, with real ingredients. This will not only be kind on your pocket, but also boost your immune system. Take turns cooking with your family members using as many healthy ingredients as possible.

R & R

Utilize this season to catch up on your zzz’s. Experts recommend 7 ½ hours per day as optimal, but that depends on the individual. You know yourself best. Get the amount of nightly rest you need to function optimally throughout the day.

Meditate/Mindset

If you’re not careful, you can be overwhelmed with anxiety and fear because of this virus. Now more than ever you have to be mentally strong for yourself and your family. Take 5 minutes a few times per day to meditate. Deep breathing exercises will calm you down and allow you to re-focus. There are many great apps available such as Calm or Headspace. Once your feeling great, it’s time to get super intentional on what you want your day to look like and how you want to show up. Make it happen!

Read

What a great time to start or catch-up on your reading. If you don’t have a book on your night table, I suggest ordering something online or download one on your reading device. I suggest reading something inspiring! If you aren’t fond of reading you can listen to thousands of books on Audible or listen to a podcast.

Sharpen the Saw

Ask yourself, “how can you add more value in the workplace”? Over the last week, all non-essential industries have been temporarily closed and many employers have had no choice but to lay off thousands of employees. This should have left you wondering how you can add enough value that your irreplaceable. Some great ways to add more value are to take an online course, learn a new skill or open your own business.

Family Time

And the winner for the best way to spend this isolation time is…As a family. Spend loving time together over meals, reminiscing about past memories, playing board games etc. True deep-rooted interaction without distraction. If you have children, enjoy home-made activities. Be a shining example of how to overcome a difficult time.

Social Cleanse

Falling for a social media trap is very common. Before long the day is over and you have achieved nothing. Let’s make a conscience effort to cleanse ourselves from the distractions that social media can bring. Put limits in place so you can focus more on your life, instead of the lives of others.

Plan Ahead & Review Your Goals

Depending on what industry you are in; you may have lost at least one month of productivity. Our goals for the year may need some tweaking. Sit down and review all the strategies you have in place and see how you can do 10 months of production in 9 months time. What more can you do to expand, grow and achieve new levels of success in your life?

Build relationships

Stay connected with your friends and extended family. I recommend picking one person to call everyday. This nice gesture will only take a few minutes and will go a long way for them to know that you are thinking of them.

Passion Project

Use this time to work on a passion project you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s writing a poem, drawings for an innovative invention, learning a new language or cleaning out the garage (I know, theirs not much passion here). Use this rare time that we have to complete what you’ve been putting off.

I hope you enjoyed this list of 11 ways to be productive in isolation. Why are you still reading? Go out and start now! Remember, champions are made in the off season. Be safe, positive and know that this too shall pass. God Bless You.