What gets you up in the morning? Work?
Truth is, life as we knew it changed at midnight on Thursday 26 March when President Ramaphosa announced a three week country-wide lockdown. But, let’s face it; there are only so many Netflix series you can binge-watch! Plus, if you keep digging into snacks and treats … well …
So, if you feel as if this lockdown has beaten your thalamus to a pulp (on which day of lockdown are we now?!), know that this current situation is not the first time that people had to go into lockdown. In 1665, during the Great Plague, Cambridge University closed, and Isaac Newton made his way home. During this time he invented calculus, understood the laws of motion, and after seeing an apple fall from a tree, discovered the law of gravity. Inspirational, right?!
A tremendous amount has been written about motivation and countless theories are out there such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Hertzberg’s Theory of Motivation. Motivation basically arises when the benefit of doing something outweighs the drawbacks even in the most adverse of circumstances.
In fact history is full of people who, in the face of diversion and distraction, achieved their dreams. Like whom? JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series as a single mom on welfare, and one of Hollywood’s most prolific movie makers, Steven Spielberg, got rejected from film school again and again (and again!) Hey, Oprah Winfrey’s first producer found her “unfit for TV” and fired her on the spot!
During lockdown our world instantly became a buffet of distractions: spouses, kids, pets … Is it possible to truly thrive in the shadow of Covid-19?
Motivation is all about persistence, direction and intensity. Here’s our strategy on how to stay focused and motivated during lockdown:
- Maintain the status quo. Studies have shown that we function better when following a routine. So, choose to set your alarm for the same time.
- Shower and get dressed. There’s bracing evidence that a cold shower boosts mood and focus. Pj’s is a no-no; let your body know that it’s time to work.
- Have a healthy breakfast and catch up on the latest news.
- Have a dedicated workspace. Close the door.
- Take breaks. Don’t assume that you need to be working 100% of the time when you’re at home. Prepare a healthy lunch and take your full break, as you did when you were at the office.
- Go outside. Load up on Vitamin D while taking a walk in the perimeters of your garden. Exposure to nature not only makes us feel better emotionally and mentally, it also contributes to physical wellbeing by reducing blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension.
- Clock off at the end of the day.
- Stick to your regular bedtime.
- Wake up and repeat.
Bottom line: It’s really all about knowing what conditions need to be in place for you to feel motivated, and then to make sure those conditions are in place.
Stay safe everyone!
Source: verywellmind.com, cnbc.co.za, theleslielink.com, payfast.co.za, eae.es, eocinstitute.org, positivepsychology.com, Darren-lawrece.com, keepinspiring.me, time.com, cherryprofessional.co.uk
But in short, motivation is the burning desire that compels you to take action. Simple as that!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
