The ultimate guide to staying productive during lockdown 2

We’ve all been there; baking banana bread, participating in home workouts, joining endless zoom calls and learning TikTok routines. However, I think it’s safe to say we didn’t think we’d be here again quite just yet. So, to put your minds at ease on what to do to get you through this time, I thought I’d help out!

One of the first steps to being productive each day is fresh air, fresh air and…more fresh air! In the first lockdown, the main thing that helped me personally was getting to go on a walk every day. Whether this is walking to the local shop and back or running around the park, it is so important to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. If you are in isolation, even just sitting outside will make a huge difference to your energy levels.

Despite the shops being shut, getting a head start on your Christmas shopping is always a good way to pass the time! Helping local businesses is a particularly good idea, especially as times are hard at the minute for many local shops and organisations. On a side note, writing out Christmas cards is also a nice thing to do during these strange times. After the year we’ve all had, I think sending cards or messages to people during this festive time of year is a lovely thing to do.

According to WHO (World Health Organisation) https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathome---physical-activity, they have a range of advice on how to remain healthy through physical exercise during the pandemic. This is arguably one of the most important things to do to help remain productive, as it helps to release dopamine and endorphins, their purpose being increased levels of happiness.

In a more casual yet equally important point, I’d say just listen to your mind and body! Whether you feel like putting makeup on, having a pyjama day, getting out, or ordering a takeaway, do what makes you happy at that moment. If you push yourself too hard doing things you don’t want to do, it will just make the lockdown more of a slog than it needs to be.

The next few weeks leading up to Christmas may be tough, but with these tips, I can guarantee it will make each day just a little bit brighter and easier to get through!

Edited by Victoria Sales