Being productive is simply about working hard and spending your time wisely. Wouldn't it be nice if you could do this daily?
Many people strive to be their best selves and be the most productive, of which they possibly can. Yet they always lack the motivation and the drive to do so. The only way you will be inspired to do your best is to set your mind to your goal and focus on it.
Over this current period, it is vital to work hard to be your most productive self. It is essential to do so because it allows you to live a creative and fruitful life. Isn't that something you would wish to achieve?
Here are 15 productive things to do during self-isolation:
1. Learn a musical instrument.
Playing an instrument is a great skill everyone needs to know. I recently started playing the guitar and, though, it has taken some time to get used to, it has been so rewarding!
Not only does playing a musical instrument cease boredom, but it also increases your brain productivity as well as its memory.
2. Read
Books are a work of art. There are hundreds of thousands of authors - and millions of books to read. The opportunities are endless! Books are an essential item for improving literature. They develop vocabulary along with your knowledge - and like musical instruments, they also help sharpen your memory.
3. Bake
Baking is incredible: you mix a few ingredients, put the mixture in the oven - and voila! You have a tasty treat. From only sugar, butter, flour, and eggs (and any extra ingredients, depending on the dessert), you've created a masterpiece!
Baking is also advantageous for mental health by being very therapeutic and calming the brain. Many studies show that it is a great stress reliever and can make you feel happier and more positive.
4. Study
Study, study, study, then study some more! Studying is essential for doing well. Independent learning can be a challenge at first, however, once you overcome the mountain of excuses and procrastination, it can be so fulfilling and worthwhile.
Studying and revision are the key to getting good grades. Those A's aren't going to make themselves!
5. Exercise
Exercising has countless benefits, some of which involves the mind and others the body. There are a myriad of ways to workout. These ways can be a simple as taking a walk around the block, going on a run, or doing an at-home workout video.
Furthermore, Exercising releases endorphins which are commonly known as the 'happy hormone'. These chemicals interact with the brain which triggers positive feelings. What's better than looking and feeling fit?
6. Learn a new language
If you want to attempt a more challenging activity, which will benefit you enormously, learn a new language! Learning a new language is scientifically proven to make you smarter this is because it benefits and helps develop cognitive abilities.
It also strengthens listening skills, problem solving and multitasking. Moreover, it is suggested that it helps prevent the onset of dementia and Alzheimers. There are many apps to help with learning a language. These include: Duolingo, Babbel and Memrise.
7. Learn a new skill/hobby
We have got many additional hours on our hands, and it is a perfect time to learn a new skill or try out a new hobby.
There is a multitude of skills can hobbies that you can acquire. From Calligraphy, clothesmaking and creative writing, to photography, pottery and painting. There are countless ideas of what to learn. The opportunities are endless!
8. Have a day of self-care
Self-care is incredibly important for your mental state. Designate a day to relax and treat yourself.
There's an abundance of activities which you are able to do for a self-care day. These can range from having a long relaxing bubble bath, to cuddling up with a book which you have intended to read. There are countless things which you can do to keep yourself busy. By the end of the day, you should be feeling calm, comfortable and content.
9. Do DIY Projects
Pinterest has a plenitude of ideas for DIY-ing. There are many creative activities which you can occupy your time with.
It is easy to find many projects, with many different aspects, for a variety of people. There are complex tasks, such as knitting and decor making, to 5-minute crafts and simple snack recipes. If you're feeling a bit bored, a DIY will not only be an efficient way to spend your time, but will get your creative juices flowing.
10. Start a journal
Journals are very beneficial for self-care and mental health. Most of us overthink, from time to time, and a journal is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.
By writing in a diary a few times a week, or whenever you feel particularly down, you can improve your writing as well as keeping your thoughts organized. If you want to feel more motivated, and if you have more time on hands, a bullet journal is a great alternative. It has the same benefits of keeping a regular journal, except it can be much more inspiring and can increase your creativity.
11. Make a scrapbook
A scrapbook is similar to a journal in many ways. But instead of writing your thoughts and your day-to-day life, you're showing it in pictures and memorabilia. It is a calming activity, which can lower your stress level. Gather all your photos, letters, tickets and souvenirs and display them in the scrapbook.
12. Do yoga/ meditation
Or anything spiritually active. It is essential to escape the stress and chaos of reality for just a few minutes a day. The most effective way of doing this is either meditation or yoga.
Although they both calm the mind and reduce stress, yoga is efficient in benefiting the body as well as the soul and mind. It increases flexibility and muscle strength, reduces weight and improves respiration, vitality and energy. Furthermore, meditation focuses on self-awareness, reduction of memory loss and stress, lengthens attention span and can generate kindness.
13. Start a side hustle
Side hustles are an effective way of keeping busy, productive and could quite possibly start earning money.
By starting a side hustle, you are able to encounter the entrepreneur mindset. It will enable you to obtain confidence, self-development and a sense of purpose. Some ideas are; selling items on eBay, or clothes on Depop; managing a social media site for small businesses; or starting a blog for yourself.
14. Learn to Knit / sew
Knitting and sewing are both valuable skills to acquire. It is necessary to grasp the basics, but once you have, it is an advantageous talent to have.
By only knowing the fundamental elements of knitting and sewing, you can make a myriad of things. These range from: scarfs and skirts, to mending jeans and making stuffed animals. Sewing and knitting can boost your brain growth as it requires creativity. It also helps develop hand-eye coordination, which is critical for improving handwriting and balance.
15. Plan and set goals
By daily planning, you will decrease the risk of being bored, unmotivated and unproductive. Having a regular plan can improve many aspects of your day-to-day life. Your days will be much more organized, and you will be able to get things done much more efficiently. Furthermore, your time will be spent wisely and can include fun and worthwhile activities.
Setting goals links to planning as they both focus on productivity and becoming the best version of yourself. Try to incorporate your goals and ways which bring you closer to completing them. There are different types of goals to set yourself.
Think of all the things which you would like to improve, and base your goal around that. These can be: educational, social, financial, fitness and spiritual.
Goals are very advantageous as they give you a long term vision, keep you busy and give you motivation. Working towards goals is also a great way to spend time and can lead to bettering your person.
