How to stay motivated and productive


Nearly 11 months later and we're still in the same position. Onto lockdown number 3, unable to see 
family, most of us working from home and without a regular routine. Being someone with mental health 
issues, I benefit from a routine majorly. I like to know what I'm doing at certain times of the day, so I can 
plan accordingly to make sure things get done. Although I'm still going to work (I'm a key worker) and my 
routine is still the same, my motivation and productivity has been affected because of it all.

When I should be doing blog work, taking photos and writing posts I'm sat in bed scrolling through 
TikTok. When I have time to read a book I just sit and stare into space. I find myself a lot of the time 
throughout the day, doing nothing despite having a big to-do list. I've slowly started finding tips and tricks 
to help me stay motivate and be more productive throughout the day, and since I know a lot of people are 
struggling with motivation I wanted to share my tips with you all in the hopes we can get it back.

Writing a list is always the first tip I would suggest and activity that I do. I write down both the big and 
little tasks, from; making the bed and brushing my teeth to taking photos and emailing brands. The little 
tasks that you do daily help you to feel satisfied and motivated in order to want to do the bigger tasks. I 
like to have both a weekly and daily to do list, just so it's all written down and nothing is forgotten. 

One of the biggest tips that I've found to be helpful is taking breaks. I often would try to get everything 
done in the morning and want to relax the whole evening, which is fine, however for me it wasn't realistic. 
Instead I now like to do some tasks on my list and take a 5 minute break. Whether thats to scroll through 
TikTok or have a browse on Instagram. That 5 minute break helps a lot more than I realised. 

Remember; there's always tomorrow. I like to start with the most important tasks and ones that may have 
deadlines, so that I know they're 100% done and ready, because not every day is the same and although 
yesterday I might have got everything done, today I may only do 3 things on my list. Yes the small tasks 
are nice to do because they're easy and ticking it off your to-do list is really satisfying, but most of the 
time they can be done the next day. You don't have to rush yourself. You still need time for yourself.

xoxo
Lea-Mai

24 comments

  1. Great tips! I always start my list with something super easy (like eating breakfast) because I know I'll do it and when I tick it off it'll give me a bit of a boost that I've already achieved something. It sounds silly, but it totally works! x

    Steff | www.steffaniebee.com

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    1. Exactly! So satisfying too when you get to tick of basic tasks x

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  2. Love this! I make a list every day and it helps me so much �� xx

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  3. These are some really helpful tips. I definitely agree there is always tomorrow. As long as you've got the things that have to be done that day ticked off, the rest can wait. I used to write a daily list but now I write a weekly one and have found that I'm so much more motivated.

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    1. Exactly! No point putting pressure on yourself if it's not needed x

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  4. Great tips! I love writing myself a list at the start of the day or the night before and ticking everything off! Then if I do miss things I always say well, it can wait until tomorrow now! xx

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    1. Makes such a difference by writing it all down x

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  5. I could have written this, I couldn't tell you what I do but the time just flies, and I have done nothing. Today I have edited some photos so that's a bonus I suppose, but I know exactly what you mean about just sitting there, I have a new planner which I need to sort out and then I might be a little more productive, and I'll be using your tips too, great post xxx


      Zoë - MammafulZo 💕 

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    1. My planner definitely helps me stay organised x

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  6. Writing a list is a big one for me. I often need to stop what I'm doing and write it all down to organise my brain. But some days it just can't happen. I need to be better at letting those days go!

    Rosie

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    1. I keep a notepad by my desk too, so late night thoughts and inspiration I can write down which helps x

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  7. Writing a list is a big one for me, i love the satisfaction of trying to tick everything off ❤

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  8. I definitely need to take some of these on board as I've lost my motivation this month!

    Kayleigh x
    https://hazelnutmusings.co.uk/

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    1. Think we've all lost it a bit, especially this year x

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  9. I have made soooooo many lists haha! I feel like the list lady.

    Amy x
    The July Rose

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  10. I have started writing lists again because I have found that it helps me be more productive. Also taking Facebook and Instagram off my homescreen on my phone has helped reduce aimless scrolling which can waste a lot of time xx

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    1. Makes such a difference. Never realise how much time you're spending on your phone until it's hours later x

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  11. I cannot get anything done without a list, it's a necessity for me!

    Gemma Louise

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    1. It's insane how productive you can be with a simple list x

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