Productivity during Covid 19 Lockdown

lockdown

At the moment Covid 19 is spreading globally with many people working from home as countries go into lockdown. This pandemic is horrific and the news in the UK feels like its scaremongering rather than delivering facts.

Many are feeling fed up, bored and pissed off with being housebound and unable to get on with their normal lives. I totally get all of these feelings. But at the same time, I am feeling more productive when it comes to my studies as there isn't much else to do. 

Many TV channels have stopped filming new episodes of programmes and channels are either filled with repeats or news updates that are needed but also really depressing. So I have got myself into a really good routine that is helping distract my brain from this terrible pandemic but is also progressing my research and planning for my research project. 

During the day I am working from home in the living room while my two-year-old is in the room watching tv, playing and enjoying taking centre stage in my Zoom meetings. I am really lucky that the university I work in has changed their priorities to focus on outputs rather than have people simply working 9 to 5 as that's what's expected. So there is flexibility for me to ensure that I am achieving my work objectives working to a schedule that fits in with my home life. 

In the evening I can get my head into work projects that need serious concentration and I can also work on gathering literature or further developing my research for a looming assignment deadline. 

I was talking to a friend earlier about how a number of my friends are frustrated with being at home and not coping well with this lockdown. We worked it out that these people have hobbies and interest that take place outside of the home like going to the gym, playing outdoor sports or socialising with others. And since these important parts of their lives cannot take place, it's having a tremendous effect on their well being. 

For me, juggling work, parenthood and studies means a lot of my life is spent in and around the house and so I don't feel that my routine has changed too much. Of course, I can't go out as and when I want but I have a lovely garden to enjoy and trips to the supermarket are limited. But I like working from home as I get more done without all the interactions in the office and the social aspect of life I have been continuing through social media, Whatsapp and Zoom video chats with colleagues and friends. 

Being in a routine for my studies in the evening means I am simply studying for a couple of hours each evening and it feels manageable and actually enjoyable, most of the time. 

I am really hoping that this pandemic is under control soon and although our government have reacted quickly and implemented action to help some, there is a lot more that can be done, needs to be done and should be done to help and protect people. 

Have you found being on lockdown has made you more productive and what tips or tricks do you have to fit everything into the one day or week? Let me know in the comments. 

Thanks for reading and please stay home and stay safe. 


Location: Bristol, UK

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