Almost all of us get excited every December as the new year is around the corner. It is because we feel the new year is a blank slate for us to write some new goals and resolutions. Even if we think of a plethora of things that we would like to achieve, but it often happens, we are not able to stay committed to those goals. It is mainly because usually, we set such purposes that are too complex to achieve or might be out of our comfort zones. Hence when you lack clarity, you are most likely to move forward without a vision, which makes your motivation wane quickly.

 

If you feel you aren't motivated for the New Year, then you don't need to worry as we have got your back by offering some easy steps which will help you stay motivated throughout the year.

• It would be best if you started small- The main reason you are not able to stay motivated to your goals is that you often set goals that are complicated, and you end up feeling overwhelmed. The secret here is to break down a huge goal into small goals so you can achieve them quickly as per your deadline. Thus, you are most likely to stay on track to achieve the goals when you see some progress.

• Think about your intentions- You should know the reasons why you plan to set a particular goal. When you know about the reason, it is quite possible you will stay motivated to the goal as the why will give you some motivation to stay focused and motivated and clear during the gloomy days.

• Consider rewarding yourself- You should start celebrating even the smallest of your wins as every completed task is a small win for the overall goal. It is essential to recognize your success irrespective of how big or small your reward is. Thus you can set up tips for something you like or care about, including some fancy meals, or a vacation at your favorite resort, etc.

• Keep an eye on your progress- You need to have a visual of your progress and tasks. You can also consider using some apps which help you stay motivated by tracking your progress daily as they help you see how much of the overall goal you have completed. Thus set milestones and remain committed to those.

• Avoid multi-tasking- The multi-tasking thought comes in as we feel that it is the start of the year, and we can accomplish as many tasks as we want as it is a blank slate yet. But we often forget that we have to remain realistic towards our goals and think practically how much we can achieve in 12 months. No doubt the year might feel quite long, but in reality, it isn't so. All you need to do is keep your goals short and stay focused on completing one task at a time. It is because when you choose to multi-task, you end up losing your productivity at least by 40 percent.

• Learn to stay optimistic- You need to start being confident by saying I can do this and surround yourself with a positive aura so you can stay motivated towards your goals. You can consider looking for leaders around who can give you some inspiration to keep you hooked on your goals. Additionally, you can also choose to subscribe to some relevant blogs, podcasts, or newsletters, which will help you boost your mood.

Thus, these are some fantastic ways that will help you stay motivated throughout the year.

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Thanks to the current pandemic, 2020 is nothing but just a year full of social distancing, and it is not surprising to know that the Christmas parties might look different as compared to previous years.  Almost all workplaces start planning about the Christmas party around summer. Particularly in some countries, the hospitality business seems to be under lockdown working under takeaway or any other alternative option. Keeping in mind the current situation, it might be vital to plan for socially distanced Christmas parties. The world looked way different when we entered the year as compared to now. All we hope is that we can relive those carefree days again once the outbreak of coronavirus ends.

Though it is challenging to predict what will be so for now, we recommend that you plan your Christmas party, keeping in mind all the social distancing norms.

Some fantastic ideas for socially distanced parties are:

• Create a game room to play together- What's a better way to celebrate Christmas then playing together, yes we understand all of us are going to miss being together but every experience in life counts right? So don’t wait for the right moment just create a game room, add your loved ones and play your favorite games. Above all, make the Merry Christmas more merry.  

• Long-distance Santa- So what if it's pandemic? You can still organize a group secret Santa exchange. You can use online generators, including party organizers, to send out secret Santa gifts. You can also purchase some gifts as per the decided budget and post it directly to their homes. Also, you can plan for a video call where everyone meets virtually and opens the gift.

• Fancy dress video call- You can offer prizes for best dressed or creative headwear with a virtual fancy dress competition.

• Hold a virtual exhibition and showcase your talent- Everyone of us has some unique talent that is hidden deep down inside and in the hustle bustle of life we just ignore it. Furthermore, life has given us a unique chance this Christmas. Why not grab this precious opportunity? And hold a virtual exhibition and showcase some stunning talents and your artistic skills.

• Tour the world from the comfort of your house- It is very disheartening to say that you won’t be able to meet your loved ones during Christmas due to the ongoing pandemic under which social distancing is mandatory. But you don’t need to worry at all as there are several zoos, museums etc. offering free virtual tours. So you can join in any tour virtually and also get your friends and family along through the video call. Doesn’t it sound a great idea? Something new indeed.  

•  Christmas dinner in a virtual way- You can use this idea and create a virtual dinner even with your loved ones by sending out a mini hamper of edible goodies. Additionally, you can also chat over the tasty festive delicacies. For something different, you can again go for a classy afternoon tea. Irrespective of what happens this Christmas, a virtual Christmas party claims to offer a different experience to everyone.  

Thus you can implement these ideas to get a different experience altogether and celebrate during social distancing. You can get as creative as you want thanks to the stunning technological advancements due to which people can stay connected even during the tough times.

 

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The year is coming to end and never in recent history, have we all collectively worked from home for this long. But now employees are finding a little delight in this new work approach.  

Among its innumerable benefits – zero commuting time and working in your most comfortable clothes, it still poses some challenges. One of them being a lack of productivity.

So if you fall asleep in the middle of your work, or take frequent breaks, here are 11 insane work from home productivity hacks for you.

1. Desk over the bed

While working from your bed might provide you with great comfort. But with it, comes the ordeal of battling the temptation of a deep slumber. And most often, we succumb and fall back to sleep.

Therefore it is important to set up a desk or workstation for yourself. Maintaining a straight and firm posture as you sit would further help you concentrate more.

Additionally, you can take a 2-5 minute walk to chase away the slumber if it knocks you on your desk.

2. Make a plan/ schedule 

If you used to plan your day when you worked in the office, what’s stopping you now? It’s important to keep in mind that only your work location and timings have changed but the professional obligations remain as it is.

Therefore, set targets for the day, set proper mealtime, and rest time, and don’t take too many breaks, this is all you need to stay productive.

3. Don’t assume too many changes. 

Work from home essentially comes with the perk of flexibility. However, being so flexible that you wake up at 11 isn’t a go-to approach if you want to boost your productivity. The reason being, your mind would so much be at leisure that you’d feel lazy when you start working.

But, it’s fine if you give yourself an hour more to sleep. For example, if you used to wake up at 7 am to reach the office by 9, (1 hr to get ready + 1 hour to travel). You can cut the commuting time and wake up at 8.

4. Note and analyse

One highly dependable method of boosting productivity is to work as if you are experimenting upon yourself.

In simpler words, note the time you take to complete a task. When the next time you do it, try to complete it much quicker than you did before.

5. Stay away from distractions

If there is anything other than laziness and lethargy that can prevent you from being productive, it’s the little distractions you find yourself submitting to.

What is chiefly meant by distraction in this context is your urge to check your social media every five minutes. Every five minutes you waste this way, eventually piles up to become an hour. I am sure you can do better than that.

Therefore, if you cannot keep your phone away, turn off the internet while you work to minimize distractions.

6. Maintain a semi-work attire (Disclaimer: Completely subjective)

Working from home allows you to work in your most comfortable clothes. For some, it boosts their productivity but for others, it does otherwise. The reason being, it robs them of the work-related, formal, and professional vibe they need to be productive.

Hence, consider wearing a combination of clothes that are both formal and comfortable.

For example, Top – formal shirts, Bottom – Loose formal pants. Skip the heels.

7. Make use of writing pads

Whether it is school or work, noting things down has always had the upper hand. The reason being, it helps you to be structured and systematic.

So if there’s something you feel you should note down, feel free to grab a paper and get down to writing.

Lastly,

If you think work from home is a challenge, it is not. In fact, this is what these hacks are for, to help you through this change. Just think that there is a change in the situation and you are working like before.

How do you conquer a lack of productivity while working from home? Or do you love it?

 

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The world around us is now becoming more and more cautious about the environment. The usage of eco friendly products is something that everyone is trying to do in order to save the environment. Though Christmas is all about giving presents and being happy, we can all make small changes for a more sustainable Christmas this year.

The amount of waste generated during Christmas is ridiculous. While we celebrate Christmas with friends and family, we also have to be careful about not damaging the environment. The best way to do that is by having an Eco friendly Christmas celebration. Here are some ways in which you can have a better Christmas by going green this season. 

1. Decorate your house with more sustainable options

Decorating the house is definitely a huge part of getting ready for Christmas. Often while decorating we forget to look at the amount of waste we are creating.

One way of avoiding this is to go for Christmas decorations that will last for a long time. This way you won't have to throw them out each year and be away from creating a big amount of waste.

Going for Christmas ornaments made from glass or metal instead of the ones made from plastic can also be a good idea. Not using non recyclable materials to decorate is a good step to take towards an eco friendly Christmas. 

2. Pay special attention to the way you wrap presents 

This is another part where a lot of waste gets generated unknowingly. How you decide to wrap your gifts can be another important thing in being environment friendly. 

You can always use reusable paper bags instead of the traditional wrapping paper or plastic bags. If you want to be with it, you can use fabric to wrap your Christmas gifts as well. 

Even if you do end up deciding on wrapping paper, use something that can be recycled easily. Top tip: Remember if it stays crumpled when you scrunch it, then it can be recycled, if it doesn't then it can't!

3. Select eco friendly or long lasting gifts for your loved ones

Going Christmas shopping is another occasion when you have to think about being eco friendly and choosing the correct presents. Anything that can potentially harm the environment should be avoided as much as possible. 

Just like decorations, think of Christmas gifts that will last a long time.Avoid things made from any kind of non recyclable and disposable material if you can.

We have recently been working with SaveMoneyCutCarbon and they have a *Sustainable Swap Box and Home Club membership as a great gift idea, so the recipient will be saving money and helping the planet from the moment they open the box!

4. Using reusable utensils if you plan to host a party

Christmas dinners are also a very common part of celebrating this holiday. If you plan to host a party at your house, you have to make sure it is as eco friendly as possible. 

Make sure you use reusable silverware to serve the food. Plastic utensils often end up in the trash and thus increase the waste you produce.  

Search online on how you can be as sustainable as possible during these social events. Set a good example so you inspire others to have an eco friendly Christmas as well. 

5. Last but definitely not the least - your Christmas tree!

Yes a lot of people don't buy a tree but if you do, make sure you buy the best one for the environment. Find some eco friendly alternatives if you want. 

Using a natural tree is always a better choice as the trees made from plastic can cause a huge damage to the environment. It is also easy to recycle the live trees without affecting the environment much. 

Choose a tree which has a reduced carbon footprint as an extra measure to be eco friendly this festive season.

Conclusion:-

Collectively, if we all make small changes then we can make a big impact at Christmastime and beyond.

 

* Note: We have been gifted a SaveMoneyCutCarbon Sustainable Swap Box but had no obligation to write or advertise their products. The inclusion within this post is purely on its merits.

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