This is a stressful time not just in the homes across the nation but all over the world. For most people this has been the longest that they have stayed at home when they are not on annual leave or holiday, and at the moment they are not staying in because they choose to but because they need to, for their own safety and all those around them.
There is nowhere to escape to, no gym, no pub and no mates houses to go and hangout when one needs a place a distraction.
My friends and I have been chatting a lot on WhatsApp and Messenger and I will share with you some of the tips we have been talking about and find useful.
- Try to have a morning workout
Some stretches and gentle exercises would be good to do in the morning before you get start checking your email and getting down to work.
If you have children you may choose to exercise before they wake and have that as your ‘me time’ or if they are at an age where they enjoy exercising, then make it into a family activity and you can bond with your family through exercise.
2. Shower and change daily
We have been joking around a lot about waking at 7.57am and being at our desks at 8am, but it’s very important to shower and change before we start working or doing our other duties. It actually makes you feel better.
3. Maintain a routine
If you don’t know what you’re doing from one day to the next you will start to get overwhelmed and not finish your projects if you are working from home.
Keep your bedtimes and wake up time the same as you would if you are working in an office or commute. That way it will also be easy for you to make the transition back to the office when the time comes.
4. Take a break
Take a break from work as you would in the office and stretch your legs. If you have a garden or balcony thats good because you can get some air but if not you can still pause and put the kettle on.
5. Switch of the telly during work time
I am guilty of having the news on the loop all day but I am aware of what a distraction that is. The best advice is to catch up with the morning news, we all need to know what is happing around us and then get on with what we need to do.
6. Switch off work devices during down time or family time
It is easy to get caught up in work and let it over lap onto rest time when we are working from home but it’s equally important to maintain our working hours and then put our work away in order to rest and catch up with the news, our kids and our friends.
7. Find a good book to read
Most people buy books and don’t read them, now is the time to find those books and enjoy some quiet time.
You can also read audio books, e-books or your favourite blogs and listen to podcasts.
8. Play games and do some crafts
Many people play games on their mobiles, my nephew loves video games and if you have cards, monopoly or scrabble, now is the time to pull them out and get everyone involved.
Pull out those crafting projects you have been meaning to finish for years and complete them.
9. Meditate and practice relaxation
Find a quiet place and meditate, pray or listen to some soothing music to unwind as that can help you to slow down and relieve some of your stress.
10. Have a long bath or shower
Having a long bath or shower can be calming at the end of the day so treat yourself to a relaxing bath or a nice shower and change into comfortable clothes then you can chill out.
11. Cook your meals
Try some simple recipes and cook yourself some nice meals. It’s so easy to snack when we are stuck at home so managing eating times and what we snack on is important. Make use of the stuff in your freezers and cupboard and experiment with herbs and spices.
12. Clean your space
It would be helpful if you clean your work and living space and have it tidy so that its more pleasant to stay in or work in. You can’t think straight when you are in cluttered or overcrowded spaces so if you live in a small place you could pick a corner that you can have as a safe space.
13. Stay in touch with others
Keep in touch with your friends and family via mediums suitable to you and avoid passing on fake news or misleading information to each other. Support each other during this difficult time.
14. Know your limits
It’s easy to tick checklists and listen to other peoples advice but ultimately it lies with you. You have to know and understand what you can do and what you can’t do during this difficult time and do what works for you and the people around you.