The COVID-19 pandemic has led to rapid changes in the lives of many. During this time, some of us have been more affected than others and the influence of these events have been different for everyone.
Many have had to stay at home but are still required to continue their lives. For example, professionals are now working from home whilst students have online classes. Regardless, we have all found ourselves trying to manage the unpredictable environmental changes in our lives.
Managing our mental health during this time can be quite challenging. When we do not have our usual support structures in place, it can take a toll on both our emotions and our mental stability. Although this time may feel like a staycation where the holidays have arrived, we still find ourselves responsible for deliverables.
With that being said, we may find ourselves lacking the usual motivation. If you are feeling like this, you are not alone. This is a problem many of us are facing, and so I have put together a list of ten action items. These simple changes will help you to adapt to your new working environment and allow you to optimise your productivity at home during COVID-19.
1. Set Goals
We might not know the long-term forecast of this pandemic, but we do know that we have at least three weeks of staying at home. There is so much that can be done during this time. Dig into your to-do lists be it housework, learning a new skill or simply spending quality time with loved ones.
2. Make a Schedule
Before going to bed organise the following day by putting a tentative order of what you will do. Don’t forget to include time for your meals and some downtime!
3. Maintain a Healthy Sleep Routine
Now more than ever you have the time to “catch up” on much-lost sleep. A good night’s rest will be so beneficial in making you feel better every day. To optimise your sleep, reduce your screen use an hour before going to bed.
4. Get Dressed in the Morning
Get yourself into a working mood by changing out of your pyjamas and into some work clothes. This simple action puts you into a productive mode to get things done!
5. Take Cellphone Breaks
Turn your notifications off for a few hours a day when you really need to focus on getting work done.
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6. Pack a Lunch
Being at home, close to the kitchen, it’s easy to fall into the trap of snacking throughout the day. Instead, packing a lunch at the start of each day will help you to manage your food consumption. This is a great time to develop good eating habits and to learn how to make enjoyable home-cooked meals.
7. Stay Hydrated
Fill-up a reusable water bottle and keep it beside you. This will entice you to keep sipping on it throughout the day.
8. Get Moving
Schedule time to get your body moving. Movement releases endorphins, improves your mental well-being and keeps your spirits high. Across most social platforms many trainers are sharing their knowledge and expertise to promote physical activity. Simply search in the Instagram handle: home bodyweight exercises, and you will find something to suit your taste!
9. Stay Connected While Socially Isolating
Make the time to re-connect with colleagues, friends and family. There are also many social initiatives like workouts or virtual dance parties. Social connection from the comfort of our homes makes us feel united and has a positive impact on our emotional well-being.
10. Seize Your Attitude
Start writing gratitudes! You will be surprised by just how much it changes your perspective. Every day, find three things that you are grateful for. It can be as simple as “I have food on my plate” or as complex as an experience or conversation you had. Be open and honest with yourself because you don’t need to share it with anyone.
On a more positive note, we are all contributing to the environmental well-being of our globe by staying home. Whether you live in Toronto or Cairo, or any major metropolitan city, you will have definitely noticed a huge reduction in air and noise pollution!
Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re all in this together, literally.
We’d love to hear from you! So please share with us some of the ways that you have found useful to cope during this time. Email us at [email protected]. For more on our COVID-19 Series, click here!
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