With the spread of the coronavirus affecting everything from travel to the availability of toilet paper, controlling COVID-19 in our country has become a growing concern. That’s why companies are mandating having as many employees as possible work remotely until the virus can be slowed.
Unfortunately, it may be challenging for many employees to stay on task and balance their home life. If you’re trying to work while taking care of kids and helping with homework, it can be overwhelming and exhausting. Or, you may be home alone and the isolation and loneliness are starting to wear you down.
Whatever your situation is, let’s explore some tips to keep you healthy and sane.
Create an office environment.
It’s important not to blur the lines of work and play and where you do these things. If the couch is where you relax, watch television, and chill out, don’t work there. Creating an office environment means you have to eliminate those distractions.
By the same token, once you are done with work for the day, you need to be done. End your workday by disconnecting fully from your phone, computer, or other devices. Even though your work and relax time are now in the same space, it’s imperative that you completely embrace the transition of ending work and beginning your night at home.
Stick to a routine.
People generally crave routine and structure. A daily routine allows people to know what to expect during the day, and what is expected of them.
Right now, it might seem a little absurd to create a schedule with things constantly changing, but the more you can re-create your normal routine, the better.
[Need a better work-life balance? Click here!]
Create a to-do list.
While we don’t have much control over what is going on around us at the moment, we can somewhat control our day. One idea for staying on task is to write everything down that you need to accomplish for the day and commit to getting it all done.
Do this for your work hours and your personal time, so you know what to expect and how to prepare your day.
Eat healthy.
It’s so tempting to snack all day and indulge in unhealthy foods. We are in a stressful and confusing time and it can be easy to eat emotionally, maybe out of overwhelming feelings or simply out of boredom.
Plan your menu for the day the night before, just like you would do if you were going into the office. If you have your lunch and snacks prepared, you will be more likely to stick to healthier foods.
Stay active.
Get on the Stairmaster for 30 minutes, walk the dog, or go for a run in the neighborhood. Whatever you do, get your blood pumping.
Whether it’s in the morning before you start your day, after you put in a full eight hours, or during your lunch break, it is crucial to your mental and physical health to stay active.
Schedule consistent breaks.
Just like any working environment, giving yourself a breather is critical to helping your brain and body relax. Make a small snack, take a brief walk outside, or catch up with a loved one on the phone.
It’s unhealthy to work nonstop without taking a break away from screens, meetings, and constant work. Research shows that breaks can significantly improve productivity levels and a person’s ability to focus.
Find ways to socialize.
Social distancing isn’t comfortable, especially if you’re used to an active office. The isolation can be a struggle for those who are used to seeing friends and co-workers on a daily basis.
Try to find ways to stay in touch with your co-workers and friends outside of emails and messaging systems. Schedule regular Zoom conferences with the team, or even more casual Google Hangouts where you can catch up on your day or chat about the show you just binged on.
Embrace the unexpected.
Working from home can definitely bring new concerns, but with them come fresh rewards. You don’t have to stress about morning traffic on your commute, listen to your own playlist while you work, light some candles, get additional sleep, or let your cat cuddle up on your lap.
The irritations of working from home are a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of things. While it’s ok to feel overwhelmed, scared, or sad it is important to be thankful that you are safe, healthy, and still able to work.
We hope these tips help you stay mentally and physically healthy while you are working remotely during this difficult time. For more helpful tips, follow our blog and “like us” on Facebook!
Posted by
