Now, more than ever, it’s important to make physical and mental health a priority. Working from home brings its benefits – loungewear all day, no waking up early for commutes and easy access to snacks – but it can also lead to unhealthy habits and feelings of isolation. With the loss of a “normal“ daily routine, it’s important that individuals create a “new normal“ for themselves, even within their homes. The Hawkins International team has outlined a few tips to keep in mind when working from home.
Create a Schedule
Whether it’s penning a to-do list every morning or blocking off times on your online calendar for specific work activities, creating a routine every day will help to calm the mind and relieve stress. Every day, schedule in dedicated time to handle email responses, ongoing projects and team management. It can also help to have clear markers of when your workday starts and ends. We recommend a morning cup of tea or coffee and an evening (socially distant) walk.
Connect with Colleagues
We’re lucky to live in a time period when it’s easier than ever to connect virtually. From Zoom meetings to House Party trivia nights, video communication has paved the way for both personal and business relationships to thrive. Schedule out a dedicated team touch base every day to discuss work priorities, but also connect on how your colleagues are feeling mentally and emotionally.
Move Every Day
While it can be hard to find the motivation for exercise, you don’t have to participate in a 90-minute Boot Camp to feel healthy. Even going on a 20-minute walk every day can boost your heart rate and, in turn, endorphins. There are also a lot of great online resources out there to help in your fitness journey. Well known studios like Rumble and Y7 Yoga are going virtual, with online classes steaming on their website and through IGTV and Instagram Stories.
Count Nutrients, Not Calories
Quarantine is not a time to be restrictive with food. That said, food does greatly affect mood and can provide support to your body‘s natural immune system. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with healthy protein and fat, will benefit the body and mind. You may even discover some new recipes you’ll love long after quarantine.
Find Your Outlet
When the workday ends, where are you turning next? Now’s the time to explore your hobbies and interests to help disconnect at the end of the day. If this means watching TV, that’s great – have you seen Tiger King? Or perhaps you’ve wanted to take up a new language or learn to bake bread. No matter the venture, dive in wholeheartedly to help create that much-needed work vs. life balance.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important pieces of the self-care puzzle. If you’re not fully rested, this can add to stress and anxiety during the day. Some tips to get to sleep easily include shutting down electronics an hour before bed, drinking a warm cup of tea, going to bed at about the same time each night and listening to a 5-10 minute online meditation class.