1. GETUP AND MOVE AROUND
Getting up and moving around every hour is a handy way to keep track of time and help curb the COVID-19 Blues. Stretch or do some light lifting, have a drink, go look out of the window for a few minutes or participate in an online yoga class, don't sit for many hours on end hunched over a keyboard. It's not available option in the long term. Take advantage of the extra time you will be around the house, bond more with your two-legged or four-legged members of the family. If you have a garden or park nearby that's great, go for a walk and take in the fresh air while being mindful of government restrictions. No matter the age of your children or the type of pet you have, there are many fun activities you can do together indoors and in the garden. They'll enjoy it(well, most will), and you will feel much better also.
2. PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE/MAINTAIN A SENSE OF ROUTINE
Don't forget to continue your regular self-care, keep showering and getting dressed in real clothes. Maintain your morning routine, lounging around in pyjamas with messy hair can be fun at first, but it is going to start feeling depressing long term. Wake up and go to bed at healthy times to ensure that you're getting enough sleep, keeping a healthy mental wellbeing by continuing as much of your regular routine as you can. But this needs to be a healthy balance, you don't want to fall into a cycle of sleeping, working, eating, and repeating. It is important to still add value to your day, do something fun for yourself that just isn't Netflix.
3. STAY CONNECTED
WhilePhysical contact might be limited right now, during this era of technology, there are plenty of ways to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues through video chats and phone calls. Setup up calendar invites for a recurring Facetime check in with friends and family or a virtual "happy hour"or "coffee break" with a co-worker. Positive social connections are essential for mental health and can help us cope in times of stress, so use this time to strengthen those connections. Don't let isolation turn you into anon-sociable person.
4. CREATE A SPACE THAT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WORKING IN
Working from home can mean distractions… many distractions. When creating a workspace at home, consider your work needs and set up a dedicated spot that is comfortable and away from these distractions. Choose a desk or table that is comfortable for you and the appropriate height, it's only going to hurt you if you're always hunched over a coffee table. The same amount of consideration needs to be taken when choosing a chair, you might be spending a better portion of your day working from home, so you want to be as comfortable as possible. Lighting might not seem like a big issue, but having adequate lighting above your workspace can improve mood and productivity by reducing eye fatigue and headaches.
5. DON’TJUST LOOK AT A SCREEN ALL DAY
Download a podcast, get arty and crafty, try knitting, give meditation a try, bake new foods, learn a new funky hobby like lock picking or basket weaving, Skype your friends, Facetime calls, writing, read a new book, doing some DIY projects around your house or gardening. There are plenty of things that you could be doing during this isolation that doesn't involve staring at a screen 24/7. Use this time to expand your knowledge, improve your skills and bond with friends and family more. Just because we may be required to keep our distance doesn't mean we are confined to our rooms.
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