Just when we thought that things were getting back to normal, another national lockdown has been announced. There are some obvious perks to staying at home – no communting stress, saving money and working in comfy clothes. However, it is so easy to get distracted, feel stressed and anxious while working from home. So to help you all prepare for lockdown 2.0, we have compiled a list of useful tips to help you stay productive and maintain your mental health.
These simple tips will help you while you work from home:
Routine:
Create a routine and stick to it!
Follow your usual routine at home, wake up at the same time as you normally would on a workday. Don’t skip the most important meal of the day, make sure you eat breakfast, get out of your pyjamas! Share your schedule with your household and set your work boundaries, so that you’re not disturbed.
Schedule your lunch break and when the workday is finished…stop working!
Workspace:
Create a dedicated workspace (anywhere but your bed!). The ideal space is somewhere quiet and away from all possible distractions – Netflix. Step up everything that you need beforehand, including snacks! So you don’t have to keep stopping and starting.
Break Time:
Give yourself a break! It’s important to have regular 5-10 minute screen breaks every hour. Make time for a lunch break and eat food that will refuel your body, stretch your legs and take a short walk before going back to work. All of this will help you concentrate, stay productive and manage any stress/anxiety.
Socialise:
It’s time to re-download zoom again! It is vital to continue to have human interaction during this lockdown. Video chat with loved ones and work colleagues and pick up the phone instead of emailing or texting all the time. Maintaing human interaction boots your mental wellbeing and also the people you talk to.
Remember, if you’re feeling lonely, you’re not the only one!
Self-love:
Be gentle, be kind to yourself! If you are having an off day and not as productive as usual, that’s okay! Have a break, make a cup of tea and pace yourself. It is not the end of the world if you don’t get everything done.
