Working from home: Set yourself up for success!
So what can you do to set yourself up for success, personally and professionally during lockdown?
This pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone. Now, as a second lockdown sets into place, many of us wonder how we are going to balance our personal lives and protect our mental health, as well as keep motivated and driven for our work from home.
We have written a short article, in the hopes to give some helpful and wholesome advice during this season of uncertainty.
Tip Number One: Take a break!
Whether that means going for a walk with a family member or your dog, listening to your favourite song, reading the next chapter of the book you're reading, or even just grabbing a cup of your favourite tea or coffee; taking a few minutes of space and spending some time away from your screen to take a break and refresh, will do wonders for your mental health and help you to take on any tasks headed your way.
Tip Number Two: Talk about how you're doing
It's easy to sweep our feelings under the rug and pretend they don't matter, especially when you're at work, but these are new times for everyone. Is there someone at work who you can talk to about how you're feeling? Maybe you could speak to your boss about taking a personal day if you just need to reset. Or if you're self-employed why don't you choose a family member or close friend who you can ring often, just to chat about how your days are going.
Chances are someone might be feeling the same way, so you can support each other despite the distance.
Tip Number Three: Got some spare time? Pick up a new hobby!
Now might be a good time to pick up that one thing you've always wanted to try, whether that be a new individual sport like cycling, or something you can do at home like painting or baking bread! When you have a moment in your day, write down some things you want to do or try and see if you can start doing those things after work or during your breaks.
Learning to add some fun to your day will make the work seem lighter and you will be excited to have learnt something new once lockdown ends. Maybe it will become a life-long hobby!
Tip Number Four: Reward yourself, you're doing great!
It's okay to find it hard.
Reward your hard work and perseverance in your down-time. Take proper breaks at the weekend where you don't even think about your work week, and make sure you can walk away from your desk at the end of a day. Nobody can work 24/7, so don't expect yourself to be able to.
Tip Number Five: Look after your body
Studies have shown a direct link between mental health and looking after your body, so make sure you are taking the time to eat well, drink lots of water and create space to take a walk. It's hard to juggle a healthy work and life balance at the best of times, but we see your hard work and we applaud you for persevering!
You've got this!
If you need someone to talk to or would like some more information on how to look after yourself during lockdown, take some time to read help and advice on these websites:
