Firstly, we hope everyone is staying healthy and informed. With recent events unfolding and so much uncertainty, we know it can be hard to transition to a work from home environment while also trying to remain calm.
Here at Mondays, we want to help our community by sharing tips on how to prioritize your health and happiness while also adjusting to this new work from home reality.
Social Distancing Without Compromising Socializing 📱
Luckily, we live in a time where talking to others isn’t limited by physical contact. Checking in with friends and family about what’s happening and talking about things other than the pandemic will help keep morale up. We recommend reaching out to at least 3 friends and/or family members a day to check in and say hi. Video messages are especially helpful for when you’re not able to coincide with timing :)
Mid-day Stretch 🙆
Working from home can quickly lead to 8+ hours of sitting in the same spot- especially if you do more than just work in the area you’re sitting in. BUT, working from home doesn’t mean you can’t get up, get a fresh breath of air and walk around for a bit. Better yet, you can schedule in regular stretching and walking breaks (more than you would do in a regular office setting).
IDEA: organize a virtual stretch session with your team- you’re definitely not the only one that needs a small break from sitting.
Snacks 🍓
Here are some healthy snacks that will keep your mind and body happy and healthy.
Immunity booster snacks:
- Broccoli with some of your favorite dip!
- Fruit (citrus, berries, kiwi, and grapes are especially helpful)
- Bell Peppers with Salsa
- Almonds (we personally like almond butter right out of the jar)
- Pumpkin Seeds (on their own, in a trail mix, or sprinkled on top of meals)
- Ginger (add to a smoothie or drink as a tea)
Feel-good snacks:
- Apples or Carrots + Peanut Butter
- Peanut Butter + Banana Toast
- Avocado + Honey Toast
- Yogurt + Granola + Berry Bowl
Bonus Idea: Your daily team lunches don’t have to stop just because you’re not in the office anymore. Schedule virtual lunches + coffee meetings too!
Desk Setup 📚
It’s important to keep your space clean, germ free, and organized. A clear space helps create a clear mind. Keep only the essentials on your desk and set a time to clear your space once a day.
If you don’t have a home office, test out different areas in your home to see what feels the most comfortable to get work done. If you can, draw boundaries for places where you eat, relax, and work.
Time Blocking ⏰
Time blocking consists of setting a certain task with a specific amount of time you think it would take. Our brain works in an amazing way where you’ll find yourself actually completing a task in the time you give it. This not only increases productivity, but will also help reduce the stress from staring at a long to-do list.
Make sure you schedule your day as well. Make time for lunch (as you would on a regular day), as well as time to stretch, talk to friends, exercise, and of course, shower! :)
Start that non-work related hobby 🏓
Sleeping, eating, socializing and working all in one space can get very overwhelming. It’s important to give yourself some time to relax and maybe even try to create space for a non-work related hobby. Now, with more time on your hands, try something new that you ‘didn’t have time for’ before. Read that book you’ve been putting off, try arts and crafts, pick up that instrument that’s been collecting dust for years, or take a free online class! Or, just relax and watch some feel good TV and movies! Looking for ideas?
Final Tips❗️❗️
Consider re-establishing the way you communicate with colleagues. With all the changes in your work setting, how you work is bound to change as well. Things that came easy in an office setting might not work, and communicating with colleagues can be a little more challenging remotely, especially if you’re not used to it. Make sure you’re noticing these changes and communicating them with your team and your managers. Don’t worry, things are changing quickly for everyone and it will take some time to adjust to.
And lastly, the most important tip for taking care of yourself in this time:
Make sure you are kind to others and kind to yourself. Stay informed but try not to consume too much news, limit your time on social media, and make sure you are doing your part by staying in and helping #flattenthecurve!
