Life as we know it has fundamentally changed since the Government announced that all non-essential work must be done from home. Many of you may be used to working remotely already. However, the added factors of partners, children and lack of space and quiet can soon become a very difficult. Remaining calm may look like a thing of the past and effective work thrown out the window. Personal space, exercise and rest are suddenly difficult to achieve when we are all in a confined area for long period of time. Many of you will be asking yourself, how can we start to build in coping strategies to support us through this time and keep a sense of normality?
Building resilience and positivity, especially whilst working remotely, is key. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot. Here are a few tips to keep you motivated and connected.
1. Structure
Having a structure to your day whilst working remotely maintains our sense of routine. This helps our body clock to function normally so we maintain good sleeping and eating habits. Get up at your usual work time. Perhaps take a short walk alone as if you would be commuting. Or get in some early morning yoga stretches to get your body moving too.
2. Immune system support
Support your immune system. Practice at least 10-20 minutes of exercise every day. This could be a socially distanced walk outside, or an indoor workout online with the family. Exercise has been shown to raise your internal vibrations which boost your immune system, mental health and endorphins. Commit to a fixed time every day to ensure you do it!
3. Nutrition and hydration
Eat and drink well. Being at home and working remotely does not mean that you can let your healthy diet slip. It is an opportunity to get creative with your meals, get juicing, make healthy soups, snacks and experiment with food. Ensure you have a variety of nutritious snacks on hand and avoid sugar-laden fatty foods that will give you a mid-afternoon slump of energy.
4. Breaks
Allow for regular breaks – get up from your desk every hour. Stretch, breathe deeply and move your body. You could even dance to some fun music whilst you make a drink.
5. Boundaries
Set some clear work boundaries. Try to finish work at a set time and avoid looking at emails and reports after 6.30pm. Artificial light affects our bodies circadian rhythm and stops us naturally falling asleep. It will also become harder to switch off the “to do” list if you keep checking messages.
6. Work space
Create a personal work space that you can be quiet and focused away from family distractions. Use headphones and face a wall if you are in a confined space. Contact colleagues if you need support rather than thinking you need to do it all alone.
7. Goals
Set some new personal goals! Commit to paper something that you want to achieve. It might be learning a new skill online, reading all those books you never had time for before or upcycling some old furniture. Tick off your daily goal to get a sense of achievement. Use your evenings wisely for constructive activities rather than binge-watching Netflix.
8. Gratitude
Start a Gratitude diary. This has been scientifically proven to help boost mindset and positive wellbeing. As you wake, write 3 things down you are grateful for and the same as you go to bed. Keep it simple and regularly read it over when you are feeling a bit low. This will help you to realise how much you have in your life.
9. Positive Statements
Positive statements. Create your own daily positive mantra. For example, “I am calm and relaxed and safe”. Or, “I will be productive today” for instance. Anything that resonates with you. This creates a sense of optimism and hope.
10. Connect with others
Connect with others. Remember to set some time aside to reconnect with a Facetime date. We need connection with others to help support us emotionally. Set aside time for a virtual coffee morning or a group meal all in the safety of your own home.
Finally, remember to be kind to yourself, we are all in this together and need to give ourselves a break when we are feeling a little overwhelmed with the situation. Remind yourself to take deep breaths and be optimistic.
The author
Today’s blog was written by Lara Darby. Lara has been teaching yoga for the last 12 years. She completed her 500 hr Training with British Wheel of Yoga and has since gone on to train in Sadie Nardini’s Core-Strength Vinyasa Yoga 300hr TT, Shiva Rea Fluid Power TT 50hrs, BWY Pregnancy Yoga and is Yoga Alliance Children’s Yoga Certified. Lara is a busy, active, sporty wife and mum of three young boys and highly values her practice to keep her strong, calm and grounded. She has a passion to share this with others in the workplace and online. If you’d like Lara to deliver your yoga sessions (either on site or online) then get in touch!
Current services
Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak we are currently not providing our wellbeing services at events. However, we are committed to supporting companies throughout the UK to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of their staff during this critical time. As a result, we are providing wellbeing services online. This includes Yoga classes, Desk Yoga workshops, Laughter Yoga classes and specific workshops to help you during this difficult time such as Working From Home (Successfully), Mindfulness for Resilience, and more! If you’d like to find out more about our online services, head to our sister company On Site Wellbeing Co or Contact Us.
