As the coronavirus outbreak keeps spreading all over the globe, more and more people are being affected. Regardless of the state your country is currently in, you must have heard about social distancing and how we need to flatten the curve. These terms seem very vague and we are often not sure what is expected of us. It’s actually simple – stay at home and go outside only when necessary. Seeing as how some governments have already imposed lockdowns and many more are expected to do the same, more and more companies are implementing work from home practices. If you too are starting to work remotely, you might be facing some challenges, especially if you’re not used to always staying inside. To help you out, we’ve gathered some tips when it comes to keeping your mind clear and healthy when faced with such circumstances.
Create a Designated Area for Working
Working from home seems like an easy alternative – you get to chill on the couch, wear your pajamas all day and get to take a break whenever you want. However, as any person that regularly works from home can tell you, this is not the best approach. By staying in your PJs and lounging around, you will not be able to focus on your work. This is why you need to create a home office or at least an area that will be designated for work only. That way, you will not be distracted by Netflix or people constantly talking to you. Set work hours for yourself and tell everyone that you are not to be disturbed. If you have a separate room that you can use, that would be best, but noise-canceling headphones can also help if you have to work surrounded by your roommates or family members. Plus, putting on your work clothes and leaving your home for a few minutes can help you get in that work mindset.
Know When to Take Breaks
When working remotely, you need to consult with your employer to see whether you have to keep regular work hours during which you will Skype and keep in contact or if you can organize your time in a way that best suits you. In the case of the latter, make a schedule and stick to it. It is very easy to get distracted, but put your work first and organize other activities around it. You can do half of your work in the morning and a half in the afternoon if that helps you spend quality time with your family. What is more, taking breaks is very important because slacking off is not the only problem telecommuters face. They often feel like they have to do as much as possible, which leaves them with no free time. It might take a few days to find the right schedule so try all sorts of alternatives.
Take This Time to Work on Your Skills
On the other hand, some jobs simply cannot be done remotely. In that case, you might have a lot of free time on your hands. While there are many things you can do to pass the time, you can also look for online opportunities that will help you improve your skills and keep you productive. Maybe your employer is willing to pay for an online course in order to show you that they value you. Maybe you want to prove yourself to your employer and improve your chances of getting a promotion by taking the course on your own. Maybe you simply feel like a caged animal and learning helps you cope with the situation. Whatever the reason, this can be a great way to take care of your mental health, and luckily, online classes abound.
Stay off Social Media
Social media helps us stay in touch with our friends and the latest news but it also has a detrimental effect on our mental health. Constantly refreshing your feeds and seeing the newest updates about the outbreak is simply not good for your psyche, especially if you have anxiety. Try to limit your social media exposure as much as you can. You can go online a couple of times a day to see whether your government has implemented any new measures to keep you safe and whether there are any breakthroughs in treatment. Other than that, look for other ways to distract yourself. From reading the books that are collecting dust on your shelves and staying active as much as you can inside to looking for interesting recipes on YouTube and playing board games with your roommates. There are plenty of things you can do while in self-isolation and taking a break from work.
Don’t Completely Isolate Yourself
While we are told to stay inside, that doesn’t mean that we cannot still talk to our close ones. Call your elderly loved ones and check upon them. Skype your friends that are in an area that is really affected by COVID-19. Regularly check in with your employers and co-workers to see whether there are any changes when it comes to how your job is being done. Plus, while gyms are closed, certain countries are allowing their residents to go outside in order to get their daily exercise, so make the most of this opportunity as well.
This is a scary time but if we follow the experts’ suggestions, stay inside and keep our distance, we should be able to overcome this global struggle. If you have a chance to work from home, take the necessary measures to stay healthy and productive, and keep all your friends and loved ones safe by doing just that.
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