Five Tips On How To Stay Sane When Working From Home In Isolation
Posted on March 2020
By Syntech Recruitment
Following the recent advice from the Government during the Covid-19 pandemic, people are being asked to work from home "where they possibly can", and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues. Here, we have listed five tips to help keep you sane and motivated whilst working from home.
Working Space – Your home is your new office. Whilst we appreciate that keeping on top of housework is a never-ending cycle, try to make an effort with where you plan to work from home.
If it’s your dining table, move the piles of ironing, clean down the surface and have a cup of coffee and any stationary you may need to hand.
If it’s the sofa, plump your cushions, wipe down the coffee table and open the curtains. Wherever it may be, ensure you have plenty of light and, where possible, open a nearby window for fresh air.
Structure Your Day – Not having your team around or your manager to motivate you can make your workload feel overwhelming.
Having a set schedule or ‘To Do’ list can put some focus and structure back into your life. Ticking things off your list or archiving those emails will give you a great sense of achievement.
You can look back at the end of the day and reflect on all that you have completed and make a note of what you would like to accomplish tomorrow.
Hygiene – Do we even need to say it? Regularly washing your hands with good old-fashioned soap and water is preferable to antibacterial gel and is one of the best ways to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
Furthermore, it is mentally important to practice good personal hygiene in general. Working from home in your pyjamas all day is all well and good, but when it's day four, your hair is greasier than the bottom of a pizza box and even the dog is starting to judge you, it’s time for a shower!
No one is expecting you to wear a suit but feeling clean and fresh each morning will help set you up for the day.
Schedule Breaks – Taking short breaks away from the laptop is good for your eyes and your mind. You could make a cup of tea, call a family member or get some air in the garden. Regular breaks have been shown to improve productivity, mental well-being and overall work performance.
Reach Out – Just because you’re stuck inside for the foreseeable does not mean that you can’t communicate with anyone. Talk to your friends online, text your neighbour or call your mum.
Whether you’re chatting about a boxset on Netflix or sharing feelings of stress or anxiety, talking can make you feel more connected and less isolated.
For more information on the Coronavirus, please visit the NHS website here.
