Working from home and self-isolating can be stressful; Here are 5 ways you can take care of yourself
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Given the widespread nature of the pandemic, working from home and remote work has become the new normal with face-to-face meetings substituted by Zoom calls. And this reality may continue for the foreseeable future.
Whether you are living alone or with family, no one is left untouched by the catastrophe that is this pandemic. All of us have been impacted by the virus, all of us know someone who is unwell or have felt the loss of a loved one or an acquaintance.
While we navigate our personal and work life in this difficult time, it becomes imperative that we prioritize our mental health along with our physical health.
This goes for all of us who have to balance family, work, and the challenges of the situation while also taking care of ourselves.
Here are five ways to take care of yourself when self-isolating;
1. Designate a Few Workspaces at Home if you can
Creating a mobile workspace helps you concentrate on your work. Set up spaces in your home where you can work uninterrupted. Take frequent breaks; take a quick walk, stretch. This also helps relieve the pressure off of your spine caused due to sitting in a single position for long hours. But make sure that your workspace is ergonomic. The idea is to allow yourself a mental escape where you can focus and be stress-free. Have a clutter-free desk; visualize a clean and organized working space to keep your focus in place.
2. Take Breaks From Work
Make it a point to take short breaks from work as it is a great way to reduce stress. There are countless things you can do during this break. Read something, listen to music, catch up with your family/roommate, share a meal, have a cup of tea. You can also do a few simple stretches or meditate. Few minutes of exercise or meditation is a great way to reduce stress and frustration.
3. Move Around
One of the best ways to relieve stress and stay healthy while working from home is to move around. Walk around your house or the balcony, do some chores if you can, or anything that makes you feel better; take a break from work for a few minutes. This method will also prevent stiffness, headaches, and eye stress by ensuring you step away from your monitor for some time every day. Once you feel that you have had a good break, you can get back to work energized.
4. Have Nutritious Food and Good Quality Sleep
Plan out your meals and snacks before your work. This ensures that your meals are sorted and you’re not left scrambling to decide what to cook. A healthy diet is always essential, but a healthy homemade meal is the best option during stressful times. Like they say, cooking can be therapeutic. Also, fixing your bedtime and wake-up time is essential. Following a regular sleep routine helps your body and mind recover from the previous day’s strain, increases concentration, normalizes mood, and diminishes stress.
5. Connect With Family and Friends
Connect with your friends and family via text, Messenger, WhatsApp, or even a phone call. talking and connecting with loved ones is a great mood booster. Expressing yourself is also a great way to reduce stress. This is particularly important for those staying alone or those practicing self-isolation and having minimum in-person contact with people.
The Bottom Line
We all are dealing with strange times, so it is essential to be compassionate with yourself. Speak to yourself and know that you are strong enough to get through it. Working from home during this pandemic may not be what you intended, but you can make the most of it. Have confidence in your ability to adjust and balance your overall work-life and general well-being. Pat yourself on the back for a day well spent, reflect on the day’s ups and downs and remember that a new day awaits where you get to start afresh.
And as is the fact, prioritize your health – mental and physical – over everything else, work included.
