We find ourselves in a time that is confusing and worrying for all. With new news coming from different places around the world every single day, and more restrictions being put in place, the majority of us find ourselves working from the confines of our own home.
For some, this is the norm, but for others, it becomes a bit more difficult, especially when we are not able to go outside and enjoy a run, or a walk, or anything that involves being within 2 metres of the person closest to you.
With this in mind, we think it is very important for you to try and keep going as close to normal as possible, so we have put together a few hints and tips to get you through this terrible time.
Get into a routine
Whether that be waking up a certain time, to keeping your lunch breaks the same as they always were, a routine can be vital to ensuring you keep your head in your job. Personally, I find waking up, working out, then making sure I sit down at the same time I would do in the office massively helps me when it comes to having a productive day.
Exercise
Staying active can have a huge impact on your mental and physical wellbeing. With the space to walk around limited, and the ability to head out the gym no longer possible, try and find an online workout you enjoy, and can dedicate 20-30 minutes of a day. In the morning, mid way through the day, or just to end the usual office hours, try to do some form of physical activity. It will not only help keep you going, but will be a big stress reliver, and stop you from going mad at anyone else in your house.
Taking regular breaks
Sitting in front of your laptop all day can become mundane, and near enough impossible. Try getting up and taking a walk around every hour, just getting away from your screen for a few minutes. Get a coffee, open a window, or change position, but do something that makes you think of something else for a while.
Eating/Drinking
Try and take in at least 2 litres of water a day. Fill a bottle, and give yourself a time that you want to finish it by. With food, try and make healthier decisions, limited movement means that you are ultimately doing less, and living on a life of takeaways and snacks will only be detrimental in the long run. Learn how to cook that dish you have been meaning to all year.
Speak to others
It is vital that you keep contact with other people in your life. Messages, phone calls, skype, zoom, you name it. Having a conversation with just one person outside of the space your in will allow you to let loose for a while, ensuring you remember that you are not in this alone.
Do something good
Not only will this make you feel good, but it will allow you to use your time constructively. Send a message to someone who is struggling, become part of an online focus group, foster a cat, there are so many things that you can do, that will help someone or something. You don’t know how much a simple ‘how are you’ message can help someone get through there day.
Be productive
This one can be the toughest. Staying within 4 walls for a longer length of time can drive you crazy, but try and look at it in a good way. Paint that wall you have been meaning to do for so long, get started on that qualification that you have been meaning too, learn how to bake. Whatever it may be, doing something like this can give you a great sense of achievement, and be proud of yourself for using the free time you have constructively.
At the end of the day, we are all in the same situation, and the sooner we all stay home, keep talking and understand what is going on, the sooner things can get back to normal. From all of us here at Irwin & Dow, we hope you are all safe, and looking after yourselves. We will get through this, and we will be stronger on the other side!