OKAY…. WHAT DAY IS IT?
Most of us in lockdown are working remotely 5 days a week, which is making weekdays and weekends feel like a giant blur. Do you feel that the days are merging into one? Wednesday feels like Friday and weekend... what weekend?
This could be caused by many personal factors or significant changes to your standard routines and rituals…but in this lockdown what is normal anymore?
Your brain and body are adjusting to fit a new style of life that has been disrupted, and in time, can affect your mood, emotions, general mental health and wellbeing, this, in turn, can change your perception of time (along with other things).
Below are some of the top tips to help you get back to your daily rhythm and work routine:
WAKE UP EARLY
Just as you would when you want to go to get ready for work. Stick to your normal routine. Pre-set your alarm and make that coffee! If you are not a morning person, this will probably be a bit of a challenge. This will benefit you when the lockdown is lifted, and in the long term, will keep your body clock running.
OVER WORKING…SLEEPING…EATING!
A big no and it’s imperative, as it is so easy to succumb to these habits. Especially when you feel that you have more time at home! This will really test your discipline to try and prevent overworking, sleeping and bingeing. Take some time to breathe and give yourself little breaks. Make time to cook, clean, eat, shower and groom just as you would (and not always chill in your loungewear or your pyjama’s).
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Literally! Your body responds to daylight and night-time through its circadian rhythm, being cooped at home all day can alter this rhythm, meaning you might have trouble sleeping. Work near a window or in a bright room with enough daylight. Take a moment, if you can, to work in your garden or balcony and take advantage of the sun, this will help bring positive benefits to your mood.
SOCIALISE – AS YOU WOULD (VIRTUALLY)
Are you the type of employee that would go for team lunches, drinks after work, dinner with your friends? We should try to keep socially connected, whether that be through an online meeting room, social media group video, interactive quizzes or even our virtual classrooms with professional delegates. But be careful not to overindulge in technology, give yourself time to reflect and plan your day, otherwise before you know it, you may have spent a couple of hours online rather than doing something beneficial and productive.
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
One of the most commons tips you hear! Exercise and being active keeps you healthy, but did you know it can also increase your productivity? You could channel that energy into your work (and into waking up early in the morning and being proactive). It improves your mental capacity because you’re more likely not to feel lazy as physical activity reduces fatigue. Then that way, you are unlikely to binge-watch on Netflix all day.
KEEP IT VARIED
Variation is key! Every day our lives vary, being quarantined obviously makes it harder, but you can still have variation at home. Why not learn something new, take up a hobby, or self-develop your skills. Not only will it stimulate your mind by keeping you occupied from the realities of the world, but it’s such a great achievement for yourself.
