How To Keep Yourself Sane And Balanced While Self-Isolating And Working From Home
The COVID-19 health crisis is forcing millions of people around the world to shelter in place and self-isolate. For a fortunate percentage of that population, they can continue their fulltime jobs at home. Here are a few tips to balance working from home and self-isolation while not giving in to being stir crazy.
Make a routine to keep yourself to a schedule.
Self-isolating and working from home can through your regular routine into a tailspin. That problem is compounded when you take into account the different businesses mayors and governors across the country are implementing. Find time to start a home workout if your gym is closed. Maybe use an hour a day to learn a start learning a new language. This could also be your time to start learning how to cook. Just try to keep a schedule so you know what you have to do every day and aren’t feeling aimless.
If you are working from home and have a family to care for, pick hours that work for you.
For a lot of jobs that you can do from home, it is possible to pick hours that work best for you. If you have children, pets, or elderly parents to care for, prioritize their health and yours. Maybe that means working earlier in the morning or later in the evening than normal. It might not be what you want to do but it could help you find a better balance.
FaceTime your friends and family if you are alone and want to fight against the loneliness.
Some people will have no choice but to self-isolate by themselves. For them, loneliness is can be a very real side effect of self-isolation. If you are feeling alone in this uncertain and scary time, create a virtual community with friends and family. Having some face to face with someone, even if it is virtual, can make your day that much brighter.
Go for a walk but maintain the social distancing recommendation of six feet separation from other people.
You are still allowed to go for walks to stretch your legs and get out of your apartments and homes. It is worth taking a quick walk around the block to keep yourself moving and active. Fresh air and sunshine is good for you and will help to keep you feeling connected to the world and less isolated. Just make sure you follow social distance guidelines to make sure you help to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Download movies, books, or songs that will keep you distracted and entertained.
Is there a movie or tv show you have been waiting to see? What about that book everyone is talking about? Don’t forget your own pick-me-up songs. Now is the best time to make sure you download things for later. The number of people streaming shows and movies right now is pretty intense and are causing some issues with the services.
Netflix is having to lower the quality of video in Europe for the next 30 days as the streaming has overloaded the internet and is starting to strain it. It would be a good idea to have some downloaded and ready to go if streaming becomes unavailable due to overuse.
