Working from home for sustained periods, social distancing and isolating can leave us feeling disconnected from colleagues and teams, let alone the friends and family that we don’t live with. However it is vital that we follow the government’s guidance on self-isolation. So here are some tips from Mind and the NHS on coping with isolation and staying at home.
Every Mind Matters have a great guide to working at home.
Here are some top working from home tips, so that you can work productively, whilst prioritising your own health and wellbeing.
Look after your body
Think about your diet – you might be less active than you usually are. Don’t forget to eat well and stay hydrated. Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel, so stay active. There are so many workouts available online ranging across many sports, from boxing to barre to yoga. Why don’t you try a new activity? Here are some 10-minute workouts to get you started.
Plan practical things
Work out what household supplies you need. You could try asking neighbours or family friends, or find a delivery service. If someone can drop off some essentials, ask them to leave the food on your door step to avoid face-to-face contact.
Keep taking your medication: you can order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App or online, or you might be able to do it by phone. Ask your pharmacy about getting medication delivered, or ask someone else to collect if for you.
Take care of your immediate environment
Things are likely to get more hectic with everyone being at home. Keep things tidy, and think about your energy use, which might go up if you’re at home more often.
Stay connected
There are so many ways to talk to your loved ones, via messages, over the phone or online – make the most of these! Lots of people are finding the current situation difficult, so staying in touch could help them too. It’s normal to feel a bit worried and it can help to share your concerns with people you trust. If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead.
Healthunlocked have a forum where you can access support and also share your experiences with others.
Get sunlight, fresh air and nature when you can
Make the most of the 1 outing we are allowed to go out to exercise. When you’re inside, spend time with the windows open and try listening to natural sounds on youtube or wherever you get your music from.
Find ways to spend time, relax and be creative
The weekends and evenings might feel as though they stretch out before you when you cannot go and about. There are lots of ways to relax and ways to explore spending time. Why don’t you try:
- Arts and crafts
- DIY
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Playing musical instruments, singing, or listening to music
- Writing
- Quiz
- Yoga
Plan your day
Plan your day – have you considered exercise, relaxation, social time? Maybe you can schedule in some time to read or learn new skills.
Get a good night’s sleep
In these uncertain times and with new routines, it’s possible that some of us might struggle to sleep. Find out ways to improve your sleep here
Take time to reflect and look on the bright side
Ask yourself what is one thing that has made you smile today, and consider sharing it with someone else. What is something that’s brought you hope? Take time to reflect and practice self-compassion – have a look at these relaxation and other digital exercises.
It can also help if you do not stay glued to the news. Try to limit the time you spend watching, reading or listening to coverage of the outbreak: it’s important to get a balance between staying informed and not getting bogged down over-exposure.