1. SET OUT A ROUTINE AND MAINTAIN IT
We as humans are very habitual beings. We thrive on habit and routine and struggle greatly when there is havoc and chaos. Although it may take a while to develop and maintain due to surprises we are handed on a daily basis from family, work, the government, etc. it’s really important that you sit down with yourself and with the family to create a routine that’s easy to follow yet still flexible if need be. There’s a great sense of satisfaction when you’ve completed a productive day and the kids are sleeping like babies. To kick start your day, it’s important to wake up and go to sleep at the same time daily as this will allow for your body to have adequate and efficient rest to tackle what awaits.
2. CREATE A WORKSTATION
Having two separate destinations for work and home is actually really important because it allows our bodies and brains to switch off from work-life and start family-life and vice versa. With this COVID situation, most people have been called to work from home thus making that distinction difficult so it’s important to create this within the home. If you can help it, have a room assigned only for work. Have a desk, and comfortable chair while maintaining minimal distractions. Set up your workstation optimally to reduce stress on your body while working. You can actually chat with us about some particular tips on how to effectively set up your home office.
3. WORK SCHEDULE AND UNIFORM
As much as you can help it, maintain your work schedule as it normally would be if you were going into work. If you start at 9am and finish at 5pm, then try and adopt this at home as much as possible. Leave home chores for after or before to maintain your ‘work mode.’ This may sound ridiculous but change into your work clothes as if you were going into work as this will also help your brain make a distinction and switch on ‘work mode.’ Research suggests that this is a very effective thing you can do to increase your efficiency while working from home. For example, if you wear a suit into work, at least wear a polo and jeans/chinos.
4. USE YOUR SCREENS EFFECTIVELY
Everyone knows that technology is a tool that can either help us connect with the world or can be a knife that slowly cuts the good things away from our life. This is more of a life lesson rather than anything but, setting a time limit for particular apps so that you don’t get distracted is very helpful. You could go the extra mile and delete apps, but that might be too difficult haha.
5. ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP
If you may be struggling at home with pain, give us a call and make an appointment. We can help you with a number of solutions. If you don’t feel comfortable coming in for an appointment during a time like this, you can call us and we can give you ‘over the phone’ advice – for free. Why live with pain?
6. KEEP ACTIVE
I couldn’t advocate for this point anymore! It’s so imperative to keep active, especially during a time like this! People are used to walking to the bus or catching the train to get to work – always moving but now it’s out of bed and onto the computer. Stress levels are at an all-new high with finances, the kids being at home, changes in life schedule, fear of transmission, and so on! Exercise helps with that! Exercise helps reduce stress, clearing out your mind so you can think clearly while being motivated in your day. Its so refreshing seeing mums on the street exercising while their kids are playing together, people joining online classes, families going for bike rides, etc. You need to get out of the house, especially being stuck in the house for essentially 90% of the day. Take the step and join an online fitness class, go for a walk and catch up with a friend, start a push-up challenge in the backyard – as long as you are exercising and abiding by the COVID restrictions.
7. STRETCH REGULARLY
We as humans were created to run and hunt and keep active. However, little bit by little bit we have adopted this sedentary lifestyle where we sit in the one spot for hours on end. Our body doesn’t like this and as a result, gets quite immobile – muscles tighten and weakens while joints stiffen and become painful. It’s important to keep movement through your body. Research says, every 20-30 minutes stand up and go to the toilet, bubbler or even a lap around the computer – that’s 20 seconds tops! But it’ll make a big difference to your body and it’ll thank you at the end of this tough period.
8. HEALTHY MINDSET
Most of all stay happy, stay healthy, and stay active! Have a positive mindset and enjoy the quality time with your kids and your partners. Think about what’s important in life and what’s worth going back to once things start to ease.
