Remember when hearing “I’m working from home today” conjured a touch of envy? Now that many of us are doing it every day — and have been for weeks — in response to the current global crisis, we’ve come to see it’s not as easy nor as enjoyable as we once imagined. Not only are we being asked to rethink how we work; we’re being asked to rethink how we live. And with so many balls in the air, it’s easy to drop the one called “healthy habits.” If you find yourself running a bit ragged while navigating through the unknown, here are a few suggestions to help you recharge:
Make your mornings matter. Before you fire up your laptop, make it a point to do something for yourself or your family that starts the day off on a positive note. It’s when I fire up the Peloton, but there are so many ways to make the best of the morning. Take your java on a brisk walk, cook a fancy breakfast, or do a quick straightening up. Even popping in a load of laundry can be an act of self-care if it takes one more thing off your crowded plate. Finally, while I believe we should prioritize comfort, the act of getting dressed for work (rather than staying in our pajamas), allows us to shift more naturally into that mode.
Put some physical distance between work and play. First, choose a dedicated workspace — it doesn’t have to be a traditional office per se, as you can see from mine — and then add what you need to feel productive, focused, and calm. Then, choose an area in the house and make it a “no work-zone.” This could be as simple as a cozy armchair by a window. And, do your best to keep your laptop — or any device — out of your bedroom — restful sleep is one healthy habit we all need to practice more.
Feeling overwhelmed? Take it one breath at a time. Vacations are on hold, social events have been cancelled, and going shopping is no longer enjoyable. When our usual modes of escape have, well … escaped, it’s the perfect time to put mindfulness to the test. One recent study found that meditating just fifteen minutes a day offered the same psychological benefits as a whole day of vacation. (Sign us up!) Download an app, pop on your headphones, and breathe your way to your favorite vacation destination.
Fuel your body as well as your mind. When it comes to healthy eating, working from home can wreak havoc on good intentions. It helps to actually schedule lunches and snack breaks into your day and prep your meals beforehand. Stock your fridge with healthy snacks, focusing on fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. Eat lunch away from your desk when you can, and then tackle your next project refreshed and energized. And while alcohol sales jumped by 55% during the third week in March, imbibing is not the best way to deal with stress and anxiety. That’s not to say you have to put away the Malbec entirely, but it is important to look for other, healthier ways of coping (see previous tip!)
Get empowered with exercise. Working out at home is challenging; it’s difficult to get motivated without the community that gyms often offer. Schedule regular sessions for your workouts and prioritize them the same way you would a customer meeting. Enlisting a co-worker or friend to do a virtual class with you can help you commit to fitness. During your workday, be sure to get up from your desk and move at least once an hour. Do some simple stretches, take the dog for a quick jaunt, or walk up and down the stairs a few times.
Do a digital detox. When your home is your office, how do you “come home” at the end of your workday? Make it a point to “shut down” your workspace and take some time to go screen-free before you FaceTime with friends. This could be as simple as a no-smartphone rule at mealtimes. Reconnect with your home and the activities that soothe you — for instance, light a candle, take a bath, or listen to music while you cook dinner. If kids are in the picture, ask them to make a thank you sign to hang in the window for workers on the front line. And, it’s helpful to limit media consumption to one or two trusted sources and read the hopeful stories as well as the scary stats.
My colleague Brent Colescott has also tackled this topic, but from a slightly different angle. I encourage you to take a moment to read his blog, “The Looming Emotional Crisis.”
We’re all in this together. How are you staying healthy during this challenging time? We’d love to hear your tips, too.