Some of us work from home on a regular basis, some of us rarely (or never) do and are struggling. Businesses are adapting to a more virtual workspace and relying on video conferencing more than ever. Some jobs are not as easily completed virtually, and with the added stress of taking care of loved ones, teaching and occupying children while working, and even a seemingly trivial task of getting groceries, our working from home minds may not be as productive as they can be.
During these strange times where we are quarantined from the pandemic, we’re not only working from home, but pretty much doing all of our activities at home. That’s a lot of time spent at home that we probably aren’t used to. Whether you’re bored or stressed or having trouble with the work/home divide, we’ve put together a list of things to help us all get through what may seem like daily monotony!
1. Get Outside/ Exercise
This is an important one. We wake up, work, then cook dinner and watch TV. Pretty soon it’s Thursday and we realize we haven’t left the house in 4 days. Go outside!! In a safe distance from others, of course. Walk the dog, stroll the neighborhood, sit outside and read a book, do yard work, just stand outside and get fresh air! We are moving a lot less that normal in a day with our morning commute from bed to desk, so be mindful with the amount of sedentary activities. Download a workout app or do an online workout video. Take a run or walk outside or ride a bike!
2. Try Out a New Recipe
It’s time to go through your shelves of cookbooks or recipe boards on Pinterest and make something you’ve been wanting to try. Not big on cooking? Order take out from your favorite place to support local businesses during this time.
3. Send a Postcard
Photo by Onlineprinters on Unsplash
Have a box of unsent postcards? Maybe you want to make one? Or design one and send virtually? (Postagram). Either way, snail mail is exciting, and even more so now that we’re in our houses most of the time. Say hi to a friend you haven’t talked to in awhile or talk to grandma who doesn’t use email.
4. Organize and Clean Your Space
With all of your time at home, get a jumpstart on your spring cleaning. Go through clothes, and other household items that you might not need. Organize that back closet you’ve been putting off forever. Vacuum the car (and counts as an outdoor activity!) Side note: if your working space is clear and organized, it might help you concentrate. Clear space, clear mind!
Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash
5. Virtual Gatherings
Most of us are using Zoom, FaceTime, GoToMeeting, or some other virtual video platform for work purposes, and also for fun! Schedule a virtual happy hour with your coworkers, a meal with you friends, a hangout with your team, visit with you family. There are even games you can play you friends online and watch Netflix together!
6. Take Breaks/ Stretch
For some of us, there are many obvious differences between our home office and our work office. Some of us have designated office spaces with basically a clone office at home. Some of us are using the kitchen table with cords all over, trying to make a standing desk from a pile of books. The environment can affect our concentration but taking frequent breaks and stretching can help. Just think if you’re sitting on your kitchen chair for 8 hours, it is a lot different than sitting on a cushioned office chair. We need to stretch those muscles out now more than ever!!
7. Learn a New Skill
Guitar? Painting? How to change a tire? Photography? Math? How to compost? With the availability of videos on YouTube, Lynda, and other video platforms, there’s endless things we can learn right from our laptops.
8. Look at Nature Virtually
Nature virtually? Yes, it’s possible! There are many websites that are allowing access to nature videos, tours, etc. during the quarantine. Tour many museums, botanical gardens, theme parks, and even the catacombs (check it out).
9. Find a New Podcast/Music
Now comes the time when we can finally play music without headphones and work! Download new episodes of podcasts business related or for fun, while you work. Have a playlist you’re listening to? Share with your friends!
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
10. Brainstorm
Maybe it’s a list of books you want to read, shows you want to watch, ways to improve your business, places you want to visit, we all have a list of things we want to accomplish! Rather than sit with these mix of thoughts, we can make lists and prioritize to accomplish and experience new things.
Thank you to everyone who has stayed home (you are limiting the spread, which is super important).
Thank you to all the hospital and doctor staff, medical workers, and anyone on the front lines, taking care of the sick.
Thank you to all of the connivence and grocery store workers, and all of the other essential works that have kept everything running.
We will get through this!
