Feeling a bit stuck at home? With the current guidance to stay home and prevent the spread of coronavirus, you may be getting a little bored of the same four walls, or even stressed because of it.
At Calmer, we often provide guidance around adjusting to a new routine for our freelancers and professionals who are trying out working from home. With the change happening around the world, we’ve put together this guide on how to reduce stress for anyone feeling less than their best self while at home.
1. Set your daily routine
One very easy way to feel like you’re in-tune with yourself while staying at home is to set a routine and stick to it. Many people find routine keeps them grounded, but this can slip when we’re at home for an extended period of time. You can kick-start your routine by setting yourself a consistent time to wake up, and go from there.
2. Tidy your clutter
In a previous blog post, we explored whether a tidy space makes for a tidy mind. In most cases, tidying up mess and clutter that are in your space can in fact improve your cognitive function. Put simply, by keeping things tidy, you can reduce distractions and improve your focus.
Simple activities, such as making your bed, doing the dishes, or putting a load of laundry on can help you to then spend time focusing on other tasks, and also feel productive.
If you’re working from home, this is especially useful, and can help you to give each work task your undivided attention.
3. Plan meal times (and snack times)
If you’re new to working from home, or simply being at home for long periods of time, we imagine that the fridge may be a little too tempting at times. Instead of trying to avoid all junk food or unnecessary snacking, try to plan your meal times and snack times, so you can look forward to your food, and also still regulate your eating habits without denying yourself an occasional treat.
At the same time, why not see if you have any of these mood-boosting foods and drinks in your cupboards?
4. Go for a walk
If you’re finding yourself restless and frustrated while indoors, try going for a walk in your local area. In line with coronavirus guidance, you can take one walk, jog, or cycle outside each day, and this can be alone or with a member of your household.
Just one brisk, 10-minute walk per day can have many health and wellbeing benefits, including:
Better quality of sleep
Improved mental alertness
Increased self-esteem
For more tips on exercise, check out our guide on how exercise can improve your mental wellbeing. You can also join the Calmer Community to access movement videos that you can do at home, such as Vinyasa Flow or Restorative Yoga.
5. Make time for the people you love
If you live with others, now’s the time to make an effort with them. Living alongside other people for extended periods of time can bring about friction or a tendency to want to be alone, so take a proactive approach and make time for them.
During the times when you are actively around other members of your household, you can be more attentive, positive, and appreciative of their presence. Similarly, when you need their support, you can easily ask.
6. Make time for yourself
Alongside time around your household, try making time for yourself. No matter whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, we all require a balance of alone-time and time around others. Try making a self-care plan that can support you when you are by yourself.
And remember - by staying home, you’re saving lives. If you are still feeling anxious about the pandemic, try reading our guide to managing coronavirus anxiety.
For more working from home tips, check out our 12 health and safety best practices for remote working.