We are asked to keep our distance, work from home, stop gathering with many people and some places are even off limits. Somehow socials distancing started feeling as social isolation. But, it does not have to be this way. We can still pick up the phone, do videoconferencing, send messages or emails, participate in online activities(e.g. workshops, exercise class ,dates, and games) and even send good old fashioned cards if we choose to. Social interaction is important to our self -care. What else can you do?
Here are a few tips:
- Set goals- think of your values and set what you would like to achieve while staying at home. Think of things that you care about and will make you feel better, but you previously did not have time to do. What would you like to learn, try or experiment with? Make list and plan it in your agenda.
- Get out of your PJ- Yes, no one sees your bottom half on the camera, but basic hygiene and changing to fresh clean clothes is not only important for physical self-care, it helps you change your mind set. You become more productive in your work day when you sit an office like environment and look the part. At the end of the day, going back to your leisure clothes or PJ sends a signal to your mind to wind down and relax. During the day go out a bit to the sun light and get active, but do not forget to take time to healthy meals and takes regular breaks. Having fresh air, good diet and sunlight help both our mood and our sleep.
- Keep your work hours- Working at home blurs the lines that preciously were clear by traveling from home to the office. People tend to work more hours at home. Pay attention to this and keep your normal working hours by sticking to a good structure and maintaining your boundaries.
