As a result of the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus that has spread across the world, millions of lives have been affected. As we all do our part to flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19, more and more Americans are remaining at home as much as possible. This major upset to our daily lives is a huge adjustment, but one that we can still make successfully. As an expert in entrepreneurship and self-employment, an area where many more individuals choose to work remotely, I wanted to share these tips for surviving life and work at home during these difficult times.
1. Continue to follow your morning routine.
Tempting as it is to spend the whole day in your PJs, it’s very important to maintain some semblance of normalcy and the best way to do that is with your morning routine. That means waking up at the same time, showering, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and anything else you normally start your day with. Not only does this help energize you for the day, it’s something that you can control in these very uncertain times.
2. Avoid excessive screen time and opt for more engaging activities.
This is especially important for all the families with kids at home right now. While screen time may be necessary for keeping up with your work and for kids who may be connected to schoolwork, it must not replace social time and other healthy body-mind activities. Too much screen time can make everyone, including you, feel more restless since it does little to engage and exercise your mind or body. Instead use this time for working on projects, playing games, reading, or a number of other activities.
3. Give family and roommates “Do Not Disturb” hours.
The ability to work remotely will end up saving thousands of jobs in this crisis and allow people to remain safe and continue to bring in essential income. However, it’s a big adjustment for many and it’s important that work time remains productive. A key to this is ensuring that you aren’t being constantly interrupted by anyone else who may be home with you. Set specific hours and guidelines for when you are working and do your best to stick with them.
4. Video chat with friends and family members.
Humans are naturally social creatures (yes, even us introverts), so the biggest challenge many individuals will face is coping with isolation as a result of self-quarantines and social distancing. Prolonged time in isolation can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and a number of other mental health concerns. Thankfully, today we have the technology to continue to communicate directly with loved ones through video calls, phone calls, texting, and social media. Taking a moment each day to call a friend or family member can go a long way to alleviating the feeling of isolation and loneliness.
5. Set alone time for everyone in the house.
On the opposite end, being constantly surrounded by a full house of varying personalities and related needs can increase tensions for everyone. That’s why it is equally as important that you have time to yourself to decompress and relax before arguments over petty things begin to break out.
6. Get fresh air and stay active.
Clean air, sunlight, and physical activity are vital to our health and play an important part in keeping our immune systems strong. Though many people may be afraid of going outside right now, it is still possible to enjoy the outdoors and warmer spring weather while still remaining safe and practicing social distancing. While a game of touch football may be out of the question, you can still take advantage of nearby parks, trails, and your own backyard.
In summary, innovation has always been the key in times of crisis. Entrepreneurs, young adults, marginalized populations and those who have recently become parents are examples of groups that innovate on a routine basis. We are all capable of this, however. The key is to have fun in the process. The less fear, the more you can stay in the moment, the more all of us can have fun and make the most of these changing times. For more tips on staying of the positive side of crisis, check out Covid 19: How do we cope with such a drastic adaptation of a new lifestyle? with Alicia Preston on News Cycle. Be safe, be healthy and prosper.