In the words of the World Health Organisation, “Self-care is the habits you cultivate to take care of your well-being”. Especially when the entire world is turned upside down by a pandemic, self-care becomes incredibly crucial. The virus has radically changed the way you worked, learned and socialised.
Now the world is waking up to new developments each day on coronavirus and climate change. That leaves them anxious, vulnerable and stressed – on the mental, personal and professional level. This new reality is hard to accept and poses challenges on a lot of people. And we feel you!
So, in this blog, we help you prepare a self-care recipe that will help you transition to WFH and keep at it – effectively, productively and happily.
Invest in health
At home, for many of you, the “laptop” is your ultimate office. You must be following a very laid back approach by either sitting on the couch and at the corner of your bed. It may seem comfortable at first, but extended hours spent on a sofa or a mattress can have a devastating effect on your posture.
Policing your posture while WFH is necessary for well-being. And you can do that by investing in a good ergonomic chair. Carve a designated office – even it means adding a chair next to your kitchen table, the coffee table or the dining table. It not only affects your physical posture but also enhances your cognitive engagement.
Make a consistent schedule
As you are at home most of the time, your usual routine has taken a hit –sleep schedule, eating routine, commute and everything else in between. You suddenly have time to check every notification and do non-stop binge-watching. Therefore, you sleep late and wake up tired.
To combat that, make a consistent schedule. Sleeping for 7-8 hours is essential to keep your energy levels constant throughout the day. The simple act of getting ready (Yes! you can work in pyjamas) such as taking a shower, combing hair and cleaning your work area can be a vital part of self-care. It tricks your brain into thinking that it’s a workday.
Reset and Refresh
It is okay to think that you have all the time in the world, but do not overwhelm yourself with work. You think your body can take it, but excessive work will lead you to burn out gradually. To work as effectively the next day, you need to know when to call it a day. Set a clock-out time for yourself.
Eat well and stay hydrated
Now that your kitchen is just a few steps away from your office, don’t keep exploring the pantry area for snacks and junk food. A lot of people have gained weight during WFH, and the reason is stress eating or overeating. Eat responsively to stay nourished. And don’t get so engrossed in work that you forget to drink water. Hydration and nourishment are also a part of self-care.
Take breaks between the work
Don’t let the lengthy to-do lists hit your stress levels through the roof. Have a grasp on what you can tackle in a given day while taking breaks after every 40 mins or one hour. Go outside, do brisk walking for 10 mins and come back. Nowadays, there are plenty of apps that help you stand up and take a break. Explore apps like Break Reminder, Stand Up, Work Break, Work and Rest, Break Time etc.
Make your WFH office aesthetics inviting
It is the primary ingredient of self-care. Make sure your office gets a natural light source as it is known to induce positive hormones. Small décor touches like plants, planners, clocks, portable speakers, pictures add inviting elements to space, make you sit there and get the work done. And last but not least, declutter the area where you work.
Focus on the positives
We understand that these are the darkest times; even then, don’t stop looking at the silver lining in this situation. Celebrate your little achievements at work, cherish the time spent with family, enjoy the blue-skies, hear the birds chirping, binge (in moderation) on your favourite series, build a fitness regime, listen to your favourite artist, feed a stray animal, rest a LOT, pamper yourself and others around you.
To summarise
Sometimes, circumstances come unannounced! To make you prepared for the worst, to find a new balance, to make you more powerful than before. Self-care is utmost important, make yourself a priority in every way, every day!
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