We all are currently facing unprecedented times. Never before had we imagined a time when we all would be in lockdown to stay healthy. Never before had we thought of social distancing as a necessity. Even in our wildest dreams, we didn’t even imagine the possibility of a pandemic like this happening. Now, this lockdown is our reality until April 14, 2020.
Everyone is trying to cope with this new normal of the next couple of weeks in their way. Some of us have been able to do it with ease, while some of us have faced difficulties. We are not the only ones forced to adjust/adapt; our family and everyone at home whom we live with are also adjusting/adapting to this new reality.
It’s been almost a week since we all have been in this lockdown. In this duration, I have heard many individuals panicking, complaining of boredom, stress, anxiety, depression over being unable to venture out, on the uncertainty around the situation and the suffering caused by the pandemic.
On the other hand, I have also been hearing from a lot of people who have had zero problems adjusting to this situation. In my conversations with such individuals, there were few commonalities which made it easy for them to adapt to this change. I have listed them below in an effort to share those commonalities with everyone:
Create a new similar routine to minimize the feeling of change
We all are used to a particular routine in our daily life. To minimize the impact of this change, we should create a routine that is very similar to our earlier routine. It will help in a faster transition to this new situation and when the lockdown ends, it will help us go back to our daily routine instantly.
Choose a quiet & comfortable spot to work
Identify a spot from where you can work while you’re at home. Ideally, this spot should be comfortable and you would not face a lot of disturbances at this spot. At the same time, while you’re working from this spot, it should also not cause a lot of disturbance to others. If your work involves video calls, then choose a spot with a neutral background and minimum distractions for everyone else on the call.
Communicate your new routine with each other
Share your new routine with your colleagues and your family and understand their new schedule too. In case of a schedule conflict, work together to create a win-win solution. Adjustments might need to be made by everyone involved so that we all can benefit from the situation. Having a clear understanding of each other’s new schedules will help eliminate any conflict and create a better bonding among team members as well as family members.
Take adequate breaks
While working from home, people tend to lose track of time and end up working for a longer duration of time at a stretch. Ensure that you take breaks at regular intervals. Experts recommend that you should change position 40 times per day at work. So get up and walk around as often as possible, and change position at your desk.
Talk! Talk!! Talk!!!
Talk to your colleagues. Talk to your family. Talk to people who make you happy and smile.
Make sure that you talk to all the people you would talk to on any other regular day. We have all kinds of modes of communication available in this era. Use them and make sure that you don’t leave out connecting with anyone with whom you communicate with regularly. If you’re connecting over a video call, be sure that you are appropriately dressed and that you have a neutral distraction free background.
Pursue that habit you have always wanted to but couldn’t find time to
Last week, I wrote about how we can Create a New Habit in 4 Easy Steps. There is still plenty of time available to inculcate the new habit and make enough repetitions so that it becomes a part of daily life even at the end of this lockdown.
Spend some extra time with your family and people at home
Being constantly present at home brings in expectations from others at home that you will give them time and attention too. Use this opportunity to spend some extra time with them, talk to them, share some stories, listen to their stores, pursue a hobby together, do an activity together, or maybe play some indoor games together. It will only help you create a deeper bond with them and create some cherished memories.
Exercise to look after your physical well being
Staying indoors can make us lethargic, low on energy, and we could end up gaining weight. In your daily schedule, factor in some time to do some physical exercises as it will help boost your metabolism and your energy levels. These exercises need not be too intense and should be as per each individual’s physical capacities.
Meditate to look after your mental well being
Meditate daily to delve within and to spend some time with yourself. Studies have proven that meditation not only has immense benefits on an individual’s mental state but also helps with improved attention, performance and overall health. If you are unsure of how to meditate or are unable to do it by yourself, there are plenty of guided meditations available online. Some spiritual leaders and gurus are also conducting free live online meditations. Encourage people at home and your friends and colleagues to meditate as well.
Let’s use these tips to help ourselves and others keep calm and stay sane during this pandemic.
Stay Home! Stay Safe!! Stay Healthy!!!
This article was first published on LinkedIn on Wednesday, April 1, 2020