WORKING IN ISOLATION: A SURVIVAL GUIDE
As contributed to Season Sundays.
Home is no longer a mere base for down time. For some of us it is now our office, our gym, and our coffee shop (a rather sad and uninspiring one). Whether you can work from home or not is almost irrelevant- all of us are finding some form of dwelling where we are, in theory, keeping organised and forming a routine. It is important we have this space to maintain a focus amongst the unprecedented environment beyond the four walls of our home. Without this, we run the risk of being swallowed up by the statistics being flung at our screens every day. Some of us are currently furloughed, with little or no need to be imposing pressure on ourselves to tackle new tasks. This is an opportunity to unwind and reconnect with ourselves, to become truly aware of our senses rather than continuing in overdrive amongst the hustle of a modern working life- something many of us promise ourselves but never “find the time” to do. Equally, maximising our time by seeking opportunities to better ourselves and heighten our sense of productivity can be equally fulfilling. We all, individually, must find a structure which works for us. Here are a few tips you can use as a guide to bringing structure in this new way of life, whether you are using this time to realign with yourself or seeking tasks to keep you active.
1. Make a checklist of non-negotiable and negotiable tasks for the day
You can do this as a spreadsheet, or even just writing a simple list. Non-negotiable tasks are those which have to be done everyday and will have the biggest impact on our overall physical and mental health. These might be:
Sleep (minimum 7-9 hours)
Hydration (2-3 litres per day)
Nutrition (keeping meals consistent)
Movement (30 minutes+)
Routine (avoiding your phone for the first 30 mins of the day, make the bed, brush your teeth, regular meal times, etc).
Negotiable tasks are those which you wish to complete but can allow to be compromised on certain days. These might be learning tasks (such as researching an area of interest, making a new recipe, creating a Pinterest board), social interaction (a phone call with a friend, this may include limiting your screen time), journaling, or a hobby (cooking, a home workout, writing).
2. Find your home office
It goes without saying that not all of us have a room we can assign as our work space (let alone begin to make it “insta-worthy”), but you can get creative here. Make your space your dining room table, your sofa, or move a chair to your kitchen desktop. Give your space a mini-refurb by displaying items which may reinforce productivity, such as a family photo frame or a vase of flowers. Make them uplifting! Try and avoid merging a place of rest with a place of work (for example your bed). Maintain this as your nest where you switch off.
3. Embrace silence and practice mindfulness
The modern working life is filled with noise (both literally and metaphorically). Adjusting to silence can feel uncomfortable at first, but embracing the silence can help us to fully slow down and rejuvenate now. Noise can be stimulating, but so can silence. Silence can inspire certain thoughts and reflections we are unable to discover through the fog of modern life. Practicing mindfulness ensures we live in the present as a human being, rather than placing a never-ending focus on tasks and anticipating the future. If you are feeling low, respond to this feeling in journaling your thoughts, calling a family member or friend, embark on a creative project. Allow these feelings, but remind yourself that you have the power to reconstruct them. Perhaps listen to a meditation podcast, or practice breathing techniques. Empower yourself to live in the present!
Here are a few of my favourite resources for nurturing mindfulness:
Accounts
With thought provoking quotations and beautifully curated Instagram posts, this is an informal guide to living well through wellness, nutrition, self-care and great design.
From foam rolling routines, to simple recipes made from leftover ingredients in your fridge, this account provides all things fun and a light-hearted take on things amidst the pandemic.
London’s luxury health club has opened up its classes to the world on IGTV- streaming completely free of charge. No equipment needed; just grab your mat and try one of three different classes each day. Be prepared to sweat in one of their HIIT classes!
Apps/podcasts
Struggling to unwind? “Oak helps you decompress by transforming your meditation practice from an experiment into a habit”. With guided and unguided meditations, breathing exercises and peaceful sounds to play before you sleep, Oak is an app to help you “decompress by transforming your meditation practice from an experiment into a habit”.
Potty-mouthed, no BS Australian life coach, Kat John, will enlighten you to self-truths you weren’t even aware of and provide ways to overcome these. Whether you’re bickering with family members or feeling low that your diet has gone out of the window, Kat’s podcasts question those negative voices we align with in times of stress or loss of self. Discover the cause to what is frequently holding you back to living in the present; your ego.
Singer Jessie Ware and her mother, Lennie, host real and engaging conversation with celebrity guests over their dinner table. A reliable source of light-hearted humour and anecdotal discussion.
Online shops
Stationary, books, illustration and gifts all designed in-house with emotional health and human connection in mind. They have lovely gift sets with cards to uplift your loved ones!
Independent concept store providing items for uncomplicated, everyday living.
Thoughts to take away
There is an abundance of activities you can be keeping yourself occupied with in this time, but think about what wellness means to you. Does wellness mean eating real, whole foods? Channeling ideas by making mood boards on Pinterest? Moving with intent every day and working towards a goal? Or does wellness mean withdrawing yourself from the everyday pressures a modern life brings? Whatever it may mean to you, it is important we live in a way that is authentic to us, not by the standard of others. Establish a structure which works for you, and play with your curiosity in this time!
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