We are definitely all having to adapt to a new way of living our lives at the moment, and as a team we are now all working from home. This brings along new challenges, no matter whether you live in a house of one person or six people. We thought it would be handy to compile a list of things that we feel are helping us muddle through this new way of working.
Maintaining Routine
Normally we all have a working routine – and being stuck at home could give way to forgetting such routines in favour of a nomadic existence of PJs and fridge grazing! Our team agreed that setting out our days to reflect our normal working week as much as we can has been helping! Getting up early, getting dressed (even if it is into joggers and a hoody), and having set work hours keeps our body and mind in tune to completing daily work tasks.
For those of us ‘home schooling’ a daily routine also helps keep the kids focused, preventing them from believing they are on extended school holidays!
Create Workstations & ‘Work Free’ Zones
Personally my dining room table now resembles a home office, school classroom and art creation station, whilst maintaining its function as a place to converse with each other over meal times – the table has truly come into its own! In comparison my living room and bedroom are places of sanctuary to relax and step away from work and school. Having designated areas for work and play is helping our team to keep their work brains engaged and giving them places to relax and wind down.
Get Active
It is easy to get lost in a sea of work, and feel because you are at home that you can now do all the extra things at work you have been meaning to get to – but trying to stick to work hours and make sure you get some active time is crucial – for both body and mind! Some of our team are taking part in Joe Wicks fitness programme every morning, whilst others are taking their daily walk / run outside (whilst social distancing), and doing their own indoor workouts – even running up and down your house stairs to raise the heart rate is a great way to stay active! Or, if you prefer something more gentle then our own Katherine has started daily desk Yoga! We have found that setting time aside every day for some physical activity is great for keeping our mental health in check.
Communication
Isolating at home during this period need not mean being alone. Pick up the phone and chat to someone you have been meaning to catch up with – let’s face it we have no excuse now! As a team we have been utilising the video conference app ‘Zoom’ to come together every morning and have a chat! We probably all speak more now than we ever did at work as we have the time to all be present at the same time!
But Most Importantly …
Just go with it – remember that you are not just ‘working from home’, but you are at home trying to work! Some days you will be on top form, getting dressed, sticking to a schedule, the kids will be maths geniuses and you’ll have sweated out a workout. Then other days you will struggle to lose your PJs – and that’s ok! Don’t be too hard on yourself, this is a testing time and we will move on from this, get back to a ‘normal’ life and hopefully look back on this time, having taken some life lessons with us.
We genuinely hope you are doing ok and remember that we are still contactable during this time if you need anything, so please do just get in touch!