Working from Home or Living at Work? How to Relocate Mind and Body
In these unprecedented times when we are more or less living in our sweats, for those of us working from home, whether alone or surrounded by family members rather than our colleagues, it is extremely important to find ways to detach and relocate our mind.
It is very normal that all of the pandemic related changes have shifted how we feel on a day-to-day basis and affect us in many ways whether we notice it or not. Even though the reality of our world is always on our minds and is not something we can completely ignore, there are ways in which we can work to keep our headspace in a good place as we approach these challenges.
Schedule Mental and Physical Getaways
As the work weekdays grow longer into the night, it is very important to get some face to face time with people you feel safe around that will bring a smile to your face. Dress in layers and visit with friends or family out of doors, socially distanced with a mask. Try relocating your current work-from-home-set-up to get away for the weekend or take necessary days off to disconnect. Whether it be a road trip to see the fall foliage, a day at a vineyard or park. If you can’t get away for a few days, try a windy beach walk, an outdoor yoga class, or even just taking an extra hour to sit outside with your favorite drink. Take some time for yourself in any of a number of ways. The move away from your everyday workstation will do wonders.
Podcasters are your Friends
Listening to a great podcast or audio book can help teleport you to a different world if we let it. Try to set up a calming space for yourself where you feel the most comfortable and close your eyes to the voice of your favorite book or host. We can get drained from the constant video calls we now take daily; the pressure to keep up with our family members and friends on the phone, as well as colleagues through zoom. Grab your throw blanket, headphones and layback for an hour.
Journal your Thoughts: Don’t Keep Them In
Living with the tension and uncertainty of this current situation can cause a lot of fatigue and anxiety. Yes, it is always helpful to chat with a friend or loved one, but try also to take the time to write down your thoughts daily as a regular routine. Seeing what we are feeling laid out on paper or online helps put thoughts and feelings in perspective.
Remember, our mental health is an important component of our physical health. They work together. We can’t change the necessity of isolation, but we can actively help ourselves to work to lighten the negative impact.