Working from Home and Self Quarantine – How to Balance Both
Yes, I know! Much of the world is on lockdown. The PANDEMIC has shifted the world of work as we know it. Adjusting to working remotely is now the new norm. For the “newbies” like myself, it is a major adjustment. Not to mention having to self-quarantine to prevent the spread. All decisions by the authorities advise “STAY AT HOME”. Believe me, this new day-to-day shift in lifestyle has been pretty daunting, to say the least. This is also where part of my anxiety originated from. How can I work from home, stay at home, do everything from home? With limited outdoor life to balance.
I’m about ready to pull the little hair I have left on my head! Wait a damn minute… I actually HAVE hair! My weekly trips to the barber can no longer happen due to the new lockdown rules implemented in Toronto. He isn’t considered “essential“. Another YOUTUBE tutorial to download! Listen. I’m with you.
Here are a few tips to balance it all based on my experience and what I’ve learnt from others.
The good news is, you’re already in your safe-haven and sanctuary: YOUR HOME. First off, let’s ensure you have a self quarantine plan.
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A 2 week supply of food, medication and essential household products.
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A care plan for pets if you have any
Great! One less thing to worry about. We wanna make life easier right?
- MAINTAIN YOUR REGULAR WORK HOURS
Remember it’s your office schedule but now you’re at home, so stick to your schedule. Most workdays begin at 8 am. Know when it’s your START TIME and when it’s time to STOP. You can use automatic time tracking apps like TOGGL or LIFE CYCLE if you want to keep on top of your schedules or daily activities. It won’t hurt to try to track your daily routine. Makes productivity look A1.
- TAKE YOUR BREAKS & DON’T SKIP THE TIMES ALLOTTED
Companies usually give 10-15 minutes breaks and 30 minutes – 1-hour lunch breaks. It is a good idea to meal prep or set a meal plan for the weekly workdays. At least let’s make our breaks and lunchtime fun! Move away from your work area. Go to the dining table, living room, sit in front of the tv. As long as your workspace or computer isn’t staring back at you! I like to hit up my girlfriends after we’ve coordinated our break times. Virtually, we get to interact or catch up. It’s like sitting at our favorite restaurant or food court. Hey! We have to make the most of it. I actually have friends that I haven’t seen in a year.
- LEAVE THE HOUSE!
Now hold on. Remember to follow safety guidelines that are allowed if you have to go into public spaces. If not, get on that balcony, go to your backyard, your building’s foyer, or even the car park. Getting some fresh air and the natural sun are needed. Your body needs it.
- GET A SEPARATE PHONE
I know landlines are somewhat prehistoric and probably only used to argue with Duct Cleaning Companies or the unwanted telemarketers, it does not have to be this medium, but a separate mobile number can be helpful to balance work calls and personal calls. There are so many calling apps like Whatsapp, Skype, Telegram, and Google voice. All you need is a good talking plan and SIM card access from your local telephone company.
- SET RULES FOR YOUR PERSONAL SPACE
If you don’t live alone, make sure you set rules for whoever shares your space when you’re in the WORK MODE. Divide and discuss chores and other day-to-day activities that are done in the home: like keeping the music at a minimal volume. Who takes out the trash or answers the doorbell during the day? Your space has to be respected as unnecessary distractions may affect your productivity.
- TAKE YOUR SICK/PERSONAL TIME ALLOTMENT
These are your entitlement from your employer. TAKE THE TIME OFF. Trust me, you need it. Don’t let it go to waste and sacrifice work. It’s like throwing away money the way I see it. Not to mention there’s something called BURN OUT. You are human after all. Don’t overwork or overcompensate by sacrificing your personal time. I’ve never seen a skeleton enter information on a computer. Well, in a movie once, but that was a movie and this is Real Life! Mentally, it can affect you negatively. It’s best to get the rest you need so that you can be your most productive self. BALANCE!
- GET INVOLVED IN VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES AT WORK
I’m not just referring to regularly scheduled weekly/monthly mandatory meetings. I mean being proactive and participating in virtual events. Companies are getting creative with these ideas using Talkspace, Microsoft Teams, virtual challenges, photo uploads, contests, and even online 15 minutes fitness programs. These are all stress relievers and ice breakers. Virtual Interaction is the new vibe. Get into it!
- END YOUR DAY AND DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE
It’s now the end of your workday. Congratulations! We made it! Time to unwind. Shut down, log off, switch off work phone. These are all queues that you signaled to your brain: the workday is over. Now exercise, take a shower, a warm bath with your favorite bath bomb, bath oil, or bath salts.
Prepare your favorite dinner or something quick and easy. Take your dog for a walk. Remember that fresh air I recommended? Maybe you want to put on your favorite playlist, (I personally have about 3 R&B Playlists on rotation on Spotify) or catch up on a tv series. Whatever you do, make it a fun, favorite routine to remind your body that it is the end of the workday.
BALANCE HONEY! IT’S CALLED BALANCE!
XOXO
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