This link to the NHS Advice Sheet offers some great advice and tools for our mental health during this time.
It is far too easy to end up moving around the house with your laptop and working from different places, but this leads to additional stress when you have your items in different spaces and it can make it much harder to be in work mode. (Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash)
Instead, pick a specific space where you have your computer, chargers, documents and everything you need ready and waiting. Then, when you finish work for the day, you leave this space, switch off and move into home /personal life mode.
The world may be out of sync right now, but keeping a regular schedule is key and will help you to avoid burnout.
Now more than ever it's incredibly important to work together, support one another and teach your children the benefits of sharing ideas and making a plan together! Sure, you may need to adapt it, but collaborate and figure out what works for your home.
Write out a list and plan out what you need to do each day. Whether this is a 'to do' list or specific daily goals and tasks, outlining your day is a great way to keep focused. Without a clear outline, it is far too easy to get distracted responding to other items (emails, messages, news feeds ... whatever!). Be realistic! Don't set yourself up for disappointment by having too many items on your list, finishing each task is more important to lots of half done items. 
This is a really important tip. We all have energy highs and lows throughout the day, times when we can really focus and get lots done and other times when our concentration and energy levels dip completely. When are you at your best? Mornings from 7am -12? Or in the afternoon?
When does your energy dip? What helps to bring it up again? Fresh air, a walk .. .maybe use this time to enjoy an hour with the kids on your family walk (if you are able to walk safely nearby).
Work with your bodies natural flow to ensure you make the most of your productive times.
Focus on the more challenging tasks at the beginning, when you have the most energy.
Get Fresh Air Ideally, get outdoors daily. Remember social distancing rules apply so finding a wide-open space that isn't busy and having your daily exercise will do you, your mind and your body the world of good.
Stretch Daily Our bodies were designed to move so sitting at our laptop for hours is really not good for our bodies. To prevent headaches, posture issues and back age, make it a habit to do some stretching with a walk or an online yoga or pilates class. There are so many resources available right now with most classes gone online! If stuck google or YouTube have lots of FREE resources - included in list below.
Stay Hydrated Drink Water throughout the day. Our brain function is very much regulated by our fluid intake and even mild dehydration has a huge effect on our ability to focus and get work done. See article here Why Drink Water for the full list of benefits
Limit Negativity Right now there is constant media coverage of the Corona virus, it's destruction and the daily death toll worldwide. While some facts are fine, it is quite bad for our mental health to tune in to this amount of negative coverage - on repeat. Yes, it is awful right now, but as long as you are following all advice on social distancing, hand washing and taking all the precautions you are meant to, you can do no more. Turn off the tv or switch to more positive programmes.
Focus on The Positives To counteract all the negatives, it is important to list the positives in your life. Daily gratitude is a wonderful way of doing this. It can be as simple as a list of 3 to 5 things in your life that you are grateful for. Start with the basics such as a roof over your head, food, clothing, loved ones... and soon you will be listing off so much more. Your health, your support network, internet connection, face time with family ... there is always so much in our lives to be grateful for that we take for granted. Writing out this list or chatting to your partner or children and everyone getting involved, is a wonderful way to boost our wellbeing and release endorphins which counteract stress.
Quality Sleep You need a good night sleep if you want to have a good day ahead! Staring your day tired is a sure way of setting yourself up for failure. You are less likely to be able to think clearly or cope with any stresses that will inevitable show up during the day ahead.
Ability to think clearly & concentrate properly
Increases your sense of wellbeing
Helps us to cope better with stress
Boosts your immune system
Reduces risk of serious illnesses
(Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash)
If you are working from home and would like to add a little calmness to your space - our candles are a wonderful way to get you into 'the zone'.
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As a busy working mum of two teenagers, I know that family life can be fun but also chaotic and busy.
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