Edition: May 3rd, 2021
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
(Image Credit: Freepik)
Excerpts from article published by Norman Ford, on Skillsoft.com
In the face of a pandemic, working remotely is not business as usual for many of us. A change in routine like this is bound to create stress and imbalance in our lives.
The stress in working from home is twofold. First, there are the logistical dynamics and then there is the atypical stress – stemming from worrying about what’s going on in the world today. Many are feeling the strain of the very real threat of illness, mortality and financial concerns. This type of stress is unprecedented in our lifetimes, new to nearly everyone in the world.
There are lasting effects of stress on mental and physical health, and stress in one family member is typically carried over to the others. Stress management is very important in a time like this.
The following approaches can help you mitigate your stress and balance your life priorities better:
1. Create a suitable work environment
Try to find a space in your home that provides the proper privacy and comfort to support your work. Ensure you have suitable lighting, proper furniture, and a set of rules on how the family should approach you while you’re in the work mode.
2. Establish boundaries
Working from home means you’re never far from your desk. But this is not an excuse to get pulled into working when you shouldn’t be. Set a start and end time for your work day and try to stick to it.
3. Go for ‘virtual happy hour’ with colleagues
At work, we socialised with our colleagues during breaks. Remote work doesn’t give us the same opportunities to feel connected. Consider holding a weekly video conference happy hour with your team. Bring your favourite snack and refreshment and add fun elements to keep things light, like dressing up or wearing a hat!
4. Redefine your ‘escape‘
Most people have a routine, things they do regularly to escape. Perhaps it is visiting a restaurant or your favourite garden centre. Since you can’t escape anywhere due to travel moratoriums and stay-at-home orders, you’ll need to redefine your escape. Yoga and meditation relieve stress, and there are ample of apps and online videos that can help you get started.
5. Create a calendar
Creating a calendar of things to do each night of the week creates routine and gives family members something to look forward to. You can try and mimic your normal routines as much as possible.
6. Regularly connect with family
Spending time with family helps us feel connected and at peace. Thankfully, even if some family members are in different cities/countries, technology enables us to get together. Create a regular family video conference. Holding the gathering regularly will give everyone something to look forward to.
7. Manage your screen time
With everyone at home and naturally gravitating to devices, it’s important to take a break from screen time. Activities that don’t involve screens are a good change of pace and can be fun for the whole family. Consider family games, looking through family photo albums together, or reliving old stories.
8. Spend time outdoors
A change of scenery is always good. Go for outdoor activities such as a game of badminton, gardening, washing cars and cleaning windows. Encourage the whole family to participate in these activities.
9. Exercise regularly
Moving is good for your physical and mental health. While your usual routine may have involved the gym, there are plenty of activities you can do at home to help keep you and the family in shape. If you enjoy walking or running, plan a route in your yard or neighbourhood that adds up to the distance you usually walk.
10. Seek help and advice
If your efforts to find balance aren’t working, talk to your work supervisor / a trusted family member / an expert. They can be valuable resources to help you manage the stressors you’ve identified. Your supervisor can help you identify the areas where you can improve your skills, such as time management. Your family members can offer support and ideas (as they know you well). If these don’t work out, take help from professional counsellors.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
Like this post? For more such helpful articles, click on the button below and subscribe FREE to our blog.
Download our mobile app, ICS Career GPS, a one-stop career guidance platform.
