How to create and maintain your very own wellbeing

Are you now working from home? How is that transition going for you? For many individuals, it’s a new way of working while for those in international teams may already been used to it. If there weren’t also everyone else in the family at home, too. The government announced that schools will be closed until the end of the school year. Depending on your kid’s age, you may find juggling everyone under the same root stressful. Potentially also feeling overwhelmed, it’s now more than ever important for you to look after your own wellbeing.

1. Start the day right.

Have a protein-rich breakfast which gives you the energy for the day. This could be muesli with some raspberries, some yummy breakfast burrito or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and avocado.

2. Eat away from your desk.

It’s all too easy to just continue work and have your lunch at your laptop. When working from home, you’ll need to step away from your tasks (in every sense of the word) to enjoy your break. It’ll also make you more mindful about the calories you’re consuming.

3. Reduce your caffeine.

You may have the best coffee at home and no more of this cheap, instant… You’re loving working from home! Unfortunately, caffeine also dehydrates the body and impacts your sleep.

4. Stay hydrated.

We love this one. Staying hydrated keeps you away from the office drama. At home, you hopefully don’t have drama. When you’re having your coffee, also have a glass of water. In fact, have a glass of water next to you and drink it.

5. Have some family exercise sessions.

This works so well for singles, couples, families and teams. Choose your Youtube video (share it for your team via Zoom or Microsoft Teams) or if you know some activities, ready, set, go. You may not be able to leave the house due to national quarantines. This shouldn’t stop you from doing some (kids) yoga, pilates, burpees, lunges or jumping jacks at home!

6. Keep stretching.

If you’re anything like me, your posture at home may be too relaxed or even slurping.  at your desk. Give your body some TLC by stretching regularly.

7. Create a schedule for your wellbeing.

Having a routine gives us the feeling of control and structure. Especially in these unprecedented times (there, it had to be said somewhere in this posts), routines are alleviating anxiety and stress and improving our wellbeing. Please let enough free time in your schedule that you won’t stress out when a task takes longer or you have been asked to work on something urgently.

8. Reduce distractions.

Having your family around you 24/7 can be stressful. Add working on your own tasks and you may worry how to manage it all. Start by creating a productive work environment as Barbara Hemphill calls it. Remove the clutter from your work area and control what can be placed there.

9. Reach out to your colleagues.

Just because you are apart doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them. Social interactions are vital for our wellbeing. Luckily, Zoom or Microsoft Teams allow you to meet online and hang out for a coffee. Have regular meetings where you talk about anything but work!

10. Slow down after work.

It’s tempting to keep working till late. Or to just check emails one more time before going to bed. Now is a good opportunity to create some new habits. You’ve heard it before, now let’s do it! Turn off your screen, play a board game or read a book to prepare for a good night’s sleep.

How are you keeping sane and healthy when working from home? Share how you are looking after your own wellbeing. Would love to read what’s helping you.

Until next time, be safe,
Agni