This article was written in collaboration with Jiayan Chiu from Cardable. Find out more at the end of the article.
Let’s admit it. Working remotely from home for the past few months amidst the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been as rosy as most of us imagined life working from home to be. As the lines blur between work and personal time, it is important to set some boundaries and make an effort in taking care of yourself better to prevent burnout.
Whether you belong to the work-from-home-permanently team or the A/B rotation team, here are some self-care tips that can get you out of the work-from-home rut and make these work days better. Read on to find out how, and you might be surprised that your productivity gets a boost too!
It might be tempting to work off your laptop from anywhere in the house. Setting up a proper work space is important as it helps to separate the boundaries between work, play or personal time. Having a dedicated work area will also increase your productivity with less distractions. Don’t forget to take care of your back as you work as it is easy to forget and hunch over the laptop. Remind yourself to sit back in your chair so that your body weight is even distributed and you can comfortably reach your mouse and keyboard.
It is as simple as starting the day with a to-do list, having the most urgent and important tasks listed first and work your way down the list. This helps you to clear the headspace that all these tasks are weighing on your mind, leaving you to focus on the tasks ahead.
While there might be new tasks that come up during the day, you can use the same method of determining their priority and work down the list. The sense of accomplishment at the end of the work day can also be a huge booster to your productivity for the next day!
While there are many apps suitable for this function, using the good old excel spreadsheet method is straightforward and saves time. Writing them down is also a great idea. We love MUJI notebooks for its simplicity and fuss-free design.
The one thing about working-from-home is the freedom to snack as and when you like, and also skipping lunch when work gets too hectic. Honestly, with conference calls and zoom meetings back-to-back, eating lunch is really the last thing on one’s mind. You might not feel it yet, but this ‘habit’ of eating irregular meals and free-flow of snacks can take a toll on your body, complexion and health over time.
Make it a point to stock your home pantry with healthy snacks instead, like fruits or nuts as they are power-packed with nutrients and are a healthy source of dietary fibre and proteins.
Also, do keep yourself hydrated throughout the day as dehydration can cause low energy and tiredness which can be mistaken as hunger. Read more tips on eating better here.
While working remotely has its perks, it can feel isolating at times. Even with online meetings or conference calls, it lacks the social connection that we would usually get when we spend time with our co-workers. Make an effort to stay connected to your close work buddies and team-mates. It can be just a short message to check in with them, sending small care packages or even a surprise bubble tea delivery to brighten their day.
Make your stay home days count, by keeping active. There are many various workout videos available on YouTube, find out that you are inspired by and try the routine for a couple of days to see if you enjoy it - best of all, they are free! Regular physical exercise doesn’t just improve your muscle strength, it can also make a difference to your energy level and boost your thinking skills. Check out Decathlon for affordable workout gear or sports equipment suitable for home. You will be surprised how the right set of outfit or equipment can make a difference to your workout.
Going for a nature walk outside and getting some fresh air will also do wonders for your mood and health. It’s the perfect time to take some time out to explore our lovely parks and reservoirs! Forest-bathing and moonwalks are also gaining popularity here in Singapore.
Image credit: Coline Haslé via UnSplash
One of our favourite and probably easiest ways to incorporate self-care into our life would be to do something for our skin. It’s amazing how something as simple as a natural facial mask like the Green Detox Face Mask or Pink Glow Face Mask can help to cleanse while gently exfoliating the skin for a smoother complexion.
This short quiet time is nourishing for both your skin and your soul. Read more tips on how to achieve glowy skin here.
With all the pandemic news that is going on around us, it is a good time for us to take stock and be thankful for what we have. It might feel impossible on some days when things just go wrong. Stop for a moment and just think of one single thing that you are grateful for each day. It can be as simple as just taking 5-seconds a day while brushing your teeth, waiting for your coffee to be ready or while waiting for your facial mask to be done! If you enjoy making lists, you could also set aside a few minutes a day to write down a few things that you are appreciative for - including appreciating yourself.
After a long work day, be it at home or at the workplace, it is important to slow yourself down before you head to bed. It will help to improve your quality of sleep. Create a wind-down routine that you would look forward to each day. In this special time for yourself, put away your phone and electronics. You can read a book, do some journaling or listen to your favourite music. Add a spitz or two of the Dream Haven Sleep Mist for a good night’s sleep!
In these unprecedented times, incorporating some of these easy self-care tips in your daily routine will definitely help to make each day better.
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