Being locked down in homes and living with the fear of a global pandemic can really take a toll on our mental health. It is very important in times like these that we keep a check on ourselves. With everyone adapting to work from home, the lifestyle has changed drastically. People are getting more time to pursue their hobbies and passions and to relax. Here are some ways you can be productive and healthy during quarantine:
As an employee
If you’re an employee then there’s a huge possibility that you’re working from home. Work from home can be tricky because you are no longer bound by specified working hours. You don’t have to travel for hours and not necessarily dress up. You can wear pyjamas and be in the comfort of your bedroom. With relaxations like these, there’s a huge possibility for you to procrastinate and become lethargic.
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Follow a routine
If there are multiple tasks you have to juggle with, try establishing and following a routine to boost your productivity. Time boxing is a method that people like Elon Musk swear by to get things done. Time boxing means dividing your day into boxes of time. Each box is dedicated to a specific activity. This is better than just having a to-do list. If you time box your day in advance, you don’t have to spend time deciding what to focus on next. This self-imposed “time box” forces you to work efficiently because you have a limited amount of time in which to complete the task.
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Dedicate a place
Your bed or couch cannot be your work desk. Find a place in your house where there is less disturbance. Set up your table or desk so that there are no distractions and everything that you require is within your reach. Your workplace should be comfortable and peaceful.
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Give yourself a break
Working for long and continuous hours is tiring and not good for your health. Take short breaks of 5 to 10 minutes to hydrate yourself, move around a bit and stretch. Try meditating to stay calm and relax yourself meanwhile.
As a homemaker
With the lockdown being imposed, it may be difficult because every member of the family is at home and there is no househelp. The workload has increased and may be stressful. Here are some tips to manage those tasks simultaneously-
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Have a proper sleep schedule
It cannot be stressed enough how beneficial it is to wake up early and go to bed at a fixed time. It is healthy for your body clock. The morning time is when you are most productive and energetic.
People are reading : 6 Daily Routines That Keep You Away from Illness
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Be organised
Being organised would save a lot of time and make errands less stressful. Arrange similar things in shelves so that you don’t have trouble in searching for them. Use labels for better clarity.
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Take help from family
When everyone is at home, you could ask other members to lend a hand and help you with some of your chores. This would also help in bonding with the family and help to reconnect with each other.
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Stay connected
Juggling so many tasks can be stressful. Stay in touch with your friends and talk to them for sometime. This will help you in getting your mind off from stress and it is a great way to enhance friendships. Your friend might be in the same dilemma, so help each other out!
As a student
If you are a student, then it is safe to assume that your classes have shifted online. You’re juggling and struggling with assignments, lectures and maybe a few household tasks. When you are a student, there is a lot to explore. Here are some tips to save your grades and stay relaxed while studying at home-
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Revise regularly
One of the good things about school being online is that lecture recordings and slideshows are uploaded by teachers every time. At the end of your classes, revise the topics that have been covered and write down any questions or doubts if you have any. This habit is super helpful, because it saves you from last minute preparation. If you revise regularly then you won’t have to panic a day before your test. All you need is a quick run through. Revision helps you be connected with the course and maintains interest in the subject.
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Create a designated study area
Hour long lectures can be tiring, especially when there are so many of them continuously. Create your own study space in your house. Choose a place with no distractions and keep necessary things handy. Sit on a comfortable chair, so that you can sit for long hours.
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Enroll in a course/training
Your day can get monotonous by staring at devices for a long time. Practice a hobby that you like. It is a great stress buster and extremely relaxing. Moreover, there are so many online courses and trainings available for drawing, dancing, fitness or singing. You can sign up for one.
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Reward yourself
There can be 2 types of rewards- small and big.
- Give yourself small rewards like 5 to 10 minutes of listening to your favourite tunes, or a piece of your favourite snack or maybe just a small break. Reward yourself after you are done with one of your chapters or when you have successfully submitted the assignment
- Big rewards are for big achievements. Promise yourself something meaningful and try your best to live upto it.
Rewards are a great way of keeping yourself motivated.
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Keep a journal
Bullet journaling or jotting down your thoughts is seen as a good calming activity. At the end of the day, write down all that you did and how it made you feel. Thrive to make the next day better and happier.
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Use technology in your favor
There are so many apps designed specifically for students to keep track of their classes and assignments. They come with reminders and timers that keep you organised.
As an elderly
If you are someone above the age of sixty, it is best that you stay home, since you are more vulnerable to coronavirus. Staying home for continuous hours can get boring when you have nothing to do. Here are some tips for you to stay busy and happy-
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Pick up a hobby
It could be a new one or an old one. Think of the time when you were too busy with your work that your guitar has been left untouched ever since. What better time to start hitting those strings again? There must have been something you gave up because situations demanded you to do something else. Pick up those old interests and hobbies and reconnect with your younger self. Or you could try out a new one! Gardening is a popular choice these days. It is easy and relaxing.
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Update yourself with technology
There are numerous apps these days which keep the brain and body active. Explore what the internet has to offer.
Some apps can also help you to organise your day and some apps are just games you can play for fun!
We hope these tips can help you be relaxed and productive and make the best out of this situation.
