8-point action plan for staying positive whilst working from home during the lockdown
- Set a structure and stick to it
Whilst everyone’s world has been turned upside down and we can’t follow our normal routines, it’s understandable to be overwhelmed or to feel like each day drifts into the next. An easy and effective way to deal with this is to create a new structure for your days. Try to organise your time into work time and rest (and stick to it). Build-in regular breaks and vary your tasks so you’re not sitting in the same position for long periods. Stretching at regular intervals is good for everyone. And diarising time to do a physical activity also means you’re more likely to actually do it rather than forget and then be too tired at the end of the day. - Utilise your home comforts
Working from home can be a positive and pleasant experience as it gives you the freedom to create a workspace that feels the most suited to you. Remember if you are physically comfortable (the right temperature, a supportive chair, the right sitting position and posture etc.) then you can relax and concentrate more easily. And some home comforts are nice too such as pot plants, refreshments whenever you want, the option to personalise your workspace. You’ll feel more productive if you have a work station that reflects your preferences. - Screen sense
It’s not healthy to be glued to your laptop or PC for hours at a time. Too much-uninterrupted screen time can cause headaches and eyestrain and make you feel overly tired so take a break and look at something else. Try the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes you spend looking at your screen, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. Also, your screen should be as glare-free as possible. Position the monitor to avoid reflection from overhead lighting and sunlight and if necessary, pull blinds across the windows if you can. - Get physical
We’re always told that exercise is good for us – and it’s even more important when you’re stuck at home. Getting out for a walk and some fresh air is good for your overall wellbeing. And if exercise wasn’t part of your routine before the lockdown, now is a great time to build it into your day to create new habits. If you don’t fancy walking, jogging or cycling locally, why not use your garden or a room indoors and try something new like yoga or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). There are hundreds of free exercise routines online so it should be easy to find something to suit your fitness level and ability. - Eat well
As the saying goes: ‘we are what we eat’ so investing a bit of time and effort into making healthy food choices is guaranteed to make you feel good. Why not try some new recipes and be creative with what you have available? And take time to include plenty of fruit and vegetables for an added wellbeing boost to the system. - Chill out
In normal times, going about our work isn’t just about specific tasks, roles and responsibilities – we also interact with our colleagues and often find the time to chat and laugh or blow off steam. You can also do the same from home using chat services and video conferencing. A regular online meeting to catch up with others on a more personal level is good for your wellbeing too. - Switch off
Setting boundaries and separating your working hours from relaxation time is essential for your mental health. We all need to switch off from work pressures, so try to set a specific time to quite literally switch off your devices and allow yourself to relax and recharge. - Ask for help
Not everyone finds working from home easy. You may have difficulty concentrating if you have distractions or concerns for yourself or others. If you’ve done everything you can and you’re still struggling, it’s really important to communicate with your manager or HR and be honest – that’s the first step towards solving the problem and feeling better.
If you’d like to see more helpful resources on remote working, then take a look at our remote working solution and resources page to find out if there’s anything that can support you and your organisation during this time.