Covid-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our lives. After months of lockdown, it is true that many of us will continue to work from home, simultaneously juggling multiples roles that can be very stressful. Let us look at how we can rethink the framework of work-life balance during this crisis:
1. Reflect on the importance of maintaining a balance
It is very important to maintain a work-life balance to feel good about the way we are living. It helps us to make better decisions and helps us to be more creative, and empathetic. All these qualities are needed to be a good parent, a good leader, and a good citizen. So it is very important to realize that having a balance is crucial in one’s life.
2. Redefine your Home Office
It is very important to set up a workspace at home that will work for you. Even if you are sharing the space with others, you need to make sure that you are free from distractions as much as possible. As yourself, how can you make this space feel more creative and yours? Bring in some house plants or place your desk near the window for sunlight. Since you are going to spend a lot of time in this space, make sure you have a comfortable chair.
3. Maintain a routine & set boundaries
Make a routine for yourself and establish a clear starting and ending point to your workday. There are many distractions when we work from home. It is very important to stick to your office hours and wrap it up in your time and move to your other responsibilities. Keep a journal diary and tick the works that have been done. Sharing your work plan with your family can also help you to keep yourself on track.
4. Make sure to be active
One of the common mistakes that we do is we sit at our desks for hours. It is very unhealthy to sit in one place. Take a short break in between work and walk around your house or the backyard. Take out the yoga mat when the workday is finished. You can also engage your family in work-out challenges to stay active. There are plenty of online apps and yoga classes that you can sign up for.
5. Communication is the key
It is very important to keep in touch with near and dear ones. Make sure to catch up with them on the weekends over a quick video chat or small talk over the phone. Reach out to colleagues or someone you think is going through a difficult time in this pandemic. Since you will be spending a lot of time with your family/ housemates etc., engage in fun activities to do together. Cook together, clean together, play together and watch movies together. The only silver lining of this pandemic is that it has given us time to refurbish our bonds with the people we love. So make the most of it.
Finally, remind yourself that this time shall pass. Take deep breaths and focus on the positive things in life. You are still alive! Cherish this moment and work towards a better future.
