[LIFESTYLE]: 5 Self-Care & Working From Home Tips for Lockdown 2020

How To Look After Yourself & Work From Home During This Lockdown

It’s a scary time we’re living in. Never did I think we’d say that we were going through a global pandemic in my lifetime. News reports, social media post, it’s all a bit overwhelming for me if I’m honest. South Africa is currently going through a lockdown in order to flatten the curve. So how do you balance normal life with our new normal? With everything going on, I just wanted to share a few tips I’ve incorporated into my lifestyle, plus a few things I need to remind myself to do.

1. You Don’t Need To Do It All

The media, and particularly social media, have completely inundated us with information overload. It creates panic. So you switch off the tv after feeling anxious about all the news reports to check your phone, only to be made feel inadequate that you’re not ‘doing enough’. I wrote about how you shouldn’t believe everything you see on social media in this post but just wanted to emphasize that if you want to sit and watch Netflix and catch up on yourself after everything has been non-stop, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you want to bake to your heart’s content, carry on with your workouts but in the home environment – do it! I personally enjoy it but not to the degree that it makes me feel guilty for not doing it all. Don’t feel pressurized to all of a sudden learn a completely new craft or be in the best shape of your life during this lockdown. Deal with everything your own way. You do you boo!

2. Stick To Routine

I’m exceptionally blessed that I am still working at the moment in this lockdown. I’m able to work remotely and it’s been like a normal workday for me. Except that now I’m working from home. While it would be amazing to sleep in and check my laptop now and then, I’ve found I needed to be strict about a routine from the beginning. I haven’t changed my alarm, I get dressed and while I might be getting dressed in casual, comfy clothes, I still put on a bit of makeup just to feel a bit more like it’s a normal day. Plus I never know if I’m going to have a video call so I’d rather look a bit more presentable then being caught off guard.

3. Set Boundaries

Continuing on point number 2 of having a routine, it’s as important to set boundaries in terms of your work. At the end of the day, when you’ve finished for the day and you switch off and close your laptop, that should be the end of the day. Treat it as a normal working day. Of course, I know all jobs have different terms but just in a general sense, know when it’s time to log off. It’s especially difficult to manage your time when you have the house to clean, food to make, kids to look after so it’s important to set your boundaries.

4. Stay in Contact

Ah, welcome to the age of technology. I’ve done more video calls this past week then the whole of last year altogether. It’s the best way to say in touch. This is vital as we are all in isolation. Even if you are living in a house with other people, it’s so important to check in on family members, friends, colleagues, etc. Even a little message goes a long way in these times. I also just want to say that I’m here if you just want to chat

5. Read, Get Some Fresh Air, Take a Nap

I know, a bit of a contradiction to point 2, but we also need to remind ourselves that we are going through a trying time and it’s okay to take a break and rest. If you find yourself hitting up Netflix all day, go have a cup of tea on your balcony or in your garden. If you don’t have one, crack a window open and take a deep breath of some fresh air. Got a book from a family member for Christmas yet not much of a reader? Try getting through a chapter and you might just enjoy it, plus you would’ve spent some time doing that instead of TV time. Feeling overwhelmed by everything and tired? Have a nap, it’s ok, remember you don’t have to constantly be doing something.

Don’t forget to check in with the World Health Organization for more information or your local health services. In South Africa, you can visit the NICD website here .

Stay safe, wash your hands and stay home.

Sending you all LOVE & LIGHT during this time – remember you can pop me a message whenever you want. I’d love to know what you’ve been up to?