The novel Coronavirus strain, or COVID-19, has been presenting unique and new challenges to people all around the globe. The fact that we are currently having to navigate uncharted waters and find new ways to keep ourselves safe from home, can take a toll on our mental and physical health.
Employees who work a standard 9 to 5 office job may not be used to working from home, full time. Unlike freelancers, they may be used to their routine, that is, being surrounded by colleagues, and the daily commute to and from work. The disruption of a daily routine can cause restlessness, anxiety, mood swings, and strain (mental, physical, and financial). These feelings are completely natural, and the current uncertain scenario can lead to an increase in stress levels.We must take our mental health seriously, especially in times like these. While we’re protecting ourselves from the threat of COVID-19, we have to remember that even though we’re in quarantine and self-distancing, it doesn’t mean that we subject ourselves to social isolation.Listed below are some of the vital ways you can stay (mentally and physically) healthy while working from home:Maintaining a Healthy Wellness Routine:1. Keeping a consistent scheduleWhen you create and stick to a schedule, then you can plan your day out well and increase your productivity too. Also, set up a designated workspace at home, and do not forget to add breaks in your schedule.2. Stay virtually connected with friends and familyTalk about your fears and concerns with the people you love and trust. Sometimes, having an open conversation with a loved one will help with a bad mood.3. Keep your immune system strongThis one is easy to follow. All you must do is wash your hands for 20 seconds with antibacterial soap and get plenty of sleep. Eat a healthy diet, drink enough water, and take your vitamins.4. Limit physical contact and always think about personal hygieneThis is important to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are sick then stay at home, disinfect your surfaces with antibacterial wipes, and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.5. Sticking to a healthy workout routineHaving a consistent workout routine is not only good for your body but your mind as well. Even if you do not feel like doing exercises at home, you should move around the house. You can incorporate some planks, jumping jacks, stretches or some Yoga sessions. These activities help reduce stress and increase endorphins. You can look up online workout videos and follow them whenever you feel like it.6. Get some fresh airYou can go for a brisk walk and get some fresh air, but only if circumstances allow it. Ensure that you stay six feet apart from other people and avoid any areas that have a gathering of more than five people.7. Stay informed all the timeYes, the news can be scary, and it can trigger anxiety. But it is also important to know the current scenario of the world and how much progress is being made to combat the virus. Always remember to stay informed through reliable sources.8. Reduce your media consumptionEven though it is important to stay informed, you need to limit the media consumption to avoid stress and anxiety. Avoid continuous consumption of media like news and social media because it can get quite overwhelming and trigger stress and anxiety levels. Keep a few media sources handy, reliable ones.9. Keep boundaries with your work scheduleWhen working from home, it can be quite easy to let it take over your whole day. Since there is no commute involved, you may want to start working the moment you wake up and keep working just before going to bed. This routine can have negative impacts on your health and increase your stress levels as well. So, you should stick to a reasonable working schedule that sets healthy boundaries with your employers and co-workers.10. Redirect your energyInstead of just focusing on work and retiring to bed at the end of the day, ensure that you engage in other activities at the end of the day. This will keep you from losing your mind and help reduce your procrastination levels, as well. Clean your room or house, cook a new recipe, read that book you always wanted to, indulge in some arts and crafts, play some music, listen to podcasts, create a workout routine, and so on.Managing your health conditions:1. Continue with medication and treatmentsEven though your routine is changed, you will have to stick to your medication schedule. If your symptoms change during the lockdown period, ensure that you contact your therapist and medication provider, and inform them of your condition.2. Respond to COVID-19 symptomsIf you feel that you are coming down with the COVID-19 virus, then visit your medical care expert immediately. This includes calling your doctor immediately so that you can start talking to them about the next steps. This virus has strained hospital resources, so it is always best to get directions for a primary medical professional rather than rushing to the emergency room.3. Identify your warning signs and triggersThis will help your stress and anxiety episodes and help you be well-prepared for what is to come your way. It will help you think clearly and rationally for the next steps that you would be required to take if the situation calls for it.Managing support for your employees:Many organizations will want their employees to work from home. In these times, it’s very important to promote and encourage consistent communication with your employees. Here are some tips that employers and HRs can take on when supporting their employers.1. Empathize and be availableEmployers need to understand that employees can feel anxious and overwhelmed during the pandemic. So, you need to ensure the staff that you are ready to answer all their questions and resolve them efficiently.2. Use communication tools to stay connectedMake use of virtual meeting tools for regular check-ins and communication.3. Encourage online trainingThis is a great time to encourage employees by starting online training. This will serve as a positive distraction and help them sharpen their existing skills as well. Tune in our online fitness sessions with our renowned professional fitness trainers at eahomecare.in/fitness