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Young mother in home office with computer and her daughter
Most schools and daycares are closed. Grandparents, babysitters, and others we rely on in our support networks can’t be enlisted for backup care, given the risk of contagion. Teachers are looking to parents to take over schooling while trying to figure out what online learning even looks like. You’re stuck at home between a pile of laundry, dirty dishes, crazy kids, and a heap of uncertainty for weeks, perhaps months. So, how do we navigate work-life balance when work becomes life and life becomes work? Here are some helpful tips:
One of the most important things to do is set up a routine, and this includes regular breaks. Continuing to work in a routine will not only help you feel less scatter-brained, but it will also help those around you get used to your routine. Which leads to the next tip:
Decide what time you need to get up every day and stick to it. Workout, if that’s your thing. Make your bed. Shower and get dressed every day. You don’t have to put on business attire but put on clean clothes and prep to work.
Take a lunch break. Preferably somewhere else in the house away from your workspace. Lunch takes on a whole new meaning when you WFH (work from home). It might mean putting in a load of laundry, prepping dinner, walking the dog, or taking a TV break – but do it – because…
It’s hard to set boundaries when your office is at home. Do your best to create a workspace with clear boundaries for when and where you work. Somewhere comfortable but organized. If at all possible, try to find a time and place where you can focus on work during work hours; maybe it’s your home office or library, or perhaps even your kitchen or closet.
Take breaks. Get up. Walk around. Do jumping jacks. Step outside. Whatever you need to clear your head.
Put your work away – really away – when you’re done with work. It’s tempting to overwork, but you and your family will be happier when your focus is on your loved ones during family time.
Stay active with the Pomodoro Technique. It may be challenging to find time or space to do a full workout, but if you work for 25 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes and add some quick jumping jacks or push-ups, by the end of the day you’ll have completed a full workout.
The CDC is recommending that we all get outside at least once a day, whether to play in the yard, work in the garden, or to take a walk around the block or in a nearby park. Just remember to keep at least 6 feet between you and others who may venture out at the same time. Also, remember that pollen allergies are worst before noon, so plan accordingly!
Talk to your kids about the situation if they’re old enough. Set up and stick to a routine. Plan hours for play, screen time, and study if you suddenly find yourself homeschooling.
Set some rules aside for the time being. Whatever it takes to get through it, do it, as long as they’re safe and not hurting anyone. While on a typical day letting your kids watch blocks of videos on YouTube wouldn’t be preferred, it’s okay. They’ll be fine. Here are some more tips for keeping kids entertained.
Practice self-care. Don’t forget to take time for yourself doing something you love. Take a hot bath, a long walk, do something creative like putting together a beautiful flower garden. Make sure you are still doing things that bring you joy in this uncertain time.
Stay social. During this time of social distancing, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. Now is the time to embrace social media and video calls – or even telephone calls. Bottom line, reach out to loved ones — check-up on them. Talk about your feelings or even the weather.
Best of luck and enjoy your lack of commute.
Oh, one more thing – no shoes, ever. Who needs them?
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