Many of us are staying in right now – either by choice or because our government has advised a Shelter in Place or Self-Quarantine. I wanted to share what helps me as these tips can be used by anyone right now. The tips below are collected from years of working remotely and maintaining a schedule, balance, and can be used to create some sense of normalcy.
Most importantly, this list is for anyone who wants to maintain some routine and balance during the chaos; whether you’re staying in or a Shelter in Place has been advised… we are all adjusting to this “temporary and new world.”
We are all connected. At times like these, we are reminded just how closely connected we all are.
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During this time, my intention is to contribute to the healing of our communities and of the world.
I plan to stay informed but not in fear.
I also plan to stay in while I wait for a Shelter in Place directive.
How can I contribute to the healing right now… well I can share these tips that help me with my routine and balance!
In this temporary new world, our regular routines are changing quite a bit.
That means that we can incorporate new behaviors with ease!
Take advantage of time with your family or by yourself… create new healthy habits!
This list is for anyone who wants to maintain routine and balance to stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit.
Let’s stay grounded in the chaos when we are staying in or in a Shelter in Place situation.
Tips for Staying In and Shelter In Place
Wake Up At The Same Time Every Day
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Harvard Medical says: “To get your circadian rhythm back on track, start by waking up at the same time every day. The wake time is most important to getting on a schedule again. It’s the anchor of your circadian sleep rhythm,” says Dr. Dorsey.
The same goes for going to bed at the same time every night!
Morning Hygiene & Intention Setting
Complete your morning hygiene routine every morning, try your best not to slack on this.
Take a few moments to meditate, connect with the Divine, and set your intention for the day; stay in gratitude. (Check out this article about “Living That Gratitude & Good Vibes Life.”)
Start At The Same Time Every Day and… Time Block!
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Start work or projects at the same time every day, if possible. Some of us have flex hours and can leverage those as needed, but I’ve found sticking to a schedule works best as time-blocks are a massive secret to productivity for me. Time-blocks for productivity work!
Breakdown your day into time-blocks to ensure you cover all of your priorities. Blocking time on your calendar will keep you focussed. Depending on your goals, profession, or your projects, you’ll know how long to schedule these blocks.
I like to block off sections of the day for different types of activities to maintain a rhythm and maximize productivity.
For example, I know that I am a much better writer in the morning after I meditate. Then after lunch, I block specific activities for those times and leave the more task-driven and/or admin activities for later in the day.
If you don’t know what works best for you to go through a day mindfully and take note of what times you are most productive. Test out different times then adjust along the way.
Limit Distractions & Schedule Breaks
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Limit your distractions by building in breaks into your time-blocks. Distractions can be hard to ignore when you’re focused on your project or task at hand – I get it. Building-in breaks or setting boundaries with your family members when you can is helpful, especially when they know when they will have your attention during your breaks.
Breaks are also a fun way to reward yourself and your family!
I’ve also found it helps to limit my news intake during this time. I found a local station and national coverage that fit my preferences; I limit my consumption and stay informed.
Always Eat Lunch
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Always break for lunch and step away for at least 30 minutes.
Bonus points: Add a meditation focussed on productivity, mindfulness, or sending love and healing energy to the world. I know it’s tempting to push through lunch and eat while maintaining our productivity or even while watching the news, but trust me – step away for 30 minutes to eat mindfully.
Eat lunch with your family and take advantage of the extra time you get to spend with them! Take a peek at this article on how to maintain healthy eating habits.
Respect Time-Blocks and Reward Yourself
Respect your time-blocks throughout the day. I can’t stress this enough, and I’ve also found it helpful to set mini-goals for each time block.
For example: If I get all my chores done by 9am, I can have a mini-break or jump into the next time block and finish my day a little earlier or dive into tomorrow’s project and be an overachiever.
Even a quick workout, couples yoga, or meditation as a reward!
Plan The Next Day
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At the end of your day – block your time for the following day to plan out your priorities and make adjustments where necessary.
This is super helpful to allow for a calm and productive the next day. I mean, when working in an office, I never had time to do this!
Take advantage!
Shut It Down
When you are done with planning the next day… Close your laptop, and put all of your tools away.
Sometimes we have to work over, and that’s okay, but try your best to respect your home and family by putting your computer or any other work items away or close your home office door.
Transition Time
Take a break for mindfulness and breathe, go outside, get some fresh air, or change your clothes and transition from “work mode” to “home mode.”
Make Time For Exercise
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Either in the morning or after work or in the middle of the day! Youtube has plenty of yoga videos, and Pinterest has plenty of “at home workouts” that you can pin and follow to rotate between cardio and strength as you see fit. Pun intended! 😉
Evening Routine And Try New Things
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Maintain your typical evening routine if you like – or use this change as a time to try new things! Establish a game night with your family. Practice no phones after 6 pm.
FaceTime a friend or family member(s) instead of just keeping up with them on Facebook. Reestablish connections by making phone calls and keep the social aspect of your life a priority!
Zoom.com has free accounts for us to set up a group “meeting” to include up to 100 people for socializing or famliy hangouts. Organize a social group, happy hour, extended family night… get creative!
Healthy Sleep Hygiene
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Maintain or establish a healthy sleep hygiene routine that includes time for mediation and/or prayer.
Add a meditation that sends love or healing to the world.
Very helpful and positive. Thank you for this,❤️
I’m glad you found it helpful!