Working from home? Tips for your mental health and productivity

In an era where social isolation is becoming a new norm because of the coronavirus pandemic, we share with you a list of tips and tricks that will help make working at home more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas.

Get ready and prepare yourself physically and mentally, as if you were going to work

Get up at a reasonable hour and start your morning routine. This step is crucial to get your day going and put you in a productive state. Get out of your pyjamas and dress yourself to look professional during your Skype meetings. Need ideas? Find inspiration for both men and women's workwear here. Psssst... we share new content daily.

Make a weekly schedule and stick to it

It is essential to allow yourself time to take breaks, eat, and check-in with your loved ones. Also, we recommend you take a few moments to read our article on the Pomodoro technique, a time management system that promotes regular breaks to increase productivity. Make sure not to overwork.

Create an ergonomic workspace at home

In a context where it is strongly recommended staying home, avoid working in bed or sitting on your couch for too long to reduce the risk of back pain. Instead, choose a place dedicated to work at home and install an ergonomic workstation. Integrate one of our sit-stand desks with a matching desk shelf designed to merge well-being and productivity. Choose an ergonomic chair that will support your back when you're sitting. Aim for a quiet, bright place where you feel good. For ideas for workspace design at home, visit our Pinterest board.

Listen to music that pleases you and makes you productive

for new monthly music content.

Fill up your energy tank

The virus is leading to the temporary closure of many places we used to visit to energize ourselves, so we have to be creative to maintain our well-being. With spring coming, protect your skin with sunscreen and enjoy your sunny balcony to work while building up your vitamin D reserves. Get out of the house for some fresh air, a walk or a run. Don't forget to stay active! Among our favourites: Kayla Itsiness, Alomoves, Saltyclub & Ballet Beautiful.

Avoid doing chores here and there during your workday

Just as organizing your desk allows you to be more productive and focused, plan time outside your productive hours to create a clean and orderly environment. This will reduce your "urge" to do a load of laundry between two conference calls.

Make time to socialize

Isolation can come with its share of moments of loneliness. Drop a phone call or start a video conversation with friends and family to socialize outside work hours.

Take advantage of the benefits of essential oils diffusers

Not only do some of these fragrant substances purify the air and clear the airways, but they can also help you relax, stay focused, or fight fatigue. We like this one, available on Amazon. You can also find ambient mist alternatives.

 

Stay positive; it's good for your morale and, by extension, your health! 

We share with you two balms for the heart that emerge in this time of crisis. First, make sure to listen to the latest episodes of The Daily, a daily news podcast by The New York Times (here's our favourite.) Hosted by Michael Barbario, it addresses the issue of COVID-19 in a reassuring and soothing light. Then take a few seconds to read this inspiring quote from author Kitty O'Meara.

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed. 

Despite the significant effects of the COVID-19 prevention measures, let us stand together to protect each other. Let's encourage local businesses and rely on collective comfort. This will allow us to move forward and come away with new ideas to optimize everyone's daily life. Please share with us your tips and tricks to make your work at home more enjoyable and, above all, take good care of yourself. Everything will be alright!