Is Working From Home During The Coronavirus Crisis As Good As It Sounds?
Working from home sounds great. For many of us it may ordinarily be a weekly or a “sometimes” occurrence.
Working from home does have its advantages:
- It gives you a chance to work out at a different time than first thing in the morning or late at night after work
- You get to avoid the commute (and save some cash on that)
- You can spend time spent with your pet
- It makes the school/day care pickup much easier.
Working from home represents a change from the usual – a point of difference in a normal work week. Until recently the work-from-home scenario was something to look forward to, something to enjoy and revel in when you realise you can sleep in a little longer than usual.
The Challenges of Working from Home During the Coronavirus Crisis
But what now?
Because of widespread lockdowns, quarantines and mandatory self-isolation, many of us are working from home during the coronavirus crisis. (Please know that I recognise that many have lost their jobs, which is way more stressful and will be addressed in a separate post.)
Many of us have quickly discovered that the monotony of home life will not, for some time, be punctuated by sneaking in a coffee break with a mate at the local cafe or going to a mid-morning exercise class.
Even popping in to a store to grab some groceries can be stressful.
So what are we to do???
Covid-19 Cabin Fever
I am facing this challenge myself today as I write this. I am sitting at home and I feel a little tetchy.
It’s been some days since I felt it was okay to go to an indoor group exercise class so I am missing the people I normally chat to there (I do exercise but I like a chat before and after – I work alone largely, don’t judge me!).
My husband and I are getting up earlier to walk our dogs and avoid being around too many others at the beach promenade, so we are missing out on the incidental chats we would have with other dog owners, cafe staff etc.
And I miss my friends and catching up for a coffee or a meal.
I thought about going to the shops for some retail therapy (not supermarket) and decided that would be irresponsible.
I have a bit of cabin fever already. AND THE HARD PART HASN’T EVEN REALLY STARTED YET!
Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Since we will be at home more than ever, it’s so important to get serious about committing to healthy habits that will nurture our physical and mental health.
Here are some of the things I am doing for my health:
- I have been exercising at home to at least maintain this important habit (for my mental and physical health)
- I am cooking more (I baked my first loaf of bread today!)
- I’m planning some reading (there are a few books lined up).
Staying Socially Connected During the Coronavirus Pandemic
My wellness habits keep me busy and my life varied but they don’t really meet my need to socialise. I love to chat.
So my neighbours and I have been spending a lot of time on our street (1.5 metres apart) talking over the past weeks. This will continue as long as it isn’t raining, but what do we do if it does rain? Who am I going to see?
Well, probably my extended family. I am going to have to get used to Skyping family and friends (I have lived abroad before and it is a fine way to stay connected).
Working and Playing at Home: Boredom and Isolation
I need to adjust my expectations for what each day will provide. We will all have to make adjustments. No doubt you will find yourself about to duck out on a simple errand, or visit a friend, and then realise that you can’t.
Not anymore, not for a while.
I have a pretty low-key life so it won’t be a huge difference in the evenings for me. But for the single people who like to mingle (sorry, couldn’t resist) it will be tough, for the young adults and older teens it will be like torture, and for those already feeling quite isolated, this time could be quite a challenge.
We need to think creatively to get through this. Isn’t necessity the mother of all invention?
My meditation school has taken to Zoom to do group meditations and this has proven a big hit. My Pilates studio is doing live Zoom classes for us to follow from home (it starts tomorrow – I am sure it will be fab). Virtual dinner parties have already become a thing.
Creative Ideas for Staying Connected During Coronavirus Lockdowns
What can you engage in that keeps you connected to others?
Can you:
- Organise a virtual board games night for people from different locations (massive opportunities to cheat but it might add to the fun!)
- Hold your own virtual yoga where you all follow the same online class
- Organise a group gaming party if you have a games console with connectivity to others?
What ideas do you have about staying socially connected during a lockdown? Have you tried anything yet? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Leave a Reply