Now more than ever, work and home life are heavily intertwined due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 virus. While working from home is a dream to many, it can also cross into unhealthy boundaries when unchecked and create tension within a household. Whether you’re cooped up with a partner or family, I want to help share some tips to make your house feel like a home again.
Create a schedule but remain flexible
Let’s be honest, working from home is NOT like working at the office. Make time to sit down and discuss your schedule with the other working members of the household (spouse, roommate, etc.). Include times where you absolutely cannot be disturbed (e.g. work meetings or training sessions). Be transparent about what you need to thrive in your environment, but be mindful of differences in your working process. If one of you needs music to work, perhaps one of you could wear headphones or choose a timeframe where playing music on the stereo is acceptable. Giving children visual cues that you cannot be disturbed can be helpful for them to learn boundaries. Examples of this could be hanging a stuffed monkey on the doorknob to your office or having an easy code word (Pickle!) to communicate that you’re not to be disturbed.
Practice gratitude for yourself and others
It’s easy to get swept up in a negative mindspace when you’re surrounded by a constant stream of dour news. Practicing gratitude in times of uncertainty can help remind you and your loved ones to be thankful for what you have and reflect on the emotions you’ve been feeling. A common positive theme that has been evident through quarantine has been unity in neighborhoods across the globe. The recent ‘teddy bear scavenger hunt’ phenomenon has brought together neighborhoods in proud displays of their beloved teddies, while honoring social distancing rules. #ThankYou signs have decorated communities everywhere to show their appreciation for essential workers. These little acts of kindness are a stark reminder that we are all individuals with the hope that one day we can return to some sense of normalcy.
Taking breaks from loved ones is normal (and necessary!)
Do you ever feel guilty about having time for yourself? If you silently nodded, then rest assured, it is perfectly fine to want a break. Think back to a time pre-quarantine when you got the chance to spend time by yourself. Now that you’re in shelter for an extended period of time, it’s actually more important to practice self-care and listen to what you need. Your time is just as valuable as anyone else’s. Practice playing your music, sing your hymns, paint your toenails, or bake your bread. These hobbies that give us joy shouldn’t be ignored
Conflict is inevitable
Even the most organized families are not immune to some head-butting. This is my advice to you: Forgive yourself. Keep practicing empathy with others in your house, even when you feel frustrated. Remember, these are unprecedented times and it’s okay to grieve when you need to. Perfection isn’t attainable, but working in harmony is possible.
p.s. Having a community of like-minded individuals who understand you makes dealing with isolation easier. Please feel free to join our exclusive online mental health support network on Facebook. If you would like to speak with a licensed professional one on one, you can easily contact me here.
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