And... if you need help with the whole work-from-home, stay-at-home sudden shift. Here are some tips from a friend of mine:
1) Put on real clothes. You don’t have to dress up, but get out of your pjs except on weekends.
2)Go outside (while staying away from people. Sit on the porch and read. Take the dog in the yard.)
3) Do lunch (virtually) with friends, which is not as good but something. DON’T talk about the virus.
4) Make your work-space separate from where you relax. Find a spot even if small to be your desk.
5) Keep exercising if you do that. Yoga, weights, dance around. If you are used to exercising keep doing it. (There are some great online resources, I'll send some favorite links in my next email.)
6) Do those things in your home you have been putting off- clean out your old clothes, rearrange the junk drawer. It helps mix things up and you feel accomplished.
7) Lean into your creativity or hobbies. Journal, cross stitch, color. Don’t just watch Netflix for 2 months.
8 ) Clean all the things. I now have a schedule of stuff I do on certain days to keep from getting stir crazy. The house feels better too.
9) Go to meet-ups that are happening online. Find ways to connect to the things you would be doing.
10) Eat like you normally do. I know it seems like a snow day, but we can’t live off of Reese Cups and ice cream alone. Eat a vegetable. Drink water.
Added bonus, for these specific times:
1) Take some time to write your elected officials and ask them to pass legislation that will support paid leave for those who can’t telework, as well as sick leave. We can’t flatten the curve by only caring about those who have jobs that can be remote.
2) Send an encouraging text or message to a healthcare worker, or any who are caregivers or holding space for people right now (therapists, faith leaders, yoga teachers, teachers, professors)
3) Give, help, share. Check in on folks and help each other. Share rather than hoard supplies. Help those whose jobs and income will take a hit if you are able.
