Finding the right work-life balance

In these uncertain times, there are a lot of changes to get used to. Whether you’re still at work, working from home or not working at all, our usual work patterns have likely changed.

Find ways to switch off at the end of each day to make sure you still get some downtime. We have a list of 14 tips to help with remote working that you may find useful.

Spending more time on hobbies

Even if you are remote working, you might find yourself with more time on your hands but being stuck inside can make it difficult to focus or come up with ideas on what you can do with yourself.

Start by looking at your hobbies. Are you an artist, a writer, a gamer, a reader or something else? Have you had a book sitting on your shelf for months but no time to read it? What about that TV show you wanted to watch but never got around to?

The lock down won’t last forever, and you can still plan for that big holiday you want with travel blogs and destination guides. There’s a lot of news to keep up with, too, and maybe you’d like to share your own hobby - whether it’s photography, cooking or something else - through a blog or portfolio.

You’re not alone in feeling unsure, and that’s okay, but there are things you can do to keep busy if you want!

Learning new skills

You can use this time in self isolation to try something new. Have you always wanted to try baking or expanding your culinary talents? Now’s the time - just limit your trips to the supermarket and try to plan ahead for what you need.

With so many "how to” and "beginner’s guides” to be found online, anything you’re looking to do and learn is at your fingertips. From learning a language to discovering how to shoot and edit video, create podcasts or cross-stitch, there’s something for everyone if that’s a way to keep you occupied.

There are also plenty of online courses you can do to learn something new or enhance your skills. By using the Internet, you can find so many things to do and learn.

Getting some exercise

We’re in lock down, and this means our outdoor activity is limited. That doesn’t mean, however, we can’t get some exercise in.

Many people find exercise beneficial for their mental health as well as physical, and we are permitted to go outside in our local area for this purpose while maintaining physical distancing.

However, there are options at home, too. There are different workouts you can do by clearing space in a room at home, and plenty of online classes and videos to follow and keep you engaged. If you have a garden, that opens up another option when the weather is nice. You do have options, and while it may not be as much as you’re used to, you can do something and that’s better than nothing at all.

Resting up

One thing we should all be doing at this time is making sure we get plenty of rest. This whole lockdown and self isolation situation has been stressful for many people, and the sudden change to remote working - or not working at all - has had an effect on all of us. 

There is nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself. Get some rest and spend quality time with your bubble,  to help you stay healthy and positive. 

Look after yourself and those around you.