The topic of self-care has become more prevalent within the past decade and has recently gained momentum in light of the coronavirus pandemic. With changes resulting in lay-offs, working from home, or becoming an essential worker, self-care can be a pivotal resource utilized in balancing one’s career and personal life. Work-life balance can be hard to achieve at first, but with the right methods, it can produce productivity, efficiency, and overall happiness and success. In the wake of isolation, social distancing, and various uncertainties, this balance is vital in trying to create newfound normalcy. One thing that is remarkable about work-life balance and self-care is the notion that they remain distinctly unique to each and every person. With that in mind, below are a few tips to help jumpstart your journey in the midst of Covid-19:
- Separate Work Area. It is often recommended that a separate area be kept for work, whether it be for someone who simply brings work duties home or someone who solely works from home. It could be as simple as not bringing one’s computer or phone into bed, or as elaborate as renovating a spare room, shed, or garage. In doing so, a physical and mental barrier can be put in-between work life and personal life so that a balance is maintained between them. When the two are interchanged or intermingled, it can be difficult to distinguish boundaries that may result in negative distractions. While this may not be the case for everyone, it may prove to be a helpful one for others.
- Multitasking Effectively. This tip may appear to be an oxymoron to the first tip, but bear with me. Multitasking when it comes to self-care should not allude to merely working in conjunction with something else, but rather a deliberate and positively effective activity. A few examples are making phone calls while on a short walk, updating your LinkedIn while taking a bath, or doing some work outside sitting in the sun. Basically, this can be anything where one can perform work activities in another peaceful or calm setting unique to that individual. Often times this will be referred to as a mix of physical and professional self-care, and it can be imperative in balancing work life and personal life by lowering stress levels.
- Making Time. Time management can be a difficult endeavor for anyone, especially when working from home. While some people have a natural knack for it, others need a little more help or motivation in this area. Making the time for individual self-care and annotating specific or more structured work times can help elevate one’s harmony. Work-life balance is just that: creating and promoting a balance, or harmony, between the two aspects. When the two can co-exist, then a balance has been achieved. Time management enables harmony and balance. A few ways to get started with this could be allotting one hour a day to a hobby, getting a daily planner or casual to-do list to use as a visual cue for specific duties and times, or prioritizing a lunch break when needed.
- Unplug. Literally and figuratively speaking, unplugging widely promotes psychological self-care. Saying “no” to additional work duties that you know you might not be able to handle can help lower stress. Physically turning off cell phones, computers, and even social media platforms for a short timeframe can help one slow down and recuperate. Audio or video calls to loved ones and friends may be an effective way to wind down after a long day. However, when one chooses to unplug, mental health is being prioritized, and that directly impacts work-life balance.
- Self Reflection. Although this is a very chaotic time for many of us, this is a great time to work on self-reflection and self-improvement. This can involve updating your resume and/or LinkedIn profile (Feel free to reach out to us for some help with that! ConctactUs@CareerServiceStation.com), giving yourself a quarantine hair cut or finally getting around to starting a journal. Whatever it is, make any effort you can to ensure you are proud of the person leaving quarantine when that time comes.