How to lift your mood during this time – what has been working for me

Do you feel that staying/working from home is slowly catching up with you? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed at the moment?

The good news? Even in times of stress and anxiety, you can take proactive steps to lift your mood.

 These are honest tips that have worked for me, to date:

Plan with a capital P

My day is usually planned days in advance, or at the very least first thing that morning. Find a system that works for you given these circumstances – there’s quite a few who have never worked from home before.

I have personally always loved a combination of a calendar diary, for all calls, meetings, appointments & blocking out time to tackle tasks, and a daily planner where I hand-write all my to-do’s for the day (keeping it as achievable as possible) – and boy do I love ticking things off when they are completed!

Video calls – and lots of them

 Where possible, I have my close network on call, all around the clock each day.

I prop my iPhone up (when I am obviously not on a call), and get on with work – let’s just say, sometimes the only communication I share with the other person on the line, is the sound of our breaths!

After work, I have been arranging 'coffee dates' with a group of friends. Literally make a coffee, video conference x 4 ways, and you're good to go. And if you're anything like us, you'll surely fill a solid 1-2 hours!

Depending on your personality type (introvert vs. extrovert), you may prefer to spend this time focussing solely on yourself. However if you’re someone like me, and gets their energy boost from spending quality time with others, you may be finding the quarantine restrictions a little hard.

Projects, projects, projects!

Clean cupboards – check. Organize shed – check. Make sure recruitment system is up to date – check. Admin for the office – almost done. Power hose the garden – on the to-do list.

There is nothing more gratifying than using this time to finally getting around to certain projects that typically take a lot of time.

You can also use this ‘project’ time to learn something new, write career plans, update your CV*, learn a new language using apps (I’ve been using Duolingo to learn Spanish – recommend this!)

My Apple Watch

Who knew that quads and glutes can hurt so much while working out from home? And that it would take a (very serious and unfortunate) global pandemic to make me use fancy gym words like ‘quads’ and ‘glutes’.

I can safely say I have become obsessed with ‘closing my rings’. Anyone else like that these days?

A secret box of activities

And what is this you ask?

Step 1 – Get some A4 paper and cut it into smaller squares

Step 2 – Ask your partner, family member, or person you are quarantining with, to write some activities you can do together while at home during this period – no peeking! (& vice-versa)

Step 3 – Fold all of your ideas, and put them in a small box (we’re currently using a small Tupperware at home)

Step 4 – Whenever you find yourself bored, just pull out an activity from the box, and fill up your time with interesting activities!

Some possible ideas are: cooking a favourite meal together, playing cards, pamper night (men included), taking online quizzes.

 This is particular useful for the weekends where we are not typically working.

 You’re welcome :)

Treat the weekends like weekends

BBQ. Garden & house smelling like amazing cooked food. Music on. Wine or drink of choice in hand. Two weeks in a row. Enough said.

Take a social media break

This includes the news, social media apps, and even professional social media sites such as LinkedIn. Although social media might appear to be filled with bad news, for many it is also a key way to stay updated and connected with friends and loved ones. Taking a few hours off, or entire evenings, can help you to balance the negativity with the benefits social media brings.

Perspective

For the first time in a long time, the entire world is going through something as big as this – together. Despite all the serious repercussions, there is a tiny bit of comfort in knowing you are not alone. Everyone is social distancing. Everyone is at home. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to be keeping safe in a cozy home... (perspective!).

#staysafe #staypositive

____________________

Nicole Kazamias - Founder & Director

Staffnode Recruitment | Cyprus & Malta

Staffnode Limited is a recruitment specialist, offering tailored solutions to companies and individuals alike based in Cyprus & Malta. 

* We also offer CV Writing Services - affordable & greatly reviewed - contact us! [email protected]

Visit our website www.staffnode.eu or contact us at [email protected]