With so many aspects of our lives disrupted recently, a lot of people may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed over the current stay-at-home order. Many are learning how to work from home, navigate through the home-schooling process, and balance the many changes in daily routines.
We all live busy lives. This new “style” of life has altered our everyday routines and is likely impacting work life/home life balance.
Recently, at a conference I attended, the keynote speaker Theresa Glomb gave an inspiring talk on improving work life. This theme also relates to our overall daily lives and provides a relevant message with easy action steps. Consider using these four steps to improve your stay at home work life:
- Work Hard
- Create a routine to accomplish your daily goals.
- Get up, shower and get ready for work each day.
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- Keep the same working hours as normal, if possible.
- Set up a designated workspace.
- Take care of your home
- Have Fun
- Create a positive home environment.
- Use technology to stay connected to family, friends and neighbors. Video chat play trivia games or start a virtual book club. Remember to monitor children’s usage on any digital social app.
- Use technology to learn something new. Take an online cooking class, watch a virtual concert or experience zoos, museums and aquariums online.
- Choose a book to read a chapter out loud each night with your family.
- Play board games, card games or do a jigsaw puzzle.
- Choose Kind
- Text a co-worker and ask how their evening was last night.
- Give a compliment for a job well done.
- Express gratitude to essential workers (first responders, health care professionals, etc.) who are on the front lines.
- Practice self-care. Exercise daily, using online physical activities if needed. Stick to your sleep routine and eat healthy meals.
- Be Present
These changes are temporary and when things return to normal, we will all have learned valuable lessons to continue to use daily.
Written by: Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County. stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, OSU Extension Educator, Franklin County. lobb.3@osu.edu
References:
Theresa Glomb. https://www.theresaglomb.com/
Ohio Department of Health. Stay at Home Order FAQs. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/stay-at-home-information/stay-at-home-order-frequently-asked-questions
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