Are you overwhelmed by the amount of work that has added up in your daily routine, due to the COVID-19 lockdown situation? Be it work or managing your home, do you feel like you’re losing your patience on tasks, that were once in control? Read on for some useful tips and resources to make your days easier
As we continue to face the realities of COVID-19 with its uncertain impact on our health, our loved ones, our jobs and finances, it can be extremely challenging for many of us who are trying not only to stay safe, but also to stay sane!
With routine comes security, but when forced to change routine, we are bound to feel lost! For most of us these disruptions in the routine are not life-threatening and we should be grateful for that.
But how can we make the most of the Covid-19 lockdown period at home?
Accept the situation
Any new situation requires time and patience to get adapted to. So go easy on yourself, and be realistic about the goals you set for your-self and others.
Being close to each other, all day can be frustrating for anyone, so take each day as it comes. Focus on things you can control. Prepare yourself mentally for more friction, conflicts and some challenging behaviour from your children.
Don’t be obsessed with the COVID-19 updates
While it is a good thing to be aware of the situation around you, don’t overthink on the possibilities. Set rules on how often you should check for updates in a day, stick to trustworthy sources (like World Health Organization, this for India, and this for Bahrain) for advice and don’t share anything forward, until you’re sure it is fact-based and useful.
Stay close to your normal routine
Just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean that you need to throw away your pre-lockdown routine, right?
Yes, wake up and go to bed in the usual time, dress to your work station at home, eat your meals at the regular hours, shut off work at the usual time, do the laundry on weekends (or the way you have been doing before), binge watch your favourite movies on weekends.
For those with small children though, you may have to request your employers to grant flexible working hours, so you can take some time out and attend to their needs. Establish a structured routine, that involves engaging your children as well and keep stock of things (activity sheets, audio books, youtube channels) that can help you maintain this routine.
Some kid-friendly resources that you can make use of:
Your usual travel time can be used to plan some activities for your kids or for yourself. The idea is that the more you stay close to your regular routine, the easier it would be to get back when life returns to normal.
Set your boundaries with other family members
If you have been working from home, give each other a separate work corner, so you don’t get into the other’s space in your work schedule. Keep your casual conversations for the time after work-hours. Try messaging if you have to get the other person involved.
Even if you don’t have work from home, reward yourself with some time alone. Go out for a walk in your neighbourhood (if allowed), sit outside in your garden or balcony for a while, read a book by yourself in a corner.
Refocus to self care and being productive
Don’t brood upon how you’re stuck at home, rather refocus your energy towards your home, your relationships and your own self.
Were there any tasks at home that have been long avoided? Does your closet need some reorganization? Does your garden need a fresh perspective?
With some extra time in your hands now, is there a skill that you always wanted to learn? Did you have to read up on the latest tech advancements? Have you been ignoring your journal? Is there any recipe that you’ve been planning to try?
As a couple have you been trying to plan your finances? Is there any place that you need to research on for your future travel?
Pick up one productive activity each day and and you will start feeling positive about this lockdown situation instantly!
Below are some resources that you can make use of:
Reading- (Open Library, Any Books, Kindle)
Listening- (Audible, Spotify, Ancient Faith)
Selling- (Etsy, Amazon, Kindle, Tune Core)
Learning- (Coursera, Harvard University, Alison, Duolingo, Piano, Craft projects)
Watching- (NASA live, Virtual Travel around the world, Wild Life, Theatre and Concerts)
Reconnect with people who really matter to you
No excuses any more, on time and distance. As humans, all of us seek for a sense of belonging. Use the Covid-19 lockdown period, as a wonderful opportunity to reach out to all your loved ones on video or voice call. Listen to what they have to say, catch up with all that has been going on in their lives and share what you have been doing too!
Build up your health
Staying at home can definitely leave you bored and hungry, without the usual stimulation to keep you occupied. What better time to focus on your health!
Plan and eat healthy, drink lots of water, take some time out for exercise, practise meditation and gratitude, or spend some time in prayer.
Take care of each other
Plan the days ahead with your family members. Discuss with them openly about the situation (you can use this cute booklet by Mindheart) and what everyone can do on his part, to keep the home functional and less scary.
Divide responsibilities and check with each other on how they have been feeling about the change in routine. Remember that everybody is experiencing anxiety in his own way. Be gentle with each other and show some appreciation.
Cherish the time together
Amidst all the work added in these lockdown days, make sure you’re spending that quality time with your partner, kids and family members, that you always wanted to.
Plan some at-home date nights, do a family tik tok session, watch movies or documentaries (Documentary heaven, Top documentary films) together, create a family treasure hunt activity, play some family games together, map out your family tree (geni.com, ancestry.com) cook together, record funny videos, build forts and stages and play with your imagination, read aloud some stories or even better role play, anything to make your days lighter and brighter!
Help your community if possible
Don’t forget to check on your neighbours, the elderly, your maid and anyone who may require a little help during this difficult period.
There are lots of organizations who are working round the clock to get the affected and the disadvantaged, health care, cash relief and immediate supplies.
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Hello!!
I am Rubitah, a former social worker turned content writer and blogger. Over the years through my profession and personal life, I have realized that love and prayers can do wonders to family life, once you come to terms with your own self and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then I’m sure you would like what I post here. Read more
