As you all know, we are going through a very strange and anxious time right now and the world may seem like it’s changing so rapidly around you that it’s hard to keep up.

Working from home, for many, will be a new experience and one that can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to remote, digital contact.

So, while it’s important to continue the work, it’s even more important to remain mindful and maintain your mental health and wellbeing.

Today, I would like to share a few ways you can stay mindful, whilst working at home. These simple ideas may seem like common-sense but through these eventful times, it’s easy to forget the simple things that make the most difference.

1. Stick to a routine

Sometimes, when working from home, it can be a challenge to stay focussed and productive.

The best way to deal with this is to stick to a routine; if possible treat one room of your house like “the office” and continue your business as usual (as much as humanly possible, of course).

Create a lovely office space – Set up a desk area in your home which you feel you can dedicate to work only and leave once you have completed your day of work. Try not to work from your bed or the couch…

Get dressed – Get up and have a shower just like you would do if you were heading to the office. Getting dressed will make you feel more awake and so much more positive than sitting in your pyjamas.

 Keep to your office hours – It can be easy to forget the time when working from home and even forget to have a break but stick to your normal working hours. Breaks give your mind time to recoup and keep you positive and productive.

2. Stay calm

Working from home can be quite overwhelming, especially if you end up listening to or watching the news for lengthy periods of time (wouldn’t recommend it!)

It’s important to try to remain calm and think rationally if possible.

If you find yourself getting stressed or anxious go back to the basics; focus on your breathing, go outside in the garden for some fresh air and take time to just refocus before getting back to work.

It’s ok to feel worried, remember that… but there are ways to help reconnect your mind and body and reduce the stress.

Practice meditation –  Why not take 10 mins in the morning / evening  to just sit and breathe. A great way to start your day more positively and less anxiously, it helps keep you grounded and helps your mind to focus. You can find many guided meditations on YouTube.

Do some exercise – I personally practice yoga on a daily basis as I think this is great for the mind and body, but there are loads of different options for workouts you can do in your home. The Body Coach is a great example. He’s even doing free live “P.E with Joe” sessions for kids at 9am every day!

Reflect on the positives – You may feel like there is not much to be happy about right now, but it’s important to find some positivity in your life. Think about your friends, your family, whatever it is that makes you happy. There is a whole lot of people out there helping and supporting each other through this. That, at least, is something to smile about!

3. Focus on your purpose

Having a clear purpose can really help get you up in the mornings.

Remind yourself of the bigger picture and how you’re helping your business to keep functioning and to succeed through this very uncertain time. Also think of the people you will be helping within the business. Stick together to keep things going.

4. Don’t lose contact

That goes for working relationships, as well as personal ones. It’s really important not to lose contact with the outside world.

At Services For Education, we are all using Microsoft Teams to keep in touch and having daily meetings via webcam, just to connect with each other.

(It also means we have to look at least half decent/showered/dressed etc. everyday!)

It’s really important to keep up the contact with your friends and colleagues during this time and there are plenty of free apps that will help you to do so:

• Zoom
• WhatsApp/ Facebook / Facetime
• Houseparty

The list goes on.

Keeping that contact will maintain your relationships and your mental health.

You’re not in this alone.

Summary

We can get through this very strange and uncertain time, but only if we pull together and support each other.

Look after yourself and others and don’t be afraid to reach out to other people.

At Services For Education, we’re going to continue posting helpful blogs, resources and advice over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out.

If you’d like to get in touch, please contact us at hello@servicesforeducation.co.uk

Other resources

 For more information, resources and articles, please keep an eye on the following:

• Resources For Parents
• Blog For Parents
• Blog For Teachers

We wish you the very best during these uncertain times. Stay safe.

Author Bio: Emma Blunston, Brand and Marketing Manager

Emma started with Services For Education in February 2017 and has been brand champion ever since. She also runs her own business teaching children and adults the joys of yoga.

The creative arm of the business, Emma has turned Services For Education into the cohesive brand it is today and spends her time creating online and offline marketing collateral, resources that support our services (for example, training packs, programmes and videos) and she also finds time to manage our social media accounts.