Working from home:

 1.      Start your day right!

For you:

Although no-one is flying out the door at the crack of dawn, the day still has to have a start, middle and end. Fix your schedule according to the new-norm; when are you at your most productive? What do you need to achieve before the working day starts? What sets you up for the day?

For your family:

If your children are of school age, try to encourage them to start their day with purpose - like making their bed – then they too are achieving things before they tackle the academics. Without the need to get up, breakfasted and out the door on time could equal the temptation to switch to the school holiday lie in routine.

If your children are of pre-school age it’s fair to say that mornings are likely to be early starts all round. If you are used to going out to work, make a 15-minute appointment with yourself to check in with YOU, note how you are feeling.

If you are employing the television as a babysitter for these precious 15 minutes, forgive yourself!

2.      Get moving at home!

For you & for your family:

Mr. Wicks is the new Head of Physical Education in our house; tune in to The Body Coach YouTube channel every morning at 8:55am for the 9am PE lesson with Joe Wicks to get EVERYONE active. If you thought this work out was just for children, think again – it’s exhausting! It’s a great up and at ‘em motivator, so give it a go.

3.      Forgive yourself & the children – often

For you:

No one was prepared for this; if you are working from home and you are finding it hard to be productive take some time out to plan your day. Be realistic. A single productive hour is far more rewarding than multi-tasking and achieving nothing for three.

If you have the facilities, set up a daily team talk and connect with small groups within your business – it will do wonders for morale and help everyone maintain a sense of belonging. Even if you have been furloughed, it’s worth maintaining those relationships. Connection is everything!

For your family:

You are not expected to be a Headteacher with twenty years’ experience under your belt! You are most likely a working parent and something somewhere has got to give. All practical life lessons are as good as academics. Remember, everyone’s mental wellbeing is of paramount importance. We can always catch-up on learning; what’s important right now is a sense of peace, safety, security and love within your four walls.

4. Get out of the house

Current Government guidelines state that if we are not self-isolating, we can leave the house to take one form of exercise a day, for example, a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household. We must remain two meters away from other people.

In line with these new rules, we would recommend -

For you:

Being outdoors, especially whilst we are all home-bound, promotes wellbeing. Prescribe yourself some time to be outside of the house. Even if this is just to stand with your face to the sun on your doorstep or walking up and down the garden path.

If your one form of daily exercise is taken in solitude, it’s no bad thing either. Mindful walking, or running is a great way to clear your mind. If ever there was a time to discover podcasts, it’s now. Or get Olympian Michael Johnson, comedian Sarah Millican to coach to run 5km using this app! Finding something to tune in to, so you can zone out whilst walking is of huge psychological benefit.

For your family:

Whilst we are all restricted to one form of physical exercise out of doors per day, we need to make it count. When the sun is out, but it’s still chilly, try and get a walk in during the warmer hours of the day so that everyone can soak up some Vitamin D and stride it out comfortably. Taking that break from home and work will increase productivity for the afternoon and lift everyone’s spirits!

5.      Plan breaks for the children, and yourself

For you & your family:

The children aren’t expected to work flat out and neither are you. When you need a burst of productivity, or you have to join that video call in peace; give the children a well-earned break. Take the breaks you need too – it’s important to know when to stop, and just as you would have breaks from your desk at work you must also do so at home.

…One last thing for us all

It’s ok to be finding this new world daunting and overwhelming. You’ve probably noticed a marked increase in communications from work, friends and family. Social media is awash with the latest theories, life-hacks, and sensationalist stories.

• Step away as much as you need to – and only used trusted sources to stay informed
• Safeguard news-free time for your household in the evenings, you’ll find it helps promotes a better night’s sleep

Join the Five Ways Challenge

The five ways to wellbeing are important now more than ever. Join us and others around the county as we take steps to take care of our wellbeing through the Five Ways Challenge: 

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