Okay, we’re all a few weeks into the coronavirus here, and to say life has changed would be a total understatement.
Some of us are self-isolating because we have to or want to, others are social distancing because that is what it means to be a good citizen these days. Then there are parents dealing with children unexpectedly home from school, with many also being asked to telework from home. Workplace shutdowns and layoffs are creating havoc with jobs and paycheques. Governments are trying to keep our homes intact and our lights on, all while trying to flatten the curve of COVID-19 so our health system can handle our needs.
Unless you’re used to working from home, or, used to staying at home most of the day, you might find being homebound difficult. Lack of social interaction might cause frustration. Diminishing supplies in your fridge might cause anxiety. Crushing boredom, from the lack of drama and excitement you’re used to experiencing in your daily rush of life, is another uncomfortable aspect of COVID-19 management.
But, c’mon. This isn’t so bad. We can do this! We are being asked to stay at home to not risk our lives, not the other way around. We are not being asked to pick up a rifle and fight a war.
Flattening the curve on COVID-19 is relative to flattening the curve on our activity levels and exposure to other people. Although it sounds simple enough to stay at home, doing our part to keep COVID-19 at bay will still have its challenges.
That’s why it’s essential to be resourceful when it comes to finding ways to while away the hours at home. Is there a pile of books you’ve been meaning to read?
Or a musical instrument you’ve wanted time to play? Or maybe some card and board games you’d like to try? The coronavirus is presenting a unique opportunity for us to get creative, tackle some long-standing projects, and re-ignite our love of fun and games.
For those asked to work from home for the next few weeks, it will be useful to build some kind of structure and discipline into your daily routines. Many entrepreneurs working from home have already got this figured out. An online search of “tips for working at home,” or “working at home with children,” should set you up for success.
As for me, a writer who works from home, I used to have a herding dog who would herd me back to my desk should I stray into the kitchen for too long.
Now I have a cat who won’t let me sleep in past 7:15 a.m., ensuring that I have an early start to my day. Every day. Even Sunday! My best work buddy, though, has always been a deadline.
My advice to those newly working from home: give yourself a set of deadlines, then reward yourself every time you meet one. Maybe that means a cookie, a sitcom, or something else. It makes work more fun, more like a game. Just make sure your deadlines are reasonable, so you’re sure to have a chance to succeed.
The goal is to be a winner, not a loser!
COVID-19 is asking us to live in community, to look after each other’s well-being. This includes protecting our health care workers, too. Whether we are students used to partying on spring break or entitled “me generation” boomers accustomed to doing what they want, we can do this. Staying at home and social distancing—now that’s in our best interest.
For more in your best interest, follow Sheelagh @sheesays or visit www.ideagarden.net.
