Will all that’s going on during the present climate due to COVID-19, most people are being forced to self-isolate and work from home. Whilst many welcome the change of getting some time at home, I know some people are already going a little crazy, feeling anxious and bordering on boredom from a few weeks away from their colleagues and being distanced from a social and productive environment.

There are small changes you can implement to improve your mental health and productivity when working from home, take it from someone who knows, after leaving my job a few years back in a busy marketing agency to pursue my own venture with ARDERE the first year did feel very lonely and isolating, it was a massive juxtaposition, but over time I implemented things in my day which really helped my mindset and productiveness, and now I have come to love it.

1. Set up your space for a clean and tidy mind. No sitting in your closed-off bedroom, choose one of the more open spaces in your house such as your kitchen or living room, space, light and the occasional open window allows for clarity of thinking.
2. Feel social by playing some music or putting the tv on in the background. Switching silence for some background noise can be ever so comforting and much less lonely. I love a day time chat show as it almost feels like I’m in the room with the panelists socialising, or if it’s music I tend to search for a spa playlist to calm any anxiety. If watching daytime tv I’d recommend not being glued to the news at the present moment as it can be very anxiety triggering, so limit your updates.
3. Take regular breaks, just as you would nip into the work kitchen for a coffee and quick chit chat with your friends, do the same at home. Put on the kettle, call or text a friend or family member who you know may also be working from home. Face-time, create WhatsApp groups, it’s the one time where we can perhaps count our blessings that we’re in the digital age.
4. Fit in some exercise and up those endorphins. So maybe your favourite gym or studio has temporarily closed that doesn’t been you can get those endorphins elsewhere. Whether you’re doing a fitness workout from tv or even better going outside for some fresh air and a brisk walk. To me self-isolation means not coming into contact with others unless necessary, therefore if you are young and healthy then going for a jog in the park or places you’re less likely to run into people could do your mind and health a lot of good whilst also helping to still remain safe. For indoor workouts, my favourite’s are Maia Well Co’s pilates classes (and she is putting on some special 1-1 Skype sessions this week) and Georgie Spurling’s GS Method
5. Paw-some Pals. If you want a reliable friend to work with, sign up to a doggy daycare app for a furry companion to keep you company. There’s a lot of people right now, who are in a more vulnerable situation that could do with some help with taking care of and walking their beloved pets
6. Switch up your environment. Ok so perhaps this one was a more sensible option prior to recent government announcements, but if it all settles down then depending on how literally you take this working from home thing… try switching up your environment such as working from a coffee shop where you hear the hustle and bustle. Seeing people doing the same as you along with having a good cup of coffee or hearty meal can do wonders as you feel apart of something, almost simulating your workplace