During these quarantimes, many of us find ourselves working from home (WFH). While the added comfort of WFH may facilitate our productivity and focus, it is important to continue to maintain a healthy work-life balance by making time for breaks in-between output. Just like we take breaks during our regular workday, taking a break while WFH helps us destress, and can have significant positive impacts on our mental health. Below is a description of easy break activities you can do alone from your home desk, or with your family.
1. S.T.O.P. and Meditate
Several studies have shown that meditation can have bountiful benefits on mental and physical health. Meditation is a process of training your mind to be focused, and redirecting your thoughts. Some of the evidence-based benefits of meditation include reduced anxiety and stress, improved emotional health, self-awareness, and sleep. Here is an easy way to stop, take a breath, and meditate from your desk:
2. Create a gratitude wall
A gratitude wall is a space in your home where you and your family can gather to reflect on things and people you are grateful for, and remember them visually. You can add meaningful words or quotes, drawings, and family photos. The objects on your gratitude wall matter less than the time spent with others reflecting on the things you are all grateful for. The next time you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or simply need a break, take time for yourself and reflect on all you are grateful for. Here are some tips on how to create your gratitude wall at home: : http://blog.learningresources.com/smarts-crafts-practicing-thankfulness-with-a-gratitude-wall/
3. Make time for lunch and Eat Well
When you’re WFH, it’s so easy to get completely immersed in work that you forget to eat! Often, this may lead to over-eating when you finally do eat, or to making less than ideal food choices. While WFH is it important to create a regular meal-time and to follow a balanced and nutritious diet, with plenty of water for hydration. Here are tips for eating well while WHF, and ideas for meal prep: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-tips-for-eating-healthy-when-youre-working-from-home/
https://www.buzzfeed.com/melanie_aman/recipes-thatll-help-you-meal-prep-your-wfh-lunches
4. Check-in: Laugh or say hello to a friend
Use your break time to watch a funny video online. Just like all the other muscles in your body, your brain needs a break, too! Taking a break, especially if adding a laughter component, can give your brain some rest, and you’ll return to work feeling refreshed. If the thought of spending your break time online is unappealing, use your break to reach out to a friend instead. You can call them or FaceTime, or set up a quick Zoom meeting. Talking to a friend can relieve isolation, stress, and bring you laughter, too! Here is a compilation of fun videos to watch to tickle your funny-bone: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/laughter-lunch/