The Covid-19 lockdown has sent almost the entire nation’s corporate workforce into a work from home-mode. While many of us are able to cope with the challenges of managing to perform our tasks just like we would in an office scenario, not everyone finds working from home comfortable or easy. A large number of people have been finding it difficult to cope with managing a new type of work-life balance after conditioning their minds and bodies to work at the office and relax at home. Add to that the looming threat of a life-threatening infection in the air, focusing on professional duties and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may end up looking like another chore to take care of around the house. Here are a few ways we think you can achieve a better work-life balance till the pandemic scare is behind us. 

Follow a different routine for weekdays and weekends 

Almost everyone with a stable job was used to treating weekdays and weekends as two completely different parts of a regular workweek. However, with everyone being forced to stay inside every single day, it becomes quite difficult for some to be able to switch off and switch on work mode or relaxed mode like they used to. 

The best way to get out of the uncertainty of whether you should be in work mode or not is to have completely different schedules for weekdays and weekends. Make it a point to switch things up and present yourself with a change of season once you enter the weekend. For example, if you’re used to waking up and switching on your computer to answer emails on weekdays, switch it up and start  your weekend by listening to your favourite tunes as soon as you wake up. The point is to utilise your environment in a totally different way over the weekend. How about planning a virtual brunch with your friends and family? Or maybe even start your weekend Livestream to express your creativity? The possibilities are endless, to be honest, and there’s no reason for work to bog you down and prevent you from rejuvenating your mind and body at the end of the week. 

Dedicate Time for learning new skills  

Now that we’ve decided to do things differently on the weekdays and weekends, let’s get down to talking about what you can do to accelerate personal growth in your free time. Most of us now have about 2 hours of free time which would otherwise be spent travelling to work and being stuck in traffic. How about signing up for that certification course you’ve got your eye on and make use of that unused travel time to finish it off bit by bit everyday? 

In fact, it doesn’t have to be something that relates to your work or career. This is the best time to take up something you’ve always wanted to but never could because of your hectic schedule or personal/professional constraints. The internet is your most powerful weapon at this time. Depending on what you want to learn, you may not even have to spend money to sign up on a course. Platforms like Youtube and Instagram are full to the brim with people offering valuable information on a large variety of topics. All you need to do is find a good profile or channel that you like and you’re good to go. 

Become more aware of your finances 

Perhaps the biggest cause of stress for many of us during these trying times is money. If you’re someone who’s always wanted to get a better understanding of your finances, this lockdown provides ample opportunities for you to gain clarity and work towards a better financial future. As mentioned in the previous point, you have a host of online resources at your disposal; start from there. Use these to learn the fundamentals of taxation, investments, and budgeting. And if you want to go beyond that, you can always find a certified financial advisor online or get in touch with a financial planning firm to get you started on simple investments and build a financial plan that suits your current needs and future desires. 

Make Time For Yourself  

Perhaps the most important thing you can do right now is getting in touch with yourself. We are battling a global pandemic which currently has no cure or vaccine. All we can do is follow social distancing measures and take necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our family safe. The rest is not under our control. Instead of worrying about what might happen in the near future, this is the time for us to be more cognizant of our mental and physical health and wellbeing. Whether it’s meditation, exercise, or a creative outlet like sketching or cooking, don’t forget to reward and appreciate yourself for who you are and what you’ve achieved. It’s really simple, like any other activity, just schedule some time out to disconnect from the outside world and connect with your  inner self.