Practising self care, looking after the children and working from home is a herculean effort. Here’s a few simple ways that you can focus on improving your wellbeing whilst still remaining productive.

Get Work ready (WORK MODE ACTIVATED)

The “work” part of home working is really important, ditch that tatty old hoodie and dress as if you are leaving for work. Its also important to have a designated space in your home that you can work from, helping you shift your mind-set into work mode.

Setting clear goals and schedule (include regular breaks)

Getting things done, no matter the interruptions, is a fast track way to helping you feel like you’ve had a productive day. Setting a schedule, with regular leaving the workspace breaks, also signals to those in your home when you are working and when you’re not.

Be flexible with the times you work

It can be hard to focus at home, so be flexible with the time you have available, stop and spend some time with the kids or go for a run. Adapt your working schedule to the way your home runs, there’s no pressure to chain yourself to the computer for 7 hours if you could get more done in bite sized portions.

Get and enjoy the fresh air

Physically taking yourself away from your work space for a 20-30min walk around your estate/village can have huge benefits on your productivity, improve your mood and also help with overall fitness.

Connect with Colleagues

Workmates are a big part of our life. Virtual team meetings, skype chats with your colleagues to talk through ideas or even a simple phone call. All this not only fights back your sense of isolation from the team but helps with self-esteem and cognitive function.

Circles of support

If you are struggling to cope, reach out to you colleagues, or too any support schemes your workplace or union offers. Check in with your workmates and look out for each other. During times of stress it can really help if we stay connected with colleagues and helps combat imposter syndrome and isolation.

Your wellbeing is the key to making your home based working work! So always remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adapt.

Helpful guides to surviving working from home

NHS Every Mind Matters – Mental wellbeing wile working at home

Mental Health First Aid England – Supporting your metal health wile working from home

Trello – 7 Weird Ways to help combat ‘Hermit’ habits as a home worker

BBC – Five ways to work well from home

BBC – Coronavirus: How to work from home, the right way

Sky News – Coronavirus: Seven essential tips if you have to work from home

Rebbeca Watson Brand designer – Top tips for working from home

MIND – Coronavirus: supporting yourself and your team

Find out about your rights

ACAS – Working from home: Latest guide for employers and employees

GOV – COVID-19: guidance for employees, employers and businesses

Unison – Coronavirus: your rights at work

GMB – Coronavirus (COVID-19): your rights

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce – Coronavirus: Access our toolkit for business