Top tips for staying home and staying happy

As we are all being urged to spend more time in our homes we look at the ways of staying healthy and happy over the coming weeks.

Social distancing measures are currently in place to reduce interaction between people. This means more people working from home and children staying home to be educated rather than going to school. Whilst so many more people are confined to their homes we have some top tips for keeping mentally well and staying productive.

 Tips for working from home

Choose a dedicated workspace

Just because you’re not working at an office doesn’t mean you can’t, well, have an office. Rather than cooping yourself up in your room or on the sofa try setting up a comfortable chair at a desk or table.

Create a soothing environment

Staying home means you have free rein over your surroundings, so make your work area soothing and keep your stress level under control. If a beautiful view helps you stay calm, set up your desk in front of a window or within eyesight of artwork you enjoy.

Natural Light is your friend

According to a research report by staples, looking at the impact of lighting in the workplace, 40% of office workers struggle to work in poor lighting every day. This has a negative effect on their productivity and wellbeing. So whilst we have the opportunity to work from home, try and position your work station so you are getting plenty of natural light. It will boost productivity and will go some way to reducing the feeling of being locked in.

Use technology to stay connected

Working from home might help you focus on your work in the short term, but it can also make you feel cut off the larger operation happening in the office. Instant messaging and videoconferencing tools can make it easy to check in with coworkers and remind you how your work is contributing to the big picture.

Have regular breaks

Sitting down all day is not good for your physical health. When you take a break from work try to get up and move about. Maybe have a little stroll in the garden if its possible. The natural light and fresh air will be great for your productivity when you return to the task at hand.

Tips for Home Schooling

Use what is already around

Many parents are daunted by the prospect of home schooling and feel that they need resources in abundance to teach. In reality usually you have many things around your home that can be used as learning tools. After all school is there to prepare our children for adulthood, what better education than learning some of the necessities of running a house. Simple things such as; using a tape measure to work out the maths equations for ordering new flooring can be really engaging and not heavy on resources.

Create an engaging environment

Just like with working from home as an adult separating school and home can help children to concentrate. If you are attempting to get them to do a mock exam whilst they can see their favourite game you may struggle. Wherever possible try and set up a workstation for academic situations, which is comfortable and free from distractions. Just as with adults setting children up next to windows with natural light will help their happiness levels.

Create a structure

Many parents have found it helps to create some structure to your day. This will be different for all families based on your circumstances but knowing when the learning will start and end can give children a sense of normality. Knowing what to expect will reduce stress levels and give clear guidance as to what is expected and when.

Don’t forget playtime

At school children will have time in-between lessons to get out and play. Unfortunately socialising is going to be increasingly difficult but this doesn’t mean children can’t get out in their own gardens. If children are really missing their friends then why not use technology whilst being outdoors. Setup a challenge between friends to see who can do the most keepie uppies or a hula hoops. You could either video these and send to their friends or challenge them live. These kinds of interactive play activities can create a sense of togetherness.

Tips for personal time

It’s not just working and schooling that is happening at home. Many are also unable to partake in their usual leisure activities. Gym’s, leisure centres and libraries are all closed so what should people do?

Go digital

Many of the activities people usually like doing can be done digitally in some form or another. If you love reading try turning to a kindle or e-reader where you will have access to a large array of books. Usually hit the gym daily? Try and find an online PT or instructional video to follow along with. Part of a sporting team? Keep in touch and challenge each other with related fitness goals.

Stay in touch with friends

Just because you can’t see each other face to face doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch with your friends. Utilise video chat or video conferencing to chat just like you normally would.

The rainbow window trend

Some children are connecting with each other by painting colourful rainbows and putting them in their windows for others to see. This is a lovely way of showing solidarity between young people. One Facebook group called Chase the Rainbow suggests spotting the rainbows whilst out on walks. Even if walks are not possible in the coming weeks children can feel part of something.

Our mission here at Stellar Aluminium is making you feel proud of your home by providing secure, beautiful windows and doors. However this is not a time to think about us. Stay safe, stay healthy and we will get through this together.