Being unsettled and chaotic inside can create anxiety and depression in the lockdown. It is very important to consciously practice mindfulness during these COVID-19 trying times to calmly acknowledge the pandemic crisis and build inner strength to cope with it.

In this article, you can find seven tips to make this pandemic journey smooth for you with an improved work-life balance by staying digitally connected to loved ones and colleagues.

Be kind and grateful: Be thankful for waking up to yet another beautiful day. Thank yourself for being a strong person to cope with the pandemic and live today to the fullest. Also, check upon your near and dear ones to know whether they are doing well.

Prioritize your health and fitness: We miss our daily dose of Vitamin D as we stay indoors mostly. Eat nutritious food and regularize your vitamin and mineral intake, especially vitamin C and D. Get a yoga mat for yourself and stretch a bit. Do family workout sessions at home.

Do care about your mental health: Practice mindfulness and meditation to overcome anxiety. It’s okay to not be okay. Seek psychological counselling, if needed. Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Have pleasant thoughts. Don’t let the negativity of COVID-19 news rule you.

Set work rules and boundaries: It’s easy to lose work-life balance if you work from your bed or in the dining area. Set a dedicated workspace, make goals for the day with a proper time schedule, and work accordingly. If necessary, wear your work clothes. Evaluate your daily progress at the end of each day.

Meet your work colleagues frequently: Prefer routine video/phone meetings and emails to follow up with your team. Along with work progress, please check if they are doing okay. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. Pandemic has been tough for all of us. Be compassionate to your team.

Pro Tip: Don’t expect your colleagues to respond immediately. They might be struggling to balance family and office. Give them some time to get back into action. Always reflect positive thoughts and remind them that we are all in this together.

Socialize on virtual platforms: Make regular phone calls to your family and friends. Try online group activities for entertainment like collaborative poetry, multiplayer games, online karaoke parties and tea time talks. Be the best version of yourself.

Learn a new skill: Learn a new skill to make yourself happy – play the guitar and sing about life, perform in front of the mirror and embrace yourself, practice Zumba dancing, try interior designing – to name a few. If you are an introvert, take pen and paper to express yourself. It’s you who can create a life that you can’t wait to wake up to.

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In short, the message is to stay fit and get productive in small steps during this lockdown. Slowly push yourself to achieve daily targets and make cumulative progress. All the best!

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Article by Noor E Karishma Shaik, Editor, IMPACT by IEEE Young Professionals