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How To Capitalise On Self-Isolation

By Josh 


Self-isolation can be a really difficult time so it's important to remember how to effectively use your time. See it as an opportunity for personal growth, not quarantine. Here is a quick read to give you some advice! 

Step 1: Hygiene 

Make sure you continue with personal hygiene not only to beat COVID-19 but also to help with a positive mindset. Stick to the same routine you have for work/university/school etc. and treat it like any other day. Wake up at the same time you always do and have a shower, clean your teeth and whatever else you  usually do. The brain uses this routine as a way of getting itself fired up for the day. If you begin to fall out of this rhythm your brain won't be as sharp and it will take you a lot longer to get going in the morning. 
 
Photo by Adrienn from Pexels
 

Step 2: The Default Diary

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs from Pexels

Sit down at 9am and create what is known as a Default Diary. In daily life, sticking to a strict schedule is not an easy thing to do. People rarely take into account procrastination time, break periods and new tasks. The latter is the most difficult challenge of them all; daily life is so dynamic and for someone in the modern workplace it's extremely common for new tasks to arise every hour. The default diary is a way to combat this. Rather than accounting for every hour of the day, break your tasks down into groups. For example, if you're in your third year of uni your default categories would probably look like this: 

- Writing 
- Research
- Reviewing work
- Revision

So, your default diary would probably look like this: 

- 9-12:00 - Research 
- 12-13:00 - Lunch 
- 13-15:00 - Writing 
- 15-16:00 - Reviewing
- 16-18:00 - Revision 

NOTE: You do not have to force yourself to be constantly working during these periods and the tasks of the day might not take the full duration. This is about shifting and applying focus, to stop procrastination and spending all day on one task. 

Step 3: RELAX! 

You need time to decompress. Usually work stays in the office, or the library, and home is a place to switch off; that's not the case with isolation. Make sure you make time for meditation, going for runs, reading or even getting outside and walking. During the day, allow time to watch an episode of your favourite show, have a cup of tea or check social media. 
 
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

 

Step 4: Find a Safe Space

If you bring work into the home you need to find a space in the house to keep 'work free'. Whether this be a bedroom, the kitchen or the living room make sure you have a space where work does not enter. When you need a break or are feeling overwhelmed go to this room and allow yourself to switch off. Burnout is caused by consistent and low level stressors which keep your brain in a constant state of heightened alertness and anxiety. By having a 'safe space' it allows you to maintain control and switch your brain off. 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels


Step 5: Socialise 

Isolation and social distancing can really put a strain on our wellbeing. Keep in contact with family, friends and colleagues over social media and through phone calls. Human beings are social animals and a lack of social contact can cause depression, demotivation and anxiety. Open up to your friends and family, share feelings and worries and make sure you are a source of positivity for those around you.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels


There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment but the first step has to be a positive mindset, from that we can beat anything.
Good luck from Stridi! If you need us don't hesitate to reach out to us on social media or email.


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