As the UK, the US, and many European countries extend or go back into lockdown and enforced working from home, there is a pressing need to be mindful of the negative consequences that this sort of extended routine can have on your well-being and mental state.

 

Be mindful of boundaries. Clear boundaries at home help you switch off from work into relaxing, de-stressing and rejuvenation mode. Tip: try to create single use spaces. A space solely dedicated to work facilitates you switching out of work mode when you're not in it.  Be mindful of what you do and where you do it. Multi-use spaces work against your brain understanding the difference between down time and work time. 

 

Be mindful of your routine and habits. You cannot change bad habits and nor can you develop good habits unless you are first mindful that you are thinking or doing the things you are thinking or doing. Being mindful is being actively aware of your actions and proactively adopting new behaviors. 

 

Learn to be more mindful of what you are doing by slowing down, taking a deep breath bringing your awareness into yourself. Consciously immerse yourself in the activity that you are engaged in, be it washing the dishes or preparing a presentation, or talking to your partner. 

 

Be mindful of your feelings. It’s easy to get lost in your head space, to overthink, over intellectualize. Recognize that extended periods of socially-isolated lockdown and working from home can alter your very being. We are social by nature. When our social structures are ripped out from under us we can suffer emotionally. 

 

Your first port of call in dealing with social isolation is to be mindful of how you’re really feeling about it. Tip: push yourself to communicate more when on zoom or in forums and online groups. Be mindful if you’re cruising during a call and step up. You’ll be surprised how that little bit of interaction boosts your emotional well-being. 

 

Be mindful of how you’re treating yourself and others. Mindfully attend to your own needs. Practice self-kindness by not being too hard on yourself, by taking more breaks, by switching off, by getting more and better quality sleep, by starting, or more regularly practicing an exercise routine.  

 

Be mindful of how you feel towards others and practice kindness, empathy and compassion to others. Research shows that one simple kind act a day will change your brain and your mind, change how you feel and act, and boost your strength and resilience in trying times. 

 

Mindfulness changes everything.