Top tips for a healthy work-life balance during covid

Remote working has become the new normal for so many since the Covid pandemic began. While some of us have warmed up to this idea, others are struggling to strike a balance as the lines between work and home life begin to blur. Many of us are grappling with long working hours, a flurry of virtual calls and a lack of routine.

So, we’ve compiled some handy tips from our giffgaff members that help them cope with these challenging times.

Create a separate workspace

Creating a separate work space, either a room or your most productive corner in the house with good natural light helps with staying focussed and organised. If you can, why not invest in a good desk and a comfortable chair and don’t forget to decorate your little work corner or room for some positive calm vibes.

Get dressed for work

To switch mentally to work mode every morning, do make it a point to get dressed as though you are going to the office. Don’t go over the top but small changes like putting a fresh pair of jeans and shirt on, doing up your hair and some makeup makes a huge difference to the way you feel.

Define work hours and create a list of tasks

Sticking to defined working hours and creating lists for everyday work and personal tasks can help people cope with anxiety and puts one in control. It also gives a sense of achievement when the tasks on the list are accomplished.

Take breaks

Don’t feel the need to be constantly available. Step away from emails, phone and the screen for regular breaks. Take a walk, exercise, eat, define times in the day for your breaks and if it helps, then mark them in your calendar or download one of those handy apps that remind you to take a break.

Set limits on your work devices

After finishing work log off from your work devices and try not to check your emails in the evening. You can also tweak the settings of your devices to limit your screen time.

Make time for hobbies

Now that most of us don’t have to deal with long commutes, a good way to dedicate that time is to something that you are passionate about or learn a new skill.

We hope you’ve found some of these tips - if not all of them - useful. We understand that these are difficult times so be kind to yourself and if you fancy a chat then then our community is always here to listen.