1. Strictly separate your work from social media and news
If there is no physical contact with office colleagues, you may have a more compulsive tendency to connect at least remotely to communities and obtain information from your environment via the media. Moreover, if you also manage corporate social media, it is very easy to switch from your company profile to personal without knowing it. After all, nobody is standing behind you, so it's no problem. Of course, it's good to keep track of the world, but set a clear time for getting information from social media and online news. In addition, if you find that information about the coronavirus crisis upsets you, read the news after work to avoid having bad thoughts before, say, an important meeting.
2. Find out how you can be helpful
Get better connections with the outside world and its needs. For example, if you are a business owner, ask your customers and community directly how you can help them and think of a suitable solution with your team. If, say, you are in the textile industry, you could sew and donate protective equipment to healthcare professionals. Or, if you have a restaurant or shop that is currently closed, try initiating support for seniors and quarantined people near you. Find out also what your colleagues are doing; talk to them, support them and share inspiration with one another. A sense of being able to help others means you will focus less on your own worries.
3. Set up a clear routine
Logging in to your computer at 8 am and only signing out at 6 pm may prove to be a very productive day, providing you also know how to take a break. Ideally, learn to work in roughly ninety-minute blocks. During a break go on the balcony, or take the dog for a walk, or have a snack or coffee with your partner. Breaks are crucial to mental health!
4. Meet other people
Even though the opposite is now recommended, interpersonal contact is absolutely crucial. Meeting informally in the virtual world is, of course, fine, but technology cannot fully convey all aspects of nonverbal communication. For example, if you have a dog, try to talk to another dog walker outside - naturally, at a safe distance. Or maybe you can stop under the balcony of a neighbour whom you have no other chance to meet because of the strict regulations.
5. Make a list
Make a list of things to help you stay mentally healthy. It might be exercise, meditation, listening to music, dancing or a walk in the woods. It's important to plan a time when you don't think about work. For example, identify three key self-care activities and include them directly in your work diary. Or, even better: share your list with colleagues, and you might be able to create a common, enjoyable routine.
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