As most countries implemented a lockdown, South Africa followed after our address from the President on 23 March 2020. I write to all of you as we enter this historical moment in life.
During this time it’s easy to feel life is on hold but as a Life Designer, I took this as a challenge to keep on designing life even in times like this.
“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” Jim Rohn
Here are my 21 lessons
I already work remotely and this hasn’t been a challenge for me but I do mix up my space and during the lockdown, I will be confined to my work area in my apartment.
1. Routine is everything
I usually wake up at 7 am and practice yoga and have a relaxing breakfast with coffee.
I start working between 8:30–9 am (mornings I’m best at focusing). I have lunch more or less between 12h-1h. After that, I’m sluggish and do work that requires less focus. I re-gain energy by 3 pm again and then I can continue onwards. Once I’m done for the day I have a “switch of work activity”.
2. Stay Active
As mentioned above I usually practice yoga in the mornings so this didn’t change I actually added a workout after my Power Yoga, now that I’m less active — worked like a bomb! Keeping the gentle yogas for after work.
- Boho Beautiful — https://bohobeautiful.life/
- Yoga with Adriene — https://yogawithadriene.com/
- FitOn App — https://fitonapp.com/
If you have stairs in your apartment block take few “stair breaks” we did this!
3. Eat healthily
What I enjoy most is having a proper lunch! Real food with healthy ingredients. Having bigger lunch and small dinners makes it easier to sleep too!
4. Block out work time
This wasn’t too hard for me as I do it in any case. But it’s important to know when you can focus the best and block out that time to do your most focused work.
5. Take a real break — (browsing on social media ain’t no break)
This is the hardest…I try to stand up lookout on my balcony and do a few shoulders stretches and sometimes just having a fruit break with fresh air does wonder.
6. Switch off from work
Make this a habit. Every time I’m done for the day, I either do a gentle yoga practice or continue with my puzzle (really surprised how effective this is to switch your brain off)
Later on, I would have dinner, watch some shows and read my book.
- Unorthodox
- Freud (still busy watching)
- McMillion's
7. Learn something
Take a course or two! I love growing my career. This was fun learning again — if you are on a budget like me, have a look at Future Learn.
Collaboration, Communication and Remote Working
8. Be Social
Yes you can, and yes it’s not the same BUT it’s quite fun! We had a virtual dinner with our friends — just as you would have physical-only really effortless.
9. Self-care ya all now is the time!
No more excuse for being too busy :) Try out meditation or journaling or anything that classifies as focusing on you!
10. Detox from your phone
I’m big on limiting my phone screen time and Apple makes it easy to track! It can be so easy to just “keep yourself busy” going on google or social platforms and let the internet distract you.
One thing that boomed was the streaming in of instant messages like its 1991 and it’s something new. I consciously decided to rather read less news (only our government releases and stats) and limit my WhatsApp time x2 a day it is!
11. Bedtime routine
I spoke about routines earlier but I feel it’s worth another mention that helped me keep my daily structure. I can’t wake up the time I want to If I don’t go to bed the time I should.
Working from home for 21 days and seeing my computer every day takes a toll on falling asleep. I journal and read, reading makes my eyes tired, it makes me sleep really well…find your “sleepy time activity”.
Books I read: Essentialism & Road less traveled
12. Hobbies anyone?
This is where I struggle…I’m not good at having hobbies but I guess I took on building puzzles? Not sure but my friend took on skateboarding and practices in her apartment block :)
13. Let the weekend be weekend
Yes, you who works over weekends — I’m not saying it’s a bad thing but unless this was your normal routine let the weekend be weekend. Do you know what's harder than a Monday? Not having a weekend.
Don’t feel guilty for binge-watching Tiger King (or maybe you should) enjoy in being fully relaxed, be present in that feeling!
14. Be Creative — yes you can too!
Maybe you like cooking, take that up a notch, experiment a little — If you are like me then I let’s look at less dangerous activities.
I’m lucky that most of my work is creative but writing this also sparks my creativity and it’s good to switch it up. Find yours, you have the time you know.
15. Keep yourself sane in order to help others
It’s not easy for everyone. I’m an introvert and I’m coping really well but I’ve also realized that this is not the same for extroverts. I hope that these lessons will also help and motivate my dear extrovert friends.
16. Keep the habits that you enjoy
If you are now cooking a new recipe once a week or took on reading keep on doing those. This time learned us to come back to what we enjoy, our passions don’t let the world distract you from that.
17. “ I don’t have time” really was just a convenient excuse
We use this excuse a lot — I did too, or maybe more along the lines, I’m too busy. Are you? or are you just not good at prioritizing what's important?
Even with time I find people still not doing the things they wanted to or wanted to explore more (within the limits of the lockdown of course). We are lazy by nature but we are also the ones in charge of making that change.
18. Things I didn’t have but should’ve
Better lighting for where I built puzzle — it was on the dark side. Phone holder for my workouts and a kettlebell with some dumbells.
Luckily from work, I had my monitor but definitely needed a standing desk as I don’t have an office chair.
Oh and more socks — I barely had shoes on :)
19. Show off your self-discipline skills
If you are working remotely like I am this is the ideal time to show that you indeed can work remotely! If you ever wanted to try it out or recommend it to your boss this is your time to shine.
20. Introverts you’ve got this
I’m an introvert and, I valued this time of solitude, the time of no distractions, no social commitments, just me (and my hubby — also introvert) to focus on what’s important.
21. Plan for the future especially in times like this
Write out those goals? Maybe it’s bucket list items or pursuing another opportunity in your career, or maybe you don’t know what to do next.
This is the time to reflect and plan for the future.
That’s it!
Thank you for reading, I know we are not all in the same situation and this is a tough time. I just wanted to share my perspective on this side of the world.
Please share yours!
