Building Resilience with COVID19: How to nurture yourself & virtual team

In hard times, we need to remain calm, stay sane, virtually collaborate and keep our loved ones safe. Nevertheless, we can't lose sight of the light on the horizon.

I understand that a lot of people and business' will find it hard with the transition into this 'Social distancing' & 'Remote working' world.

With that in mind, I wanted to share some ideas to sustain mental health, engagement, togetherness, productivity and culture when remote working...

• Virtual Socialising - One of the most important things right now Is to social distance, so we really need to take this seriously and enter the virtual world. Take the opportunity to solidify specific times per day where you can link up virtually with your team, friends and family. For groups of 1 - 4 people I would recommend Facetime or Whatapp group calling. However, if you have a group of 4 + I'd recommend online tools such as Slack, Teams, Skype, Zoom, Webex or even Houseparty.

• Work Space - It is important to set aside a specific area for working that is as comfortable as possible. If you have the luxury of an office already then great but I know a lot of people won't. Try and find a table where you can set up base camp which gives you the right light, space and warmth that you need to be most productive (Ideally away from the kitchen otherwise you end up constantly snacking like me).

• Understand your working style - Think about how you learn, how you process information and how you want information presented back. I am a very visual and kinaesthetic learner and I find it really inductive drawing and writing on post it notes.. then organising them in a logical way on my wall.

• Routine - Ensure that you don't just laze around for the period that we are in Isolation in a dressing gown.. get your day planned and always prepare for the next. Get up, do something active, get showered, dress for your day and start work like it is any other. I think that having a morning coffee stand up with your team (On video chat) hold's you accountable for looking presentable and like you've made an effort for the day. It’s important to stick to all of the normal activities that you would perform both in the morning and after work.

• Exercise - "Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal" Get up, get active, stop looking at the four walls of your house and go and enjoy the outdoors. I must admit, living in Wales isn't always the sunniest place on the planet, but it really does make a difference getting some exercise. Your brain releases Endorphins, which are powerful chemicals which energise you and make you feel fantastic! Whether it be walking, running, yoga, cycling (of course on your own or at a safe distance from people) it can really change your energy levels and has personally boosted my home working productivity.

• Sunlight/Vitamin D - Increased Sunlight = Increased Vitamin D = Increased Seritonin levels = Happier you. Make sure to keep your vitamin D up by going out for a run or even sitting in your garden. This will usually help to alleviate the mood that comes with staying indoors for too long.

• Focus Time- Take some time out to focus, learn and to complete all of the tasks that you wouldn't usually get done in the office (Usually because you're getting pestered by people). Try putting 30 mins of your day aside to complete design, training, admin work that you always seem to put off. This time at home is something we don't often get and should not be taken for granted. Try and make the most of your quiet time and use it to expand your skills and knowledge further.

• Music - Did you know that music helps release more Dopamine in the brain, which is a feel-good chemical? Try creating a feel-good group playlist with your friends, family and colleagues, I typically use Spotify to create collaborative playlists.

• Mindset - Think about all of the lovely things that you are going to do with your family and friends once this is all over, try not to dwell on our current state. Plan trips, parties and positive things that you can do once this travel and social distancing ban has been lifted. Set realistic goals for yourself. I've actually taken it in my stride and its given me the opportunity to stop renting and finally buy my own property because I have time to save! Remember, COVID19 will not last forever.

• EMPATHY & FUN!- Having a laugh, a joke and some fun is probably the most the MOST Important thing to do in tough times like these.