Staying at home for days might sound fun at first, but think again...
We can all agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has turned all of our lives upside down. At first, it was WFH on alternate days, followed by the closure of bars and entertainment venues. Then came the dreaded circuit breaker, which has since been extended to 1 June. On the surface, this might sound like nirvana for introverts, but after working from home for… are we still keeping track of the days? You soon realise it is just a mirage.
What was once a safe haven to recharge your mind and body has completely changed. Social distancing has made our homes a place of (virtual) interactions. Not to mention, there’s the pressure to stay connected with our friends and colleagues more than usual – us introverts can’t flake by saying we have other plans ‘cos all of us are “stuck” at home. To help you navigate through uncharted waters, here are some tips to reach peak quarantine state of mind and avoid a burnout.
Find a dedicated workspace
For starters, it isn’t wise to work on your bed. Stay motivated by finding a comfortable spot in your home to work. The longer you procrastinate, chances are, you will be working well beyond office hours, leaving you feeling drained. Here’s a list of ways to master the art of WFH, plus productivity apps that will surely come in handy.
Self-care doesn’t stop
Yes, just ‘cos you’re cooped up at home doesn’t mean you can’t #treatyourself to something nice. Set time aside to clear your head space and pamper yourself – here are some ways you can incorporate TLC to your quarantine life. Don’t stop there; go ahead and order in your favourite comfort food from top-notch restaurants or hawkers.
Don’t chase productivity
The fact of the matter is, we’re living through a pandemic and it’s perfectly alright not to be productive. Don’t let the bosses of social media or tweets on how Issac Newton and William Shakespeare produced their best work during the plague guilt trip you. Take a breather and unwind instead. Trust us, this is the time to do it. Watch some feel-good films, play fun mobile games, destress yourself with a book or while the day away with entertaining podcasts. And just to make you feel a little better, we’re pretty sure William Shakespeare and Issac Newton weren’t bombarded with Zoom meetings during a pandemic.
Stay in touch with your friends and family
Don’t get us wrong, while us introverts like our alone time, we value the connections we make with others. And there’s a fine line between being alone and being lonely. The circuit breaker might put a damper on your coffee catch-up and whatnots, but thanks to technology, you can move your gatherings online, from virtual game nights to drinking sessions over a video call.
It’s okay to say no
Taking the cue from Meghan Trainor’s iconic single “No”, if you don’t feel up to hanging out online, it’s okay to cancel. During these confusing times, you should put yourself first and not feel compelled to please others. What matters now is that you stay fighting fit and clock in enough ZZZs to boost your immunity.
