During these trying times, it is important to look after ourselves and provide the needed self-love to keep us positive and reduce stress. There is a brilliant video series by unicef.org chronicling WFH strategies. Day 4’s video suggests that those confined to home for work or school should come up with a “well-being plan.” We can all use the further reminder that music, family, laughing, hope, writing, drawing, love, prayer, reverence, and being kind have not been cancelled.

I’ve drawn liberally from those tips.

I. Stick to Routines
While it sounds easy enough, without the alarm clock ringing and the push to get into the car on the dot or face a longer-than-necessary commute, its hard to stick to routines when WFH. Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore reminds us to get up, take a shower, get dressed, do your hair, do the dishes. Involve children into the family plan as well.

II. Stay Connected
Check in over video chats with family, friends and colleagues. Fore suggests opening up about feelings and especially checking in with those who are alone during these difficult times. Why not continue the morning coffee routine virtually?

III. Engage in Hobbies
What’s your favorite hobby or exercise? Reignite your passion for dance. Hula hoop, anyone like to jump rope? Read out loud, sing out loud. Karaoke anyone? Sew or Knit. Do puzzles. Play tic-tac-toe, chess, backgammon, cards, Scrabble.

IV. Set a Worry Window
This one reminded me of the book The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside that I used to read to my children, but with a great suggestion. Throughout the day, write down all your worries. Then, give yourself permission, says Fore, to think about them during a certain time of the day that you’ve set aside. What a great way to not get down-and-out due to the overload of news, and stem the tide of uncertain thoughts about the future.

V. Adopt Well-Being Practices
While planning your day, take time to practice meditation and mindfulness. If you’ve never done it before, why not start now? Exercise and journaling are good ways to channel your thoughts, while others enjoy a yoga practice. Spirituality and prayer can relieve stress. There are so many great apps and channels to explore to get you started or keep you on your path.

VI. Be of Service
Keep asking: “What do you need help with today?” It’s that easy to find a way to be of service. Added bonus–it changes our mindset from feeling helpless to becoming the helper. Small acts of service and good deeds go a long way. I’ve seen lovely acts of generosity from individuals who are putting their fitness, all sorts of training courses, and subscriptions etc., online for everyone to use.

I found my copy of Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez while Spring Cleaning, yet another way to express ultimate self-care for yourself in your home.

Stay safe. Stay upbeat. Stay calm. Practice social distancing.