Maintain Your Brain

As much as it is important to keep your computer up to date and maintained, it is just as important to maintain your brain! Many of us are working remotely for the first time. Such drastic changes to our normal lives and routines can cause anxiety, stress and uncertainty. We may feel off-balance and overwhelmed. Here are 4 ways you can stay sane before you return to the office:

1. Let's get physical. It won't surprise you to learn that exercise is good for stress and anxiety, but did you know that even 15 minutes of chair yoga can help stretch your neck and loosen lower back muscles? I recommend 20-25 minutes of exercise five days per week. 2. Eat healthy snacks. Reaching for food when we're not hungry is a common stress reaction, and at home we may find ourselves regularly grabbing sweets or overindulging in snacks. There are some simple things we can do to break those habits, like filling up a bottle with water and drinking it regularly to stay hydrated. This helps you stay alert and can eliminate any mistaken hunger rumblings that are actually thirst signals.

3. Prepare for a good night's sleep. A common reaction to uncertainty is difficulty falling asleep, trouble getting back to sleep once you're awake or both. Practice good sleep hygiene - set a wake time and bedtime that is fairly consistent every day, turn off TVs and devices at least 30 minutes prior to sleep, cool the room down and make sure your room is dark and inviting.  4. Enjoy fresh air! Over the past few weeks, you've likely seen many people out walking the dog or simply strolling together as a family. Take after them; getting fresh air is a great idea. You can still maintain a six-foot distance from others and wear a mask when walking in your neighborhood. Above all, stay safe and be healthy!

An excerpt from our newsletter - Maintenance Dept