With January coming to an end and another few weeks of winter ahead us, we gathered some simple tips on how to get through this special time and our not so new but still very unknown every day life.
1 – Get dressed. And by that we don’t mean swapping your pjs for sweatpants. I have been working from home for nearly a decade and one thing I learned is that getting dressed is essential. So get up, dry brush (it works wonder for getting your circulation going) and take a shower. Put together a comfortable, yet dressed outfit. Sometimes I even wear shoes to feel ready for the day, especially when I have important calls on my to do list.
Get fully dressed – even if you are working from home.
(AML Stool by FRAMA; Ankle Boots by Maison Martin Margiela)
2 – Drink that water! Try to drink at least two liters a day. Some even say before 12 o’clock. I am not sure about that but know for sure that your brain and your whole body work way better when well hydratet.
3 – Take a break. If you are working from your kitchentable, it might feel appealing having lunch in front of your computer. But take a break, eat your lunch away from your screen and go for a walk. You can even get some take-away and meet your friend for a lunch at the park.
4 – Eat real food. The sales of processed food have increased enormously these past months. Most of these products contain ingredients with names we can’t even pronounce. Most of them don’t do your body any good. Instead of filling your fridge with processed food, try to go for organic and seasonal vegetables, good fats (nuts, avocados or fatty fish), carbohydrates such as brown rice or millet and pulses and seeds. Check out Daphne Javitch on Instagram, if you want to know more about a healthy lifestyle. I have hardly ever heard someone talking about „fresh leafy greens” with so much passion as the integrative nutritionist.
5 – Declutter your home. Nope, I am not Marie Kondo and I would never advise you to get rid of your stuff to invest in the products I sell. But I am convinced that a declutterd home – it doesn’t have to minimalistic – makes you feel lighter and less distracted. Do one thing at a time. Maybe you want to start with your wardrobe or prefer to tidy your pantry or bathroom cupboard. Whatever you decide to get rid of, ask friends or organisations what they might need, before producing more landfill. And next time you click „buy”, sleep on it, because actually the key to less landfill is quite simple: Buy less, choose well, make it last.
6 – Spend time outside. Go for walks, cuddle up in a warm blanket and read the paper on the balcony. Your body needs sunlight to get Vitamin D. Whenever the sun is out, get 15 minutes of sunlight. If you can, even expose your arms and legs. It will make you feel more energised and eventually happier.
7 – Move your body. Try yoga, dance to your favorite song or explore a new neighbourhood by bike.
8 – Invest in your sleep. Go to bed early, switch off your phone and computer, let in some fresh air and read a book.
9 – Buy yourself flowers. I have never met someone who wasn’t delighted with a bunch of frehs flowers.
Parrot tulips in a vessel by Jessica Coates
9 – Talk to your friends and family. Even if most of us are not allowed to meet more than one person at a time, try to stay in contact with your loved ones. Introduce FaceTime or Skype to your grandparents so you can still see each other. For all the couples out there: When was the last time, you asked your partner how she/he really was? And you really listened?
10 – Think of others. Don’t be that idiot at the supermarket with his mask under his nose, pretending he didn’t notice.
11 – Be gentle. With yourself and others.