As many of you are aware, the majority of the year 2020 has kept most of us at home. Working from home, eating from home, exercising from home, and the occasional trip to the grocery store. At least that has been the case for me. I was personally working from home as a school based occupational therapist since March 2020. During my graduate school training, we were never prepared to work from home and utilizing online resources to provide services. It makes me think of future medical clinicians who will begin school in the future. They will probably have some class time spent in this fieldwork setting called teletherapy.
Working from home has been difficult to say the least. But I also think of all of the people who have been directly affected by this pandemic, and they have had a much more difficult time. I don’t want to compare my difficult time with anyone who has lost a loved one. My prayers and thoughts go out to those affected.
My prayers and thoughts go out to those affected.
As I mentioned earlier, I was working from home when I first started writing this blog. When working from home, I became sedentary sitting at my desk all day long. In addition to that, I felt like my daily routine was very repetitive. I will also mention that due to this, it caused sadness and thoughts of “being stuck”. There are some things that have helped me beat the blues, and I would like to dedicate this blog to all the people “stuck” at home or anywhere in life.
I want to share these 5 Top Things that have helped me cope with being at home. These 5 things are tools that I have used to help me cope and get through not so fun situations. You may already know these, but they serve as a great reminder. I believe they will shed some light on how to become “unstuck” at home or in your situation.
1. Have a prayer life
It is so important to give your first part of your day to God. Even before you get up, declare your thanks to God for we are alive and well. We get up and sometimes start thinking of all the things we need to do. By the time you know it, it is midday. Even if it is short, spend time with him in prayer. I cannot tell you the times when I did pray, I felt the difference. When we put God first, we are giving him our very first part, and the rest of the day will be blessed. (Mathew 6:33)
2. Listen to your favorite song
I cannot tell you the number of times I forget I have music on my iPhone. My husband blessed me earlier in the year with a Sirius XM subscription. Lets just say I can go 70s to 90s with a click of a button. Find a song that makes you smile and dance a little. I will share what I am listening to when I feel “stuck” at home. I listen to these songs super loud (sorry neighbors): “Light On” by Maggie Rogers, “World Outside Your Window” by Hillsong Young & Free, & “The Wire” by Haim. I am giving you permission to sing out loud and move those hips as much as you may!
3. Get some sunshine for at least 15 minutes 3 times a week
I was reading recently how more and more people are forgetting to go outside during this pandemic, and it got me thinking about my lack of exposure to the sun. Lately, I have been doing a good job of being out in the sun at least 3 times a week for 15 minutes in direct sunlight. Pencil your “sunshine time” in your calendar. Now go outside and try it.
4. Get out of the house and do an outdoor activity
This may seem like its being covered in #3, but I am thinking of more of a physical activity. Gardening, watering your plants, playing tennis at a local park, taking a hike at a nature trail, & walking your dog are some of the things that I have found so nurturing in my life lately. Try it!
5. Call someone funny
I have someone in particular that I enjoy talking to on the phone during the work week who makes my face hurt from laughing. You can even try a face time call as it makes it more personal and fun. So think of someone who makes you smile, and give them a call. You may need them, but what may surprise you is that they need you too!
To recap! My Top 5
- Have a Prayer Life
- Listen to your favorite song
- Get some sunshine for at least 15 minutes 3 times a week
- Get out of the house and do an outdoor activity
- Call someone funny
A positive thing that has occurred in this pandemic is we have learned to appreciate the things we used to do.
The key thing is doing something that is opposite of being inside your home. A positive thing that has occurred in this pandemic is we have learned to appreciate the things we used to do. As we wait till that day arrives, the challenge for you is to find creative ways to change your scenery and make the best out these circumstances.
I hope you enjoyed the 5 Top Things that have helped me cope with working from home. They are not just for people working from home, but also a good thing to try when you are feeling “stuck”. They are not a set prescription, but they sure have helped me. I know they will help you too! Now go try them!
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Paula Villarreal 
Love love love all these tips! And some of your favorite songs are ones ive never heard of, so I’m gonna go listen. One of my favorites is “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, and “Symphony” i forget who that’s by but its a contemporary Christian song. Thanks for sharing. I’d love to exchange phone numbers and laugh with you.
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