With children home from school and many of us working side-by-side with partners and roommates – it’s normal to feel like you might go a bit stir-crazy.
We’re all in this together, so we thought we’d share some ideas from members of our team who are now working remotely – ways to stay entertained, look after yourself mentally and physically, and maybe even boost your productivity during this time.
Here’s what we came up with:
- Denise, one of our Directors has found that organising a virtual drink and quiz over FaceTime is a great alternative if you’re missing trips to the pub with friends and family.
- Is homeschooling the kids getting a bit much?
Our Receptionist, Natalie stays calm amid the chaos by taking ten minutes to herself with this free meditation audio. - Paul is one of our Site Managers and has been making his way through all those little jobs around the house that he’s been putting off for ages. You can also get into the DIY spirit by hanging pictures, painting the garden fence or fixing that dodgy door handle.
- Our Marketing Manager, Mark has been exercising his green thumbs and taking this time to tend to the garden. He recommends this blog written by Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don if you’re stuck for ideas on what to do in your garden this month.
- It’s more important than ever to keep active over the coming weeks and months, and Matt our Health & Safety Manager has been exploring the best free fitness classes the virtual world has to offer using Sports England’s recommendations.
The good news is that there’s a wealth of online content – from Yoga classes to fitness classes – that can help you stay active indoors. - Simon works as a Senior Marketing Executive and makes the excellent point that staying indoors doesn’t have to mean skipping date night. You can still get dressed up for a special meal with your other half, just pick your favourite food and prepare it at home or even splash out and order in from a local business.
- Katy Harris, our Technical Administrator recommends making the most of your time at home by taking the opportunity to give it a truly thorough spring clean. Ditching the clutter will also help you stay productive and focused when working from home.
- Like many of us, Head of Customer Service, Chris, and his wife have been busy keeping the kids entertained. During the week, a school day in their house includes PE. with Joe Wicks, Horrible Histories and Blue Planet – their usual family meal planner has been turned into a school timetable (see image).
- Jamie Robinson our Senior Surveyor, has chosen to get creative with the ingredients at the back of his cupboard. Did you know that you can make meringues using the water from a tin of chickpeas? Check out this BBC Good Food recipe if you’re looking to try something new.
- Now is the perfect time to get into podcasts – Lily in the Marketing Team recommends keeps entertained by learning about inspiring women from history with the History Chicks or getting your weekly dose of weird and wonderful facts from the team behind QI on No Such Thing as a Fish.
- As well as making the most of her time as a stay-at-home dog mum, Bex our Construction Site Administrator has been staying fit with online yoga, barre and HIIT classes from our local Re-Flection Wellness in Crowthorne.
- During the working week, our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team are hosting ‘The Meet Up’ every other day. A half-hour video call to get everyone together for a bit of fun and light-hearted conversation.
Recently we had a ‘Bring Your Pet To Work/Webcam Day’ which certainly put a smile upon everyone’s face!
