If you are living in our world right now, you know that it can be draining being constantly "on," even more than we are used to via our new virtual world. It can be hard to put down the laptop and stop being in a work mindset, because work and play have now been combined on to the same devices and it can be hard to distinguish when work stops and breaks begin. I am with you if you are having a hard time making those distinctions, but I also very much value self care and know how important it is for all levels of our overall well-beings. Here are some tips and tricks I have been doing when I feel drained, and maybe they can help you to combat some of that fatigue we are all naturally feeling due to our current climate and environment.

1) Close your eyes and listen to music

One thing I have noticed for myself in this virtual setting are that my eyes are constantly tired! I might not be physically tired, but it can be very hard on your eyes to be looking constantly at a screen. To combat this, I have been taking quick 10-15 minute breaks where I close my eyes and put on 3-4 songs that I love. I let the music soothe and rejuvenate me, and then I am better able to jump back into the work I need to get done!

2) Turn off your Zoom camera for a two-minute stretch break

This is self care to the max and something I have been doing constantly! It can be hard to be "on" for a whole meeting, so shutting off your camera and letting your body move for a quick short break is not only great physically, but is also a great mediative exercise for your brain too!

3) Set "work hours" and "play hours" and tell others about those expectations

Try to mirror your in-person expectations for work hours versus home/family hours even in a virtual setting! If you set yourself up for a more 9-5 work day, that can help you and prevent you from answering emails or writing something up for your supervisor later than that. Tell others about those expectations you have so they can help you to better be successful and help you to keep your self care in mind. If it helps, have Post-Its on your computer that show when and when you should not be answering!!! Hold yourself and help yourself to stay accountable!

It is hard to know when we should be on and when we should be off in this virtual world, but we hold the power to self care in our hands...and we all deserve those well-deserved breaks!