#working tips

In pink to hopefully lighten up the current mood, specifically for those who still have to go to work or school like moi , which hopefully is not a lot of people.

- Hand sanitizers cannot replace soap and water (please wash your hands with soap and water whenever you can. hand sanitizers should be treated as an option B only)

- Wash your clothes after you’ve been to a crowded, public place such as the mall or grocery stores (especially if your clothes have metal details on them. this goes for metal details on shoes and your wallet too - remember to disinfect them properly)

- Cut your nails, if you can (especially to avoid biting them, either out of habit or anxiety)

- Write small reminders onto your hands (not only does this helps you remember to do - or not to do - certain things, but it also serves as a distraction. you would feel compelled to look at your hands more. can’t really do that if your hands are touching your face right?) 

- With some specific types of doors in public buildings, you can lean your back onto them or use your arm/ elbow to push them open (basically find as many alternatives as you can to not have to touch them with your hands)

- Minimize the use of earphones/ headphones, phones, etc. when you have to go outside (I’ve been trying to leave my phone at home to prevent myself from spreading germs onto its surface with my unwashed hands. this virus can live on these surfaces for long periods of time, so it is best to not invite them into your house and bedroom via your phone or earphones. I would also recommend disinfecting these items when you get home)

- If you have to go grocery shopping (at some point), it’s better to use credit cards than paying in cash. bring your own pen to sign receipts as well (reduce contact with the cashier, other people in line, and possible external virus carriers like coins that have been passed from people to people during previous transactions)

- If you have/want to use your cash, try your best to estimate the amount you would need to make your interaction with the cashier shorter, as mentioned in the previous point (I used to do this all the time when I’m in a hurry and now it turns out to be a really efficient strategy in our current situation)

- Be careful, sure, but try not to get paranoid (take care of your mental health during these times. be selective of the information you receive. remind yourself that the prevention is simple: stay at home, don’t touch your face, and wash your hands. remind yourself that it is preventable if you pay just a little bit more attention to your habits/ routines)

- Take care of yourself (and your immune system too) (get enough sleep, drink loads of water, use mouthwash, eat, exercise, etc. also be mindful of your mental health, as I mentioned before)

- It’s definitely okay to feel lost and scared (it’s okay if you want to cry. it’s okay if you’re overwhelmed and confused. it’s okay if you don’t want to read the news or see the numbers right now. it’s okay if you need distractions. it’s okay for you to feel)

- And finally, please think about others too  (this is the time to adapt and work together, not to whine or step on others for one’s benefits. don’t hoard things you don’t need. give up unnecessary steps in your routine like going for coffee or boba. be willing to stay away from friends, family, and loved ones. you are in this whether you like it or not. your contributions matter. your actions matter. your willingness matters)

These seem like small changes, but I hope they play a big part in protecting yourself and breaking harmful habits. If you are currently working or studying from home, I’ve got some tips on productivity that I hope can help you too.

I don’t know about you but it is really becoming difficult for me to remain productive and positive. While the pandemic seems to be easening up a bit and the world is coming into Phase 2, I just can’t help to think that things will not be normal for a very long time. Yes we may be able to get our hair & nails done but will the world truly be “back to normal”. I don’t know.

As I continue into my natural kick - I am not only journaling my thoughts to better understand myself but I am also getting into natural ways to alter my emotions. I still have my morning joe to jump start my heart but I am also going the natural routine.

Here are five ways to give yourself that little boost!

Morning Stretch / Yoga

One thing I miss the most about the real world is my cycling class. While I messed up my hair every time - having a little exercise really helped me look forward to things. I’ve taken this approach and taken it to my morning routine. Every morning, before I pick up my phone, I do a little stretch to get the blood flowing. After laying down for so many hours this does help me feel better.

Stay Hydrated

W A T E R. As I wrote the word I reached over to take a sip. Think of inside your body like the outside of your body - you need water to clean your outside & you need water to clean your insides. Before you drink your morning cup of coffee - make sure to have a glass of water first. Drinking a glass in the morning helps flush the toxins out of your body and keeps your skin moisturized.

Take A Pause

I think a lot of us are forgetting it is okay to take a break. Let me remind you - it is okay to take a break. It is also okay to not get on social media. It is also okay to not touch your phone. I’ve started this thing where for the first hour of my morning I do not touch my phone. I feel like the first things you see in the morning and the last things you see at night really alter your feelings. While I want to make sure I know what is going on I also know I can only effect change when I am healthy, physically & mentally. Take a pause and control your thoughts.

Vitamin B

According to Healthline, “Vitamin B has a direct impact on your energy levels, brain functions and cell metabolism. Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and helps support or promote cell health”. Taking vitamins in the morning, especially vitamin B, helps with that extra push. While taking this in the morning will not have the same effects as a caffeine shot, its effects will give you a little boost and improve your overall health.

Control Your Stress