(951) 674-9400 (Lake Elsinore Corporate Office)
(760) 761-4300 (San Marcos Office, Recruitment and Training Center)
information@kamalii.org
Donate
Working from home and helping your kids through distance learning is no easy feat, especially when you’re doing it most of the day, 5 days a week. To prevent feeling like you have 2 full-time jobs and to make the coming months as easy as possible, try creating a realistic daily routine for you and especially your kids to follow. Here are some things we recommend doing in your daily stay at home routine to make it less stressful and as enjoyable as possible.
Yes, even on the weekends. Our bodies thrive when they are able to follow a consistent sleep schedule rather than an erratic one and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day has been said to improve your mood, increase your concentration and even boost your immunity. Getting yourself and your kids into a consistent sleep routine will make working together on school work and avoiding tired meltdowns (from both of you) that much easier.
Use Excel or any other calendar app to create fun, color-coded weekly schedules for your kids to follow on their own. Let them know that you have a schedule just like this for your work and that having a daily schedule is a very grown-up thing to do. They will most likely take pride in knowing their own schedule. Color code by event and be sure to include all of their classes, meals, and extracurricular activities. Even plan in “free time” or “playtime” to give them something to look forward to throughout the day.
I know it sounds odd, but this will make you feel more productive and give you a better faux-work environment. Schedule yourself a coffee break and a few meal breaks throughout your home workday and when it comes time, actually take the breaks. Avoid feeling like you have to continue working while you eat and just give yourself the time to regroup and relax while you enjoy your meal.
Wake yourself up anywhere from a few hours to 15 minutes earlier than the time you’d like to get started on the day’s to-do list. Decide how much time you need based on your ideal morning routine. Then instead of jumping right into your first work assignment or school project of the day, take some time to yourself to shower, journal, meditate, make some breakfast, or do whatever you enjoy doing in the mornings so you aren’t immediately sucked into work. This will make your day feel longer and more productive which is helpful when days begin to feel shorter and unproductive while safe at home.
We know it’s hard, but changing out of your pajamas and into new clothes will help you get into the mindset of working and have you ready for the day. Try and be comfortable still while getting away from your favorite flannel pants and bunny slippers. This step in your daily routine, and arbitrary as it may seem, will really set the tone for your day and cause you to feel more motivated to get your work done.
Quarantine and social distancing can be hard, and we know how you feel. Working from home, becoming your kid’s educator, and keeping everyone entertained all day is not an easy task, so consider yourself a rockstar. Implementing these simple changes to your daily routine will help you out in the long run, even when COVID-19 has long passed. Our positive thoughts are with you and your family, above all stay safe and healthy.