Peritus Wellness Roundtable: Finding Our "New Normal"
After more than a full month of working remotely and social distancing during COVID-19, our team has taken time to reflect on how we are prioritizing wellness since the normal routines of our daily lives are anything but normal.
Fortunately, we have found ways to minimize unhealthy habits and Netflix marathons (which we endorse in moderation) through fostering connection with one another and embracing wellness, including weekly team initiatives and our own personal spin of maintaining vibrant, creative and healthy habits.
We want to encourage you to take charge of your own health and wellness by offering a few tips we have learned along the way.
1. How are you prioritizing wellness while we work remotely?
“I make time every day to write in my daily devotional journal three things I am thankful for...it will be interesting to look back a few years from now and remember the emotions I was facing during these challenging days.”
Mary Elizabeth: I’ve made it a priority to get outside for at least a few minutes every day, even if it’s multitasking and taking a work call while going on a walk.
Erin: Right now, physical activity is the most important thing for my energy levels and sanity. I’ve been waking up early for at-home Orangetheory workouts and taking long evening walks with my family around our neighborhood.
Sally: This pandemic has helped me put life into perspective and realize everything will work out exactly how it is supposed to, even if it isn’t part of the original plan – even if it means replanning my wedding that has been in the works for 13 months. Learning to let go and stay calm was challenging at first but has been empowering and great for my mental health.
Hanlon: My goal is to do some type of daily physical activity – running, biking, walking, yoga or an at-home workout – and catch up with at least one friend or family member on the phone or over a Zoom video chat.
Samantha: I have been focusing on physical, emotional and social wellness during this social isolation situation. I am an extrovert who doesn’t effectively take time to “relax,” so this has been quite an adjustment for me.
Eliza: All this extra time at home has given me a chance to work on my intellectual wellness and brush up on my rusty Spanish skills. My brother and I are both trying to learn a new language, so we are in a competition to win the most points each week on Duolingo (I’m currently in the lead).
2. What is one tip that you have learned thus far?
“Give yourself grace. I have learned the importance of planning out your day the best you can to stay on track, but it’s okay to step away and take a walk around the house for a break.”
Louise: One thing I realized is that although our team is savvy with telecommunication best practices, some of our partners need support and patience transitioning to remote working. For those that need some inspiration, check out our blog on best practices when working remotely.
Mary Elizabeth: For me, sticking to a routine has been key and having a dedicated workspace to separate work from home life.
Erin: Find connection where you can. I’ve recently caught up with a lot of long distance friends and family through FaceTime, with the extra time on my hands.
Hanlon: It’s a trial and error process. If you haven’t found the right work groove yet, keep tweaking and experimenting with a few things and eventually you’ll learn what routine works best for you.
Samantha: Because you aren’t in the office to pop over to someone’s desk to ask them a question, any communications or questions need to be clear and have context. Slack has been great for us to support this.
Eliza: It is important to find ways to disconnect from work. Even though your work and home are now the same place – be sure you are logging off and taking time to recharge.
3. What resources have you used to stay healthy while social distancing?
Louise: Fresh air, a nice walk and joint workouts with my husband through a free YouTube subscription of Sydney Cummings
Mary Elizabeth: Virtual cooking classes, Orangetheory Fitness video workouts and Zoom happy hours
Erin: Sunday morning services at Mountaintop Community Church and at-home workout classes
Sally: Podcasts and remote workout classes are good for the soul
Hanlon: Virtual happy hours, midday walks, book club reads and the good ole’ Netflix binge session
Eliza: Lots of FaceTiming with friends, remote games of Jeopardy and endless puzzles
“Virtual yoga, Zoom happy hours, remote Rotaract meetings, podcasts, Audible books. You name it, I’ve done it!”
4. What has been your favorite quarantine purchase?
Louise: Baby formula (just in case) and LOTS of stationery
Mary Elizabeth: A Shipt subscription (total game changer)
Erin: Roku and sidewalk chalk
Sally: Big Spoon gift cards to support my favorite local ice cream shop
Hanlon: A crockpot, yoga mat and bulk order of GreenBelly meals
Sam: Plenty of skincare items
Eliza: New board game – Ticket to Ride
Our team has created unique "Wellness Challenges” to participate in during this time of social distancing. To keep up our team’s mental health, we take turns planning Zoom events. Whether it is a competitive game of Jeopardy, a cooking lesson with our very talented chef, Shona, or stretching breaks led by good friends, we make a point to continue communicating with each other outside of work calls.
Our Published by PERITUS takeaway is this:
Finding a “new normal” is going to be a different process for everyone – so cut yourself some slack if you haven’t gotten there yet. By focusing on wellness efforts that bring out the best in you, you can shift your mindset to embrace this unprecedented period we are facing and improve your health and happiness as a result.