Lockdown depression

Just to show you how different people are, I am super happy under lock-down. Solitary and alone, fully focused and my work is done during set times.

Not making fun of you friend, just trying to illustrate how different we all are. The things that make us happy varies between individuals in different ways.

I am dreading the call back to the plantation though. I am getting so used to this vibe, sans the unavailability of products, services and takeout of course.

Good luck and remember, it has to go back to 'normal', but will it ever be the same? Mmm...

Same here. I wish I can continue working from home. I get more done. Have more time. Be in my own space.
 
I had issues in the beginning where i worked long. Lets say, that didn't last long.

For work, i schedules time on my calendar for certain activities. Wake up at 06:00, Start work at 07:30, 10:00 is tea break, 12:30 is lunch, 15:00 Afternoon snack and 17:00 is knock off time. That way i can take time of for family.

30 minutes exercise session for either the morning or afternoon.
 
As many have said - get a routine going and stick with it.
Get up no later than 06H00. Go for a 30 minute walk. Shower and dress as if I'm going to work. Have a decent breakfast. Start working at 07H30. Take regular breaks (fortunately I have a decent size garden, so I take a walk around). Take a full lunch hour, eat something decent - time is dependent on work activities, but take it. Stop working at 16H30 - shut down work PC. Attend to home duties (dishes, some cleaning, shopping for essentials if required, etc.). Ignore anything work related that may come in via Cell. Enjoy the rest of the evening with the family. Go to sleep when tired.
 
Routine and structure.

A lot of us are so used to structure being provided by an external source. When you go into the office, you are provided with a structure within which to work. This helps you be more productive and you come to rely on it. When it is taken away from you, your productivity plummets and this can make you feel guilty. It can also disrupt the things that you would normally do for your own wellbeing, such as exercise. Perhaps you used to exercise before work, but now because you don't go into the office, you don't bother.

So, I think the first thing to do is realise that you have got used to relying upon externally provided structure, and seek to replicate some of that yourself. You can sort of fake it. What you need to do is get hold of an A5 book - I recommend a ring bound A5 notebook. Start writing lists of things to do every day. Tick off something after you have done it.

This list should contain both a list of items for work and personal items. So, you could have "Clean the dishes", "Go for a walk", "cook supper", "work on that strategy document" or whatever. The point is, this gets you planning what you need to do every day, and creates accountability for whether you do it or not. And, you'll feel a little surge of happiness when you tick something off. Even something like cleaning the dishes.

You should also add social things to your list. Add stuff like "Phone Mom", or "Zoom session with friends". It sounds silly, but sometimes its a good idea to get yourself to reach out, especially now.
 
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