Is this Pandemic, the WFH reality-check that we needed?

Even as I write this, am glancing at the time, it is almost 5.30 pm here and my work for the day is far from over. Ever since the WFH / work-from-home schedule started, I have been unable to sign off all of the tasks by the evening. At office I was perhaps a lot more adept at time management. Still, I feel, I am more available throughout the day, more keen on working in tandem with the marketing teams because I conserve a lot more energy. The shortest breathers, like a 10-minute tickling session with my baby or changing her diapers, freshens the mind.

Things I can say with surety about these 'Perpetual Borrowers'....winners and sinners at the same time.

things to do when you feel anxious
Ready to adapt: this couple didn't seek the most comfortable environment for raising a family. They were ready to use whatever little space was available. And this plot of nesting land, too did came with plenty of distractions and lots of intrusions. However, their family has settled in rather well. They ensured picking a spot that provided comprehensive coverage against the sun and rain. What seems like a combination of living room and bedroom, their one-room accommodation comes sans any pretensions. They think that the iron pipe in the background is their idea of home decor, and the ugly remains of a shoddy cement job, once done, represent the landscaping. Overall, if this were a home-to-rent deal, nobody would have bought it. But like true borrowers, this couple overlooked all the possibly not-so-great things and chose to set up their nesting headquarters amid the ugliness.

Why corona hit restaurants businesses should and can pick-up...it is about mutual gains.

restaurant covid closure image news
PHOTOS BY KARI MASON
This was today in Google News' morning edition of the headlines - New York, which is quickly becoming the epicenter for the Corona tragedy, has had to shut down nearly all of its restaurant businesses, but what is more surprising is that this is happening across the U.S., and job loss emanating from this trend is massive. Closer to home, somewhat similar things are happening. While ordering in the food remains an option, it seems that more and more permanent closures are underway. While a temporary halt in the daily trading does not mean the end of the lifecycle for a business, just like the automobile sector, permanent closures mean permanent job losses - this is what is worrying me. These are jobs that can be saved. This is at least what I think, for overseas and for the shrinking food business marketplace in India. Just think of this - with the pandemic scare, all food biz are required to follow a lot more hygiene and safety norms. In many places, there are licensing and food inspection regulations. 

However, this is not the standard practice across the food serving industry, at least not in India, where the best pub might have a couple of cockroaches waiting to surprise you under the table. This is perhaps a good time as any to make this benchmark common; whether you are a five-star hotel or a roadside Dhaba, you will need to comply with more-than-average food hygiene standards. Obviously, the business owners are not going to be very upbeat about this, but then, the option is still a lot better than closing shutters. Further, more regulations can be put into place for food ordering, packaging, and delivery, at least until this phase blows over.

This means that each restaurant out there will need to upgrade to better food packaging standards and create cleaner cooking ecosystems that are doable with so many advances in food packaging/serving/preservation mediums. Yes, the conventional dining-out experiences are dead for some time, but if people really want to do it, and if they work with the local governments, there might still be a way to deliver a fine evening wining & dining experience at the doorstep - this might create more employment rather than firing the restaurant staff. If you compare this with the current trend of a restaurant business saying that we are closing out forever, this is worth a try at least - let us not kill the jobs that can be saved!

Gardening in the COVID Era is just like WFH - manage it better!! manage what you have!!

I cannot step out to visit a nursery and select the best possible replacements for plants that were laid to waste by the winter of 2019. Just like most things in life right now, gardening too has taken a new form, something very different from the conveniences of composting at will, adding granular coco peat in heaps, and rotating the planters every time something minuscule seems wrong with the arrangement. Corona is to blame for sure, but then, in some way, this is also making me realize the worth of making the best of what Life is offering right now, the best we can afford and accommodate, given the current pandemic. I have changed my approach, not letting any aging planters go to waste. I am trying to repurpose and recycle every bit of gardening supply I have.
 
The idea is simple - I cannot wait for things to get normal and allow the balcony gardening spread to take a more severe beating. As a result, the amount of aloe vera growing across my 4 balconies has increased exponentially. This is one plant you can trust when the going gets tough. Transplanting aloe and growing it in make-shift planters, too, is easy. For the first time in my 5 years of gardening, I have some degree of respect for the money plant. Until recently, I would frown upon it as an easy plant, an un-special plant, a bit too generic plant, and a lot more not-so-emphatic opinions.

Now, it seems like this is the plant to fill up planters that were getting a regal treatment until the pandemic broke out. Just like the aloe, the money plant is easy to care for and transplant. It can easily survive the high-shadow areas in the balconies. Just regular watering seems like the constant demand, and watering, using my arsenal of sprayers, is something I genuinely like doing, so this is not much of a chore for me. Now, the last entry in this list of Corona-restricted household gardening efforts is the snake plant. I have the smaller, stout variety that is very versatile and undemanding - nothing like the women I had dated during my late 20s and early 30s...an easy-breezy plant that needs little caring and basic handling.

Hygiene-up in times of Corona for the Fiddler

managing life during covid lockdown years
A quick adjustment of my spectacles, moving away from the growing flock of my forehead, and the customary knuckle rub along the outer tip of the nose - this is pretty much a part of my personal conduct at the office, home, job interview, or when having a good time, outdoors. By and large, I am a fiddler of the physical type. Until now, it was dropping these habits because they made me look a bit anxious, which I naturally happen to be without a good reason, and tends to undercut the impression. Now, living with Corona has given a new twist to these things. Now, dropping these mannerisms is about survival habits. Now, with a 2.5-month-old infant to care for at home, I have to cut out the habitual fiddling. I had never mindfully absorbed these traits.

How Corona is bringing back the balcony culture in my city..kind of!

mental health issues in covid lockdown years
It has been more than a week in the lock-down mode and yes, the viral scare has been increasing. Most folks like me have realized that being asked not to move around is very different from an extended leave from the workplace. Working from home too has its privileges but when there is so much pessimism around you, the anxiety starts flowing and it can take a toll on how well you perform, especially when you need to concentrate hard on endless emails and files-to-edit from home. However, there has been one, somewhat positive effect of the self-inflicted restrictions and those imposed by the system.

Best workout tips for people cannot jump high

what is jumper's knee?Jumping is an important part of exercising because it provides several benefits to the body. Jumping exercises, also known as plyometric exercises, are a type of high-intensity, explosive movement that can improve overall physical fitness and athleticism. Before delving deeper into why jumping should be a part of your workout regimen, it is also necessary to scan the pitfalls of it with one good example, commonly referred to as a jumper's knee. This problem is not due to weak bones or an existing injury. It happens to people who have been jumping a bit too much or those who are not used to jumping but are trying to push themselves into it. 

How to work from home when you are managing a toddler?

Working from home with kids is not easy

In today's world, working from home is common, and while it has many benefits, it can also be hard for parents. Work and family life can be hard to balance, and parents who work from home face a number of challenges that can make it hard for them to be productive and do their jobs as both parents and employees. In this article, we'll talk about some of the biggest problems that parents face when they work from home.

Distractions: Children are naturally active and curious, which can make it hard for parents who work from home to concentrate on their work without being interrupted by their kids. Parents can find it hard to focus on their work when their kids want their attention, want to play with their toys, or need to do chores around the house.

Lack of separation between work and home life: When you work from home, it can be hard to keep work and home life separate, which can cause the lines between the two to blur. This can make it hard for parents to leave work behind and spend quality time with their kids. Also, work can get in the way of family time, which can make you feel guilty and frustrated.

Lack of structure and routine: It can be hard for parents who work from home to keep a structured and routine work schedule. This can make it hard to tell the difference between work and family life.

This can make it hard for parents to set priorities and make good use of their time.

  • Care for children: Parents who work from home often have to find a way to balance their work and their children's needs. This can mean dealing with sick kids, taking care of kids who aren't in school or taking care of younger kids who need constant attention.
  • Isolation: Parents who work from home can feel lonely because they don't get to talk to their coworkers and colleagues as much as they would in an office. This can be especially hard for parents who are used to having coworkers with whom they can share ideas or talk about their lives.
  • Technical problems: Problems with the internet, software, or hardware can all interrupt a parent's workday and add to the stress and frustration of working from home. Self-care: It can be hard for parents who work from home to find time for things like exercise, healthy eating, and free time to do things they enjoy.

This can make you feel burned out and less satisfied with your job.

Work-from-home parenting is not easy

Working from home can be hard for parents because it can be distracting, and there isn't a clear line between work and home life. Parents also have to take care of their children and deal with technical problems. But with the right strategies, parents can get past these problems and find a good way to balance work and family life. Setting clear boundaries between work and home life, putting self-care first, and getting help from family, friends, or a professional counselor are all examples of these strategies. Working from home can be a good and fulfilling experience for parents if they do it the right way.

SOME TIPS TO HELP WORKING PARENTS WITH THIS

Taking care of a toddler while working from home can be hard. But it can be done well if you are organized and have patience. Here are some suggestions to help the process go more smoothly:

Make a schedule:

  • Set up a routine for both you and your toddler to follow every day.
  • This will help you both know what to expect and keep things from getting in the way at work.
  • Set limits: It's important to set limits between your work life and your life at home.
  • This can be done by giving everyone a set place to work and a set time to work.

Get your toddler involved: Look for ways to include your toddler in your workday.

  • This can be done by giving them easy things to do, like sorting papers or helping to make lunch.
  • Take breaks: It's important to take breaks from work so you can spend time with your toddler and recharge your own batteries.
  • Try to plan these breaks ahead of time so you can get the most out of the time you have together.
  • Plan for possible distractions. Toddlers can be hard to predict, so it's important to plan for possible things that could get in the way.
  • This can mean having a backup plan in case something goes wrong or having toys and activities on hand to keep them busy while you work.

Take care of yourself first. Taking care of yourself is important if you want to be able to handle work and a toddler well. Make time to work out, take care of yourself, and relax.

Talk to your boss: If you can, talk to your boss about what's going on.

They might be able to give you more freedom or work around your needs to make it easier for you to work from home with a toddler. In the end, working from home with a toddler can be hard, but it is possible if you have the right plans. You can handle both work and a toddler if you have a routine, set boundaries, include your toddler, take breaks, plan for distractions, put self-care first, and talk to your employer.

Managing kids when working at home is difficult

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO KNOW: Do employers help out parents who work from home and have small children?

Yes, some employers do help parents who work from home and have small children. The type and level of support can vary from employer to employer and from employee to employee. Here are some kinds of help that an employer might give:

  • Flexible work arrangements: Some employers may offer flexible work arrangements, like flexible schedules or part-time work, to help parents balance their work and family responsibilities.
  • Childcare help: Some employers may provide on-site child care or help pay for child care for employees who need it while working from home.
  • Technology and equipment: Employers may give their workers the laptops, monitors, and ergonomic office chairs they need to do their jobs well from home.
  • Support for mental health: Some employers may offer counseling services, mindfulness programs, or other types of mental health support to help employees deal with the stress and challenges of working from home.
  • Training and development: When an employee works from home, their employer may offer training and development opportunities to help them improve their skills and knowledge.

It's important to remember that not all employers offer these kinds of help, and the level of help can vary depending on the employer and the needs of the employees. It's always a good idea for employees to talk to their boss about their needs and find out what kinds of help are available. 

Work from home lifestyle does take a toll
What is better for parents working from home and managing kids - working during the day or the night?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because the best schedule depends on each person's unique situation. Some parents might find it easier to work during the day while their kids are at school or with someone else, while others might prefer to work at night when their kids are sleeping. Parents who work during the day may be able to focus more on their jobs and get more done because they have set times to do so. They may also be able to spend more time with their kids when they are not working. But it could also mean that parents don't have time to spend with their kids or take care of their needs during the day.

Parents who work at night may be able to spend more time with their kids during the day and be more available to meet their needs, but they may also feel tired and burned out. Working at night can also make it hard for the rest of the family to get enough sleep, which can mess up schedules and affect both work and family life. In the end, the best schedule will depend on many things, such as the parents' work schedules, their children's needs, and their own sleep habits and preferences. Parents need to find a schedule that works for them and their families, and they need to let their employers know what they need so that they can balance their work and family responsibilities well.

Work from home lifestyle will continue

A bit about work-from-home for those who believe that the Pandemic brought this to our lives...

The idea of working from home has been around for a long time, but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought it to the attention of millions of people around the world.
The pandemic has sped up the move toward working from home, and many companies are scrambling to get used to this new normal.
But it's important to remember that people were already working from home before the pandemic.
In the past few years, improvements in technology have made it easier to work from home, and more and more companies are starting to like the idea of a flexible work environment.
The rise of the gig economy and the need for a better balance between work and life have also contributed to the rise of remote work.
Before the pandemic, the number of people who worked from home at least half the time was already at 4.3 million, according to a 2019 survey.

The pandemic has only sped up this trend, as companies have had to quickly switch to remote work to make sure their employees are safe.
Even though this sudden change has brought some problems, many companies are starting to see the benefits of remote work, such as higher productivity, lower overhead costs, and a happier, more engaged workforce.
In conclusion, working from home was becoming more popular before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations to adopt it much more quickly.
Companies are starting to see the benefits of a flexible work environment as remote work becomes more common. They are thinking about making it a permanent part of their business models. 
The future of work is already here, and it is becoming more and more remote. This gives workers more control over their work-life balance and a better quality of life - the Pandemic just made this concept more mainstream, bringing it to nearly the entire IT sector!

How to work from home if there are seniors in the home who need care?

Work from home in a home with seniors

It can be hard to care for seniors and work from home, but it is possible with some planning and preparation.
Here are a few suggestions that might help:

  • Set a schedule and stick to it. Make a routine that works for both you and the senior you are caring for.
  • Make a space just for work. It should be quiet and comfortable so you can work without being distracted.
  • Talk to your boss and coworkers and let them know what's going on and if you have any specific needs or problems.
  • Plan for the seniors' needs. Make sure meals, medicine, and activities are planned for the senior while you are at work.
  • Take breaks. It's important to stop what you're doing every so often to check on the seniors and see what they need.
  • Consider getting help from someone else. You could hire a caregiver or sign up for an adult daycare program to give you a break.

By using these tips, you can work from home and still take care of other people's needs.

Managing home chores, kids, pets working from home

What do therapists say about people who work from home?

Different psychiatrists have different thoughts about working from home, but many have raised concerns about how it affects mental health. Here are a few common thoughts:

  • Isolation and loneliness: Working from home can make you feel alone and isolated, which is bad for your mental health.
  • Work-life balance: When you work from home, it can be hard to separate work and home life, which can lead to more stress and burnout.
  • Lack of physical activity. Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is linked to depression and anxiety, among other health problems.
  • Boundary problems: When you work from home, it can be hard to tell where work time ends and personal time begins. This can make you feel guilty or angry.

A structure can be hard to set up. Some people may find it hard to set up a structured schedule and stay disciplined when they work from home. But psychiatrists also say that working from home can be good in some ways, like giving you more freedom and letting you spend more time with loved ones. The key is to find a balance that works for you and to take steps to keep your mental health in good shape. 

Taking care of toddlers in WFH lifestyle

Some Concluding Thoughts: working from home hasn't been easy for couples, even without kids or seniors to take care of...

Working from home has had a big effect on many couples, both in a good way and in a bad way.
Here are some common effects:

  • More time together. Working from home has given some couples more time to spend together, which has strengthened their relationship.
  • Relationships have been strained for some people who work from home because they spend more time together, and the lines between work and personal life become less clear.
  • Problems with balancing household responsibilities. When both partners live at home, it can be hard to take care of the housework and the kids at the same time.
  • Less intimacy and sexual satisfaction. The lack of privacy and increased stress that come with working from home can make people feel less close to each other and less sexually satisfied.
  • Better communication: Working from home can make you need to talk to people more clearly and openly, which can make your relationships better and help you understand them better.

The effects of a work-from-home lifestyle on couples are different for each pair and depend on their individual situations and the way their relationships work. Couples need to talk
 to each other openly and find ways to help each other keep a healthy balance between work and life.

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHY the work-from-home lifestyle, culture, and problems are not going away any time soon!

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies all over the world have been forced to allow millions of employees to work from home.
Many people at first thought that remote work was just a temporary way to deal with the pandemic, but it's becoming clear that it's here to stay.
In this article, we'll talk about why people will still work from home after the pandemic is over. 
Studies have shown that people who work from home are often more productive than people who work in an office setting.
With the ability to get rid of distractions and make their own workspace, remote workers are able to focus better and finish tasks more quickly.

Cost Savings: One of the best things about remote work is that companies can save money on costs.
Companies can cut their overhead costs by not having to pay for a physical office. This saves money on rent, utilities, and other costs.


Work-Life Balance: Employees have more control over their work-life balance when they work from home.
If employees don't have to drive to work every day, they can spend more time with their families, do hobbies, and take care of other personal responsibilities.


Talent Attraction and Retention: Companies that offer remote work options are more appealing to job seekers since remote work is becoming more important to many people.
By letting people work from home, companies can find and keep the best workers, even if they live in different cities or countries.


Accessibility is also improved because remote work makes it possible for people with disabilities or who live in remote areas to work.
This increased access could make the lives of many people better and help close the gap between those who can work and those who can't.


In conclusion, working from home is not a temporary trend, and it will keep happening even after the pandemic is over.
Companies are likely to make remote work a permanent part of their business models as the benefits of it become clearer.
Remote work is the way of the future, and it gives employees a better quality of life, makes them more productive, and saves companies money. 


A growing number of adults — not just recent high-school graduates — are enrolling in college courses. These learners [including parents] are often older than traditional students. They are returning to school for career growth, skill development, personal interests, or new opportunities rather than just a standard four-year degree path. The trend includes people already in the workforce, parents, and those juggling jobs and family duties. They might take credit or non-credit courses, pursue professional certificates, enroll in continuing education programs, or even begin new degree studies. Why they’re going back to school:
  • To advance their careers, get higher pay, or improve job stability.
  • To learn marketable skills in areas like technology, business, or creative fields.
  • To satisfy personal interests or pursue subjects they didn’t study earlier.
Universities and colleges are offering more flexible programs — such as part-time enrolment, online courses, and shorter certificate options — to fit adult learners’ busy lives. These adult students [often parents who were recently in the WFH mode] often balance school with work and family. Experts recommend planning around time, finances, and goals before stepping back into higher education. Support systems like employer tuition programs and flexible schedules make it easier.