It’s important to carve out a little quiet time every day - whether it’s for homework, catching up on emails, or just some time to zone out.  Take time each day to treat your home like it’s a library.  Even just 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference.  Silence has been found to help improve your memory and focus.  When you truly give yourself some quiet time, you may be surprised at how much you’re able to get done.

Many studies have shown that the amount of time you spend outdoors is correlated to an increase in good health.  A short walk around the block helps to get your blood flowing and activates your brain chemistry.  A walk can also be the perfect excuse for a little alone time or a heart to heart conversation.  Being outdoors is also a great source for vitamin D.  The sun reacts with the cholesterol in your skin to create vitamin D.  You need vitamin D to properly absorb calcium.  So do your teeth a favor and get out in the sun!

We are constantly bombarded with app notifications, texts, calls and emails.  Dr. Adam Alter, a psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, wrote a whole book detailing how our screens are designed to be addictive.  We are all spending more and more time in front of screens. Alter found “the average is now four hours a day for the average American adult and for kids and teens who use screens, it's up to six.”  Every step you take to cut down on your screen time can help increase the amount of time spent being productive or spending time with family. Try blocking access to distracting phone apps once you’ve surpassed your daily allotment of time for scrolling.  Or download an app specifically designed to help curb your phone usage.  During peak work hours, you can block certain distracting websites on your computer or laptop.  If noise is a problem for you, try on a pair of noise-canceling headphones.  Or maybe you work best with soft background music.  If your family is driving you nuts, set some boundaries by creating a “do not disturb” sign to remind them that you are at work.

You may have heard of the phrase “freshman 15,” but have you heard about the “quarantine 15?” No? Just me?  One possible side effect of being home more is snacking more.  Who can blame you for stress eating? The year 2020 has been packed with unprecedented stress.  But now it might be time to do a pantry cleanse.  Instead of buying chips, munch on baby carrots instead. Stock up on nutritious snacks, like nuts, veggies and fruit.  Add a few local healthy restaurants to your go-to food deliveries. Nourishing your body and brain will help keep you on track for a productive and healthy day.

Keep the communication lines open.  This year will continue to be full of learning curves.  Remember to check-in with yourself and your family.  Track what is working well and what could use improvement.  Find a support group in your family, friends or colleagues.  We are all adjusting and learning together.  The more we can support each other, the more success we all will enjoy.