This week we also asked readers about any tips—or tools—they had to share. As for tips…

Exercise was mentioned a lot… as was diet, and mental “exercise”… 

Regular exercise can keep your spirits up and the endorphins you release reduce stress. I ride an exercise bike every day and feel like I get more done.

When I meditate every morning, I project positivity and gratitude. I also try hard to be present and think only of today, not yesterday or tomorrow.

Meditation and running has helped.

Practicing yoga each morning is a great way to begin each day energized.

Don’t slack off from your regular exercise routine. Sure, it might be different than going to the gym, but still doing something is good for both your body and your brain.

I’ve tried intermittent fasting to eat less calories since I’m not burning as many as I used to being out and about.

Setting—and keeping to—a schedule was key…

Keeping a good routine is key. Starting work at the same time every day, having a team meeting at the same time every day, taking a lunch break at the same time every day, taking an afternoon walk at the same time every day and stopping work at the same time every day have been critical.

Schedule breaks and stick to it, even if it is taking a walk around your house.

Have a list of daily work things to accomplish. On a piece of paper. We are already on screens way too much.

Take breaks by standing up and stretching every hour, go out for a walk once or twice a day when you can. Take periodic mental breaks... watch a show, read a book, or just find a quiet place.

Make yourself a schedule and stick to it. It takes a lot of self-discipline and willpower, but I’ve been sleeping better and feel less “down” on the days when I stick to the schedule I made for myself (which includes a workout, even if it’s just a 30 min walk, as well as scheduled meal times).

Stick to/create a routine. I still set my alarm and get up early to workout. I’m busier than I was before we were sheltering in place, so having time to get ‘my time’ in is a mental-health saver!

Adapt your work hours to fit your new life schedule. Example: I now start my morning at 7AM instead of 8:30 AM. This gives me a 1-2 hour head start over the rest of my family that is home with me. This way I start my morning off feeling productive before I end up having to be pulled away periodically to help with school work or whatever else occurs throughout the day.

Prioritize. Whether it’s work, home or helping kids with school, prioritize what must be done today. If you get those things done, you did great! If not, it’s still ok.

Including the scheduling of some “down” time…

During “down time” at least 3x per week, I have the ear buds in and listen to industry related Podcasts. At times this may be when I’m doing the dishes during the lunch hour, for example.

For people like me things have been as busy as they ever were. However depending on rile, some employees can have more downtime. The smart advisor offices like ours our taking full advantage of this by increasing employee training, organizing internal resources, etc.

Shut off email for short periods of time. The quantity of emails is overwhelming.

Take a time out during the day to walk away from the screen. Get some fresh air.

Staying in touch… particularly via video… makes a difference

Stop worrying about kids, pets & other families in the background. Most people enjoy waving to each other, and watching a dog grunt & spin 8 times before lying down always brings a smile.

Schedule regular team meetings to stay on task and get co-worker feedback.

Make sure you touch base with all employees on a regular basis. Keep people informed.

Reach out and touch someone. Call as many of your clients personally as you can. It makes you feel better and it makes them feel better. Talk to your team daily. We have gone from weekly team meetings to daily check ins at the end of the day. It has made a huge difference for all of us.

Make sure to regularly check in with your team. Since we can’t just drop by each other’s offices for an informal discussion, it’s important to find a way to keep that connection.

Virtual happy hours are a must!

Remembering, of course, that others (like your clients) need/want to hear from you…

In uncertainty clients don’t expect you to have all the answers but just letting them know you’re there for them and can help them navigate things is pretty meaningful.

Clients have surprisingly had time and interest in discussing plan related items including meeting to conduct quarterly committee meetings, albeit virtually.

Starting work meetings and calls off asking about how everyone and their families doing has been a nice change and personal connection.

Not unique at all, but call your client. Twice wouldn’t hurt.

Don’t just email your clients give them a call and talk with them.

We have hosted a weekly “From Uncertainty to Insight” webinar for 4 consecutive weeks and will have a part 5-6 the next 2 weeks. They have been a huge success to host experts: Labor & Employment Atty, CEO of Bank on PPP, Tax CPA, ERISA atty, and this week an HR Consultant on ‘returning to work.’ My tip: Do things no one else is doing and step out and be a resource.

Phone calls to clients. Not revolutionary but finding it cathartic for clients. We talk business for 5 minutes then all things COVID/personal for 25 minutes. I think a lot of my clients miss in person interactions and appreciate my phone calls. It’s helpful for me as well.

Multi-tasking remained in vogue for some…

Attend as many webinars as you can! Also, walk on the treadmill while you are working.

I have been walking while listening to all of the webcasts, I’ve probably walked 100 miles so far.

And there were some working (better) tips…

Stay focused on the future. We made a conscious decision at our firm to not watch the “train wreck” but rather look at ways to get better internally and how to take advantage of the unique time.

Document the basis for decisions being made. With lack of guidance on many things the next best is a documented procedure that is followed.

Have a playbook to use for client reviews.

I am used to multi-tasking. However, when I am in a zoom meeting I am learning to top doing anything else but focus at that meeting. It is too easy to get distracted so just focus on the meeting and nothing else.

Make sure you have a comfortable work space with a comfortable chair and a clean desk with sufficient space.

1. Have 2 separate computers. 2. Have the fastest internet speed that you can order. It turns out that people who buy the fastest speed get priority, and conversely, if you pay for normal service, your upload speed can drop to zero (you are unimportant to the internet company).

Don’t stress too much about how you look on video calls—webcams are somewhat grainy—a red or deep pink lipstick, some earrings and a necklace or colorful scarf are all you need. (editor’s note: this won’t work for all of you…)

Along with some (better) “practice” tips…

Have an “I’m working from home but still professional” appearance in all business interactions. The worst I have seen is a participant in a video conference with an unmade bed in the background. Working from home now is not the same thing as being asked to tune in while otherwise on vacation.

Remember to use the Mute button on your phone to minimize household noise distraction when on calls. Especially helpful when your “office” is the kitchen.

You should leave plenty of time for the things that REALLY matter…

Set a date night with your significant other. Get good take-out food from a local restaurant you want to support, get dressed up and light a candle. Definitely include some good music!

Play with your dog and cat.

Spending lunch extended hours at home giving my spouse a mid-day break from virtual school.

Enjoy the extra time with family if at all possible, and even if you all want to kill each other after a while.

Get up from your home desk in the MIDDLE of the day and take your kids and dog for a walk. They need it as much as you do and it helps everyone come back refreshed, wanting to grab a snack, and then get back to the computer.

I’m using this time to write more handwritten notes and cards to friends and family, particularly for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and just to say hello. Even though it’s old fashioned, it’s a nice way to keep in touch and let someone know you care.

And there were, of course, some good things to keep in mind—regardless of the current pandemic…

Plant your corn early.

Be the positive, optimistic, and opportunistic voice that helps others (and yourself) get through these challenging times.

We never thought that the world would stop spinning and we would never be able to slow down. But it has and we’ve all had time to do some things that we never made time to do before.

Be kind to yourself. If your kids are home and you’re having to do all the things, take inventory and decide what you’re going to let go of—there isn’t time for doing it all. You will feel good if you purposely chose the things to let go of, instead of feeling like they got dropped.

Practice gratitude every single day!

Give to others during this time—you will receive more than you give! It’s a great strategy for managing stress.