Like most people, the KE-ZU team is now working from home, as we adjust to the new normal for the foreseeable future. These are some simple ways we are staying productive, active, entertained and engaged, while self-isolating and social distancing. We hope some of these ideas inspire you.

Keep connected:

Human connection is going to be more important than ever, at a physically safe distance of course. We’re communicating via video and phone calls, using Facetime, Hangout and Skype, and taking the time to phone family and friends in our lunchbreaks and after work. We have seen an increase in Instagram use, so we’re also reaching out to our followers – especially those we haven’t met – to say hello.

Now more than ever is a time for the community to support each other. We have been dropping notes to our elderly and isolated neighbours offering to help in any way we can.

Keep moving:

Physical activity is important for health and wellbeing. A run or walk in the morning, evening or during lunch will get the body moving and blood pumping, and the fresh air will do wonders for the brain.

There are lots of home workouts on YouTube and various fitness apps. Our favourite yoga channels include Aloyoga and Yoga with Adrienne. Adidas is offering 90 days free on the Runtastic app and Headspace are offering free meditation modules. It also has lots of delicious, healthy recipes. Enquire with your local fitness instructors if they will write a home workout for you. With the closure of gyms, it’s another way to support your local community.

If you find motivation or productivity is waning, take a 10-minute yoga break, do a quick meditation or stroll around the block.

Keep engaged:

Many of us may find we have more times on our hands, and of course in homes, so we’re taking the opportunity to learn new skills, indulge our passions and do those projects we’ve been putting off.

Is time to clean out the wardrobe, drawers or storage cupboard? How about learning a new language or doing an online course? There are lots of courses are being offered for free, including the popular most popular class in Yale University’s history, ‘The Science of Well Being.’ There are a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits

A good book is the perfect way to escape the news cycle and social media. Elton John’s Me is a fun read, as is Louis Theroux’s memoir, Gotta Get Theroux This. Other books on our reading list include Where the Crawdads Sing, Such a Fun Age, Daisy Jones & The Six and The Dutch House.

Do you have a passion project or side hustle that has been on the backburner? Now could be the time. Otherwise puzzles and games will exercise the brain, and gardening will work those green fingers.

Keep cooking:

Lots of the KE-ZU team love to cook and are challenging themselves to create meals using five ingredients or less. Here are some to try at home.

Sara’s baked salmon:

“Make a soy sauce and sweet chilli jus (I also add chopped pickled ginger and wasabi to mine). Place the salmon fillets on foil in a baking tray and lay asparagus on the salmon. Sprinkle chopped cherry tomatoes on top and pour the jus over the whole thing. Wrap the foil up like a parcel and pop it in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Rice or mashed potato for the accoutrement and you are good to go.”

Steph’s Scones:

“These lemonade scones are quick, simple and a little bit of fun, watching the lemonade fizz in with the flour and cream. The recipe makes lots, so you have scones for days.”

Liz’s Quick and Crispy Pizza:

“My obsession with pizza is longstanding and forever enduring. When I’m home and craving pizza I often make Lebanese bread pizzas. I keep a packet of Lebanese bread in the freezer and load it up with any and all of the vegetables in my fridge. (Bonus if there are some already cooked leftovers that need to be eaten.) Add small dollops of pesto, a sprinkle of cheese and put it in the oven until the cheese is golden and the edges of the bread look crispy. Et Voila! Lunch or dinner is ready in about 15 minutes.”

We hope you are keeping connected, active and engaged while working at home. We are always here if you need to reach out for a chat or to simply say hello at +61 2 9669 1788 or email [email protected]