Beyond #WFH is our initiative to spread positivity and inspire our readers by inviting leaders and friends to share what they do to unwind and relax after they finish their work-from-home and work-for-home responsibilities during the lockdown.
While Covid-19 has had multiple impacts on business and Beyond #WFH is not about business, it’s about self-discovery, things that will give us the strength to get through the lockdown and more importantly for those ‘moments’ that will stay with us for long and beyond this pandemic. PS: We are not talking business!
In this story of Beyond #WFH we bring to you, the traveller Zameer Kochar – VP – Marketing & Member Engagement, InterMiles.
Well, I am not exactly a homebody. This precisely is the reason why I have been so happy working in the travel and lifestyle industry. Having said that, I am enjoying my #WFH thoroughly. To begin with, I have decided to focus on solutions in hand instead of fretting over the situation. My mantra presently is to offer the best version of me, every moment, in every role that I play – be it work, or at home as a son, husband, and father. As a result, my time is getting balanced between driving some exciting marketing initiatives for our InterMiles’ members, that are most relevant and engaging as well as on the personal front, spending quality time with my family,my lovely 6-year-old daughter, doing the routine household chores, and my newest interest towards – health and fitness!
Starting a basic fitness regime for myself was something that was always on my mind, but I kept procrastinating. This lockdown gave me the opportunity to finally kick-start this healthy habit in a small way. I am investing this time to keep fit. I am currently on a 1000 push-up challenge in a month and have been experimenting with various freehand exercise routines to increase my stamina, work on my core strength as well as push the stress levels away through meditation.
My exercise routine consists of around 20 to 30 minutes on weekdays and is combined with a basic meditation for about 15 minutes. On weekends, I extend this routine and add a few more varied exercise routines.
I believe that a healthy body without a healthy mind is like food without salt. I keep refreshing my knowledge by trying to constantly learn new things, and be able to offer the best version of myself. I have committed myself to listening to a few inspirational podcasts, hearing audio podcasts as well as attending the TEDx World is Changing webinar series over the weekend – a partnership between TEDx and InterMiles.The Habit Coach Podcast series is something I have been really enjoying listening to lately. Apart from this, listening to music, catching up on movies with my family have become a regular part of my daily life and I feel fortunate to be able to dedicate this time.
However, most importantly, the lockdown has given me the opportunity to spend more quality time with my wife and daughter. With my erratic work hours and traveling, I would struggle to spend quality time with them except for weekends or vacations. Since the lockdown started, I have time slotted to spend time with my family during the day and my daughter really looks forward to this time.
My daughter and I, have a set time when we play, read, and indulge in some creative activities together. As a 6-year-old, she has multiple stories to share and that’s a great bonding time between us.
Overall, #WFH has not been so bad. I get time to do things that I could not earlier. However, if I had to leave you with one thought, I think this journey is so personal for everyone, that there is not one size that fits all. My advice to young marketers would be to use this time to learn and explore new things, connect with all your family, friends, and colleagues and invest in yourself in whatever way you feel best. Also, remind yourself to do whatever it takes to come out of this stronger.