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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A pr il 16 ,2 02 0 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE Publisher Kelly Montague Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Distribution Representative Iouliana Polar Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Halton Media General Manager Vicki Dillane CONTACT US The Independent & Free Press 280 Guelph Street, Unit 77 Georgetown, ON L7G 4B1 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at theifp.ca Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncanadianchampion.com or call 905-234-1019. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFP.CA Working from home is the new normal for many of us during the pandemic, and this change in our dai- ly routine can definitely impact our mental health. I checked in with our team at the Canadian Men- tal Health Association Hal- ton Region Branch for tips on what we are all doing for our mental health and wellness while working from home during the pan- demic. From us to you, some things to consider: • I take regular breaks to exercise and reach out to friends and family. I sepa- rate from work by physical- ly removing myself from the space where I'm working. • I begin my day early with emails and check-ins with clients. I am a morn- ing person and was always in the office early, so I'm trying to schedule my home working day similar- ly, which helps me feel more in control. • I call up co-workers that I would typically see around the office to talk about work and also have some laughs. • When I'm done working for the day, I clearly mark the transition to personal time. I turn off and put away my phone and laptop, then have a cup of tea to signal to my body and mind that work is done for the day. I know that if I left my devices on, I'd keep working in the evening, which I want to be family time. • I've developed a "Daily Quarantine Question- naire," where I ask myself meaningful questions for that day, including what I'm grateful for, who I'm checking in on, how I'm moving my body, and what expectations of "normal" I'm letting go of. Most of all, hang in there and know you're do- ing the best you can. Melanie McGregor is the communications and ad- vancement specialist at the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch, which provides mental health and addic- tion community support and education. Visit hal- ton.cmha.ca for more in- formation and follow @cmhahalton on Twitter. TIPS TO HELP YOU ADAPT TO WORKING FROM HOME #STAYATHOME: AT THE END OF THE DAY, 'CLEARLY MARK THE TRANSITION TO PERSONAL TIME,' WRITES MCGREGOR SNAPSHOT A spring storm blows over Georgetown. Do you have a great local photo you'd like to share? Send it to sleblanc@metroland.com, along with a brief description. Tony Fortunato photo It's almost hard to be- lieve a month has passed since our newsroom dis- persed to work from home. In some ways, it has flown by, but in others it seems strange to think that just a few weeks ago, I was able to safely sit in close quarters with my fellow reporters. At a time when commu- nity journalism couldn't be more important, we're overcoming the challenges presented by our new workspaces to continue churning out the latest news from our home offic- es, kitchen tables, bed- rooms and patios. Essentially anywhere in the house that I can find a peaceful space, I'll hunker down to work. This comes as no small feat sometimes when I'm now home 24-7 with my two children, and my husband as well on his days off. Ironically I've been interrupted so many times while trying to write this paragraph, I've lost count! By and large, though, my kids have been patient and understanding when I say I'm on deadline, or writing breaking news, or taking an important phone call. This may mean there's been some extra screen time in our household late- ly, but I think all parents working at home can agree, sometimes you do what you gotta do. As journalists, we've en- tered uncharted waters in more ways than one. Not only have we been forced to stay at home while cover- ing the community at large, but it's the first time we've delivered insights on the local impact of a world- wide pandemic. This has come in many forms, from our consistent updates on the local num- ber of cases, to the more in- depth pieces that put a face to the Halton citizens on the front lines. We've been working the phones, email and social media hard to connect with residents to share their sto- ries, and health authorities for the most current facts on this ever-changing situ- ation. While much of the world has stopped and sheltered in place, it's true what they say -- the news never sleeps. Whether in the news- room or the living room, we're just as committed to keeping our readers in- formed during this unprece- dented moment in history. Melanie Hennessey is a reporter with insidehal- ton.com and theifp.ca. REINVENTING THE NEWSROOM WE REMAIN CONNECTED TO READERS AS WE #STAYATHOME COVERING THE NEWS, WRITES MELANIE HENNESSEY MELANIE HENNESSEY Column "While much of the world has stopped and sheltered in place, it's true what they say - the news never sleeps." SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT THEIFP.CA MELANIE MCGREGOR Column