10 Tips For Working From Home in Trying Times

Although the thought of working at home often gives the sense of freedom, it can create distracting challenges.

Most people enjoy working in an office surrounded by colleagues, which allows them the opportunity to regularly bounce ideas off them. Those same people may go a little stir crazy without having that camaraderie, unity and collaboration.

Things to look at and/or consider when working from home under these trying times…

1. Have a dedicated working area in your home

Although it may sound simple, but having a dedicated work-space very important. Without it, you may be susceptible with falling into a comfort zone on the couch, recliner or bed with your laptop. An essential part of being productive is having a space that’s dedicated for work time, with having the ability to not only walk away, but to sit/lay that couch, recliner or bed to give you an opportunity to switch off work.

2. Put a schedule on your calendar

Planning your day, by scheduling tasks you need to accomplish, should be done in your calendar. Not only will it help keep you accountable, but also gives you a tool to keep yourself on-track with tasks that needs to be completed.  

It’s very easy to think “it’s a nice day, I might go and cut the lawn, fix the flowerbeds, etc…”. However, scheduling your day appropriately, which can include downtime as needed, keeps you focused on what really needs to be completed.

3. If you are not home alone, use a ‘Do not disturb” sign

Although the initiative is to ‘self-isolate,’ most of us are not home alone. To ensure everyone in your household knows when you’re on an important call, or a "Team Zoom Session", use a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door/area so your family knows you are not available at the moment.

4. Schedule time away from your desk

When completing your day’s schedule, be sure to include dedicated time away from your work-space. Find an activity that allows your mind to be refreshed, like taking a walk, sitting in your yard, sitting on your balcony, etc… You might want to consider working in smaller spurts, and allowing yourself time to get up from the computer to stretch. This will help you both physically and mentally. 

With not having a “water cooler or co-worker” around, you may forget to take time away from your desk. Putting break times on your schedule will not only recharge you, but will make you overall more productive. 

5. Now is a good time to call a colleague.

When you were in the office, it was very easy to turn to coworkers to ask a question, offer help or to just to see how their day is going. Continue to do that, but avoid doing it through an email or Skype. Instead, keep all communication open by picking up the phone and speak with them.

This is even more important with customers to give a personal voice during these trying times. Everyone is in the same "state of fear", and it helps to talk to someone. Make it a positive conversation, and you will feel much better when the conversation concludes.   

6. Don’t change you’re morning routine, and dress as if you are in the office

Working from home has some benefits, like sleeping later, and then just taking the "Fuzzy Slipper Commute" while wearing your pajamas to your work area. Don’t let yourself be subjected to Maxwell Maltz’s 21 Day Habit Theory, as it’s easy to get stuck in habits hard to break.   

Be adamant with forcing yourself to wake up at the time you’d regularly get up during workdays, and follow your normal morning routine, which includes dressing as if you’re going to the office. 

This is even more important if you are attending many ZOOM/Video conference calls. You will not only find yourself more productive, but when these trying times are over, your transition back to the office will be MUCH easier. 

7. Avoid home distractions. 

The gravitational to get distracted is underestimate…The distractions can be from family members, pets, social media, TV, etc. Planning will be key in avoiding this. Following the above points 1, 2 & 3 allows for scheduling time for point 4.

If you had Child Care prior to working from home, look at how you can create in-home children activities that reduces you from being distracted. Make sure you have readily available healthy snacks for consumption, especially if you do have children at home.

8. Don’t handle personal tasks during work hours.

It’s very tempting to start doing home improvement projects, cleaning, laundry, wash the windows, clean out the garage or even have a neighbor asking you for a favor or a family member who all of a sudden needs a sitter for their child….These will not only distract you from your work, but it sets the tone for future situations. It is important to stay focused on the best and proper use of your time during your work hours. It is okay to communicate your work hours to others so they know you are not available during those times.

9. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

People working from home lends itself to a sedentary lifestyle, not to mention the close proximity of the refrigerator, making weight gain a problem for many Fuzzy Slipper Commuters.

As mentioned, make sure to schedule time for regular exercise, keep healthy snacks around the house and remember to drink lots of water!

10. Don’t let yourself catch the Disease of Fear

So often, people describe fear in terms of a disease…When you look at fear spreading like a virus, racing through crowds doesn’t take more than quick short conversations. 

Although it might be self-inflicted by individuals, medical experts indicate it is true...Fear really is contagious.

Although animals can “smell” fear on each other, there is actually a misunderstanding of how… What really happens is that animals unknowingly emit silent, invisible chemical substance known as “alarm pheromones.” This airborne chemical cues are intended to warn other members of their species about nearby dangers.

A few weeks back, Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, said the following:

"With the Coronavirus, “in many ways, we’re fighting a war on two fronts…We're fighting the Virus, and we're fighting Fear". 

And then he said. "In many ways, the Fear is more dangerous than the Virus."

He is right…Do not let the fear overtake your “metal state”. Be strong for your family and friends in need your support, AND make the BEST of your Fuzzy Slipper Commute!