Working from Home and Dealing with Self-Isolation: Top Tips from Introvert Business Owners

Introverts have a big advantage right now.

We don't need as much social interaction to do our best work. In fact, too much can be overstimulating resulting in low energy and distraction.

That is why I asked my community The Quietly Successful and introverts on LinkedIn to share tips and advice for anyone who is suddenly working from home, self-isolating, and getting used to this new normal.

This is what they said:

Lexi Jasen

1. Find a routine that works for YOU.

When I first started working from home I tried copying the work routines of other people, the morning routine of my favourite YouTubers, and the advice of every random person who learned I was new to working from home and felt the need to offer words of wisdom.

But what it actually comes down to is how well you know YOU, and how you can use that to your advantage. If you're a person who doesn't do well with change, this might mean trying to mirror your office routine as much as you can, to maintain your habits and ease the transition.

If you are an early bird, it might mean getting up super early and cranking out a few hours of work before the rest of the world gets up. If you really need some company, find a zoom power hour (or create one and invite your friends to join!). You know yourself, better than you think. Use that to your advantage.

2. Take a second to appreciate the fact that you are in this situation.

You work from home! That's cool!

This might be something you discover you absolutely love or something you will never have the chance to do again. And yes, it's for a sad, scary reason, but that doesn't mean you can't try to make the best of it. When I first started working from home, I decided to appreciate all the little things, take advantage of the benefits that come with working from home, and enjoy this new phase.

So I don't set an alarm (I don't work well very early in the morning), and I love that my body has found its natural rhythm again. I feel well-rested EVERY DAY. That's a gift! Also, I work on the couch. Because I can! And I get more work done because I'm comfortable and the time passes faster.

When I need 5-10 minute breaks, I snuggle with my dog or go play with him outside and enjoy the fresh air...and the list goes on. The point is that I am able to do things differently because I work from home, so I do, and in the end that makes me happier, healthier, and way more productive than I ever was before.

Lexi is a freelance copywriter from Wisconsin.

LinkedIn profile: www.dhirubhai.net/in/lexijasen

Genevieve Brading

Speak to people!

Keep your work wife/husband on speed dial and don't hesitate to call them, whether it's for a 60-second giggle or a 60-minute serious work chat. It won't magically recreate your buzzing work environment, but it'll keep you connected and sane.

Genevieve is a freelance copywriter.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/genevievebrading/

Elsbeth Reinke

• Once I'm in the flow, I don't notice anything anymore, not even that I'm hungry or thirsty. So before I start, I make sure I put a cup of tea or water next to me. And usually a piece of fruit as well. Then I don't have to "disturb" my flow once it's there.
• Another thing is that I don't notice I get cold, but then when I stop I'm freezing. So make sure you put on a warm vest and some house shoes beforehand.
• I personally like to work in spaces where there's not a lot of "inputs", f.e. not too many things lying around, not too many windows to distract me, or where the light is too bright (that's a thing). Sometimes I just close the curtains and put on a light instead (bad, I know). Full focus on what I do.
• I personally like working with music on every once in a while, but even better is when there is absolute silence. The best feeling in the world is when you just sit there for a while, not do anything, and let your thoughts run free. If you need to "create" silence, use headphones.
• Probably the MOST IMPORTANT thing for me about working from home and working efficiently and effectively, is to be alone. So even if it seems cosy and comfortable, don't go sit in the same room as your partner. Determine beforehand who sits where and stick to it. Meet at lunchtime or at the coffee. It works way better.
• Build in active breaks. Even if you only take a stroll around the block, it'll clear your mind and walking stimulates new ideas as well. Length is not important.
• If you like to work in your pyjamas, then build in a shower break when you notice you are getting tired. Same as walking, new ideas often come to you in the shower. Afterwards, you'll be motivated again to continue working.
• Now that you're working from home and potential meeting slots might have been cancelled, create rhythm in your own day by blocking time in your calendar for specific tasks. From 8-9 task 1, from 9-10.30 task 2, 10.30-11 coffee break, 11-12 task 3, 12-13 lunch break, 13-14 emails, 14-16 reading/research, 16-17 planning for next day. For example. It'll help you stay focused. Use the mornings for deeper thinking tasks and the afternoons for lighter tasks or the other way around, depending on when you get into your flow more easily.
• However, I'd like to point out as well that no one day is like the other. Sometimes you're able to work for 6h straight, sometimes you are dead after 2h. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND ENERGY! Forcing it will not bring anything at all. So feel free to deviate from your plan. The plan is there to not lose time on thinking on the spot, what's the next thing I can do? But if you're in the zone and you are able to continue, go for it! And if you need to recharge, go for it!
• I personally like to work with to-do-lists and get a rewarding feeling when I get to cross off a task. This doesn't work for everybody though.
• Get a good idea that isn't relevant to what you're doing right now? Write it down! Forget about it now and get back to it once you're doing the relevant task.
• Don't look at your email while in the middle of a task. Create dedicated time for it.

Elsbeth is a Freelance Copywriter in Dutch & English

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/elsbethreinke/

Stephanie Wium

Stephanie has written a blog on how to stay productive while working from home.

Top tips include:

• Setting a timer when researching.
• Taking time away from your screen.
• Making it clear to family that you are working.

Read the blog here: https://simplyondemand.net/being-productive-working-from-home

Stephanie supports Virtual Assistants with creative graphic creation for their clients.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/stephwium-simplyondemand/

Livi Parkins

Until a couple of weeks ago I was a pet sitter/dog walker. Obviously the demand for this has ceased.

My tip for suddenly working from home is to consider your pets.

They have gone from not having anyone around to someone there constantly. Some pets will like it whereas other pets will need their own space. I want people to consider what will happen when they eventually go back to the office. Dogs will be bereft at losing their 24/7 companion.

I wrote a blog about things to consider for self-isolating with your pet. So far people are struggling to get the supplies they need such as cat litter due to the panic buying.

Read more here:https://wirralwhiskers.co.uk/articles/2020/03/17/pets-during-self-isolation/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/livi-parkins/

Janice Taylor

I think it’s useful to have some routine, mine is around writing, exercising and playing the piano for a minimum of 15mins a day.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/janicetaylor2/

Denise Roberts

• Know clearly what your top 1 to 3 things are to accomplish for the day and focus on them alone.
• Put headphones in while you’re working so people now sharing your work space are discouraged from interrupting you. Yes, even if you aren’t listening to anything! This is great for blocking out talkative people.
• Use a tool like Pomodoro tracker to keep you focused on tasks as well as to remind you to take those vital breaks. Still, don’t forget to schedule time for conversations with those around you so you can stay connected.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/deniserobertsloudvoice/

Sophie Dixon-Dash

My top tips are:

• Create yourself a daily routine that includes time for exercise, meals, the time it takes to prepare meals, socialising where you can check in with family members or friends on Skype or telephone and don't forget to include 30-60 minutes of something you really enjoy doing too.
• Taking a break in between your working time to do some of the above can really make the time at home so much more pleasant and help you to be much more productive when you sit back down to work.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/sophiedixondash/

Michaela Kühn

Define your personal routine including breaks, sports, exercise, strolls, etc. Most important: stick to it! I’m working from home for nearly two weeks, so here are some insights for my personal routine:

• Establish a comfy routine for your day including breaks, sports exercise or strolls
• Separate work and private spatial, e.g. sofa is for breaks only and the desk is not for lunch
• Listen to good music instead of watching a TV program
• Use video calls or even conference calls to stay in touch with friends and family
• Arrange a regular’s table with friends or colleagues for some chit-chat
• Insider’s tip: use conference calls as “walk and talk” inside your home or even outside whilst a stroll

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/mi-kue/

Christoph Speissens

Christoph has one top tip for these stressful times:

Practice mindfulness, formally (meditation) and informally (throughout your day).

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/christophspiessens/

Nims Mepani

• Take regular breaks (more so than being in an office)
• Ambient noise is helpful, so radio or music of choice is useful (pure silence can be weird). You don't have to work in silence.
• Schedule social time, regular calls with people.
• Eat healthily
• Have something pretty to look at such as flowers, garden, a picture, something that gives you a welcome distraction to rest your eyes from the screen.
• Don't replicate office timings at home, work when is convenient for you. Not about the hours, its about the outputs.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/nims-mepani-4713a47/

Lousia Van Vessem

Remember, you can still communicate with people. Lots of video calling options but why not get to know people on this platform? I’ve heard people say they are not on LinkedIn to make friends but getting to know people on here has been awesome for me. The friends I have made are supportive, caring, funny, interesting, sarcastic and the list goes on.

From building strong relationships with people, it’s not only led to fab friendships but it’s also led to work and other opportunities.

Working from home is now a little different for me because I’ve got to entertain a 3-year-old but I’m still trying to structure my day in a similar way. Breaking my day into bite-size chunks, remembering to get a drink, to eat and to get some fresh air (even if it’s just in the garden).

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/workflowva/

Katarzyna Ciurapińska

You have to remember that it's always a trial and error procedure. You will not be 100% comfortable and productive from the very first day. Take your time to find out what works for you and don't be too harsh with yourself.

Having some routine helps - for example, if you do exercise, stick to a definite time when you do them, otherwise, you might keep forgetting them or making up excuses to postpone them. And if you don't do any exercise - some stretching or light back exercise is really helpful when you are stuck to the screen for hours on end.

Prioritise your tasks, whether you use a high-end app or a simple handwritten paper to-do-list, write down everything you need to do, business and private, as both need time. And do not forget to treat yourself from time to time, just small things to make your day and working environment nicer, like a cup of this very special flavoured coffee that you like so much or a break to read your favourite, non-business related magazine, or even just putting things you like around your workplace.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/katarzyna-ciurapińska-b4238565/

Cat Hase

Try virtual coworking- set up zoom or FaceTime with a friend and both do your own work whilst still being able to chat. Play music to suit your mood or work- you’re in charge of the radio now! (Our take turns if you have to share)

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/cathase/

Sarah Gershone

Use the time to really think outside the box and create something you can share. Times like this are ideal for writing, designing, or creating video content.

Reading and learning is also an awesome way to use time at home productively.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/sarahgershone/

Heena Pattni

Find a routine that works for you then stick to it - including time away from laptops to move your body/give your eyes a break

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/heenapattni/

Christine Balarezo

Make sure to include something that helps you feel comforted or safe. I am struggling with anxiety these days so wearing soft socks, slippers or soft shoes, making and drinking tea, and listening to calming music have helped tremendously to concentrate and work. I also am very tactile, so wearing soft things helps, not necessarily pyjamas. I dress up but add a favourite sweater too.

Finally, I’ve been lighting candles and taking mini-breaks throughout the day to pause, centre myself, and pet my dogs. Sometimes we take in too much into our inner worlds.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/christinebalarezo46/

Rob Purle

The evening before, write your list for the next day.

Prioritise the list into:

A - must do

B - should do

C - nice to do

Schedule the A's into your most productive working periods. Schedule the B's and C's around those.

Include in your lists breaks, lunch etc. (If it's planned into your schedule there's no guilt, plus it's something else you can cross off which is Morale boost).

Move incomplete items to the next day and re-prioritise.

Eventually, you will realise that a bunch of Cs keep getting moved forward, consider deleting completely. Bs may upgrade to A over time, Cs to B.

Tip - break larger tasks down into smaller ones on your list, easier to schedule and you can see progress as you complete then.

Tip - consider starting earlier, it's amazing how much you can get done in the three hours 6-9 before the rest of the world appears.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/robpurle/

Jane Travis

• Make the whole thing as pleasurable as you can. De-clutter your space, light a candle, get a few daffs from the garden.
• Get showered and dressed, it shifts the mindset.
• Go for short, regular walks to increase energy

LinkedIn profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/janetravis

I hope you'll agree that there are some brilliant tips to help anyone self-isolating and finding themselves working from home.

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