The recent global pandemic has caused families around the world to create a new sense of “normal”. As a result of social distancing, an effort to flatten-the-curve, people are urged to “shelter-in-place” as well as only go out for essentials such as food, water and health care. As for the businesses around the country, companies (when possible) are trying to continue normal operations with staff working from home (WFH).
If you find yourself trying to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of working from home, here are a few tips that might help you get started off on the right foot.
Designate a Work Area
One downside of your bedroom functioning as both your bedroom and your office – is that your bedroom is your office. It may be hard for some people to distinguish when it is time to sleep and when it is time to work. Designating a “work-space” can get you in the mind fame of “it’s time to work”.
Not only does designating a workspace help put you in the mind frame of ” I am at work”, it can also minimize the usual distractions that come with being home.
Outline a Schedule
Commuting to a physical location for work offered employees a literal starting and stopping point. Working from home could potentially mean, the work never ends. Outlining your entire day and following a schedule will guide you on how to spend your day. Allotting time for meal breaks, physical activity and recreation such as reading, watching television or indulging in a hobby can help build a routine,, resulting in more motivation, reducing cabin fever and reducing boredom.
Create a Realistic To-do List
Feeling overwhelmed or having too much to-do can result in nothing getting done at all. It is a good idea to create a short, realistic, to-do list. At the beginning of each work-day, take a moment and consider what you want to accomplish for the day. Write three to five items down and focus on accomplishing those items. This will help you focus as well as feel accomplished.
Remember, we are living in unprecedented times. Do your best, take things one day at a time – that should be enough.
