How to Work From Home While Practicing Social Distancing
Posted on March 17 2020
Stay sane and productive with these six habits
Amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, companies around the world are putting preventative measures in place, with many mandating employees to work from home. While the idea of a home office may sound appealing — no commute means being able to get an extra hour of sleep every day — working remotely during a time of social isolation can be challenging, whether that means feeling anxious and stressed or finding it difficult to be productive.
If this is your first time working from home, read on for six habits you can adopt to keep you motivated while also staying well-balanced.
Don’t start working as soon as you wake up
While it’s tempting to hit the snooze button over and over again until the minute you’re supposed to log on, make sure to give yourself time in the morning to “get ready.” You may be skipping your makeup routine, but starting the day with a hot shower (or better still, a bath), a healthy breakfast and some tea or coffee will help make you feel refreshed and better prepared for work.
Put on your at-home work uniform
Despite being at home, it helps to dress the part when you’re working. Without going over the top, an at-home work uniform can be as simple as a clean sweater and a pair of jeans. You want to be comfortable without feeling sluggish, so save your PJs strictly for bedtime.
Avoid working from your bed
It’s easy to stay in bed all day when nobody is watching, but if possible, set up your office in another corner of your home. Try to set clear boundaries to separate where you work from where you relax and recharge your batteries.
Make time for yourself during lunch break
Like any regular work day, remember to take breaks and have lunch. Make yourself a juice, have some snacks, and if you’re someone who enjoys cooking, take this opportunity to prepare proper meals for yourself at the kitchen. While practicing social distancing, you can still catch up with your friends with a quick text, call or through FaceTime during your breaks.
Stay connected with your coworkers
For some, working from home for a prolonged period of time can be a lonely experience. Make good use of communication apps like Slack to check in with your manager and coworkers, not only to brainstorm ideas and discuss progress updates, but also to chat with each other every now and then.
Establish a set time to log off
When you are not in an office environment, you may sometimes find yourself losing track of time and working even after normal hours. Set an alarm as a reminder to log off after a long day, and make time for yourself to wind down in the evening.
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