Tips and Tricks for working at home during Coronavirus
We wanted to share some tips and tricks for working at home during the Coronavirus and, after asking Instagram for help, we have compiled the below:
1. Get Dressed
It might seem like a simple tip, but it’s a crucial one. You can still wear something informal and comfortable. The simple acts of showering and getting dressed not help get us into a routine, they genuinely make us feel better and more prepared to take on the day.
2. Build Transitions In and Out of Work
Take the time to do something for you before and after doing work tasks – whether it be going for a run or doing some free yoga on Youtube, playing with children, communicating with friends or reading. Doing activities like these before and after working help to transition you in and out of work mode, and also clearly frame work and non-work time.
“Stick to your usual am/pm routine as much as possible, with a walk once we both log off” (@mrsclairemcg)
“Exercise and read before work, run at lunch, then logging off work by 7pm to unwind” (@penceandcents)
3. Try to dedicate a space and time(s) of day to work tasks
Setting up an area to work in, whether that be at a kitchen table or an office area may help give you more focus. It may also help to use time-blocking to get through the day – though try not to give yourself a hard time if you are not able to stick to these timeblocks.
“Using google calendar” @comeupintomyhome
Google calendar is a great tool to help you to be productive – and can help you schedule in regular breaks where you take the time to make a hot drink and step away from the laptop.
“I work for an hour, than have a break to play with Lulu [cute dog alert] / have a coffee outside to keep me sane. Then rinse and repeat until you’ve done 5/6 cycles!” @thegirlbosshouse
4. If you have children at home – get creative with your schedule
Do not feel guilty towards your children or your work for having to try and juggle both responsibilities. Try to think about the times of day that work better for conference calls, whether it be during nap time or when older children are having some downtime themselves. Consider working a more flexible day where you can, such as starting later and finishing later or vice versa. Be realistic about what you can achieve at the moment – you are doing your best.
5. Plan your meals and embrace cooking
Many of us are feeling the pressure of having to make more meals at home than normal, and are experiencing the stresses of doing only-essential shopping. Being organised with your meals and batch-cooking will help with this.
Also, trying out new recipes and embracing cooking is a great way to switch off from work – you can’t cook a good risotto with your head in emails! You could even try co-cooking something remotely with a friend or relative using video-calls.
Lastly, some important guidance from a very good friend, Dr Victoria Selby (Twitter: @DrVicSelby)
“A month of remote working. I find myself having to draw back to this OFTEN. So so important. This is not the normal. Reduce expectations, increase your own emotional, physical and psychological stability.”
You are not “Working from Home”. You are “At your home, during a crisis, trying to work”.
Your personal, physical, mental and emotional health is far more important than anything else right now.
You should not try to compensate for lost productivity by working longer hours.
You will be kind to yourself and not judge how you are coping based on you see others coping.
Your team’s success will not be measured the same it was when things were normal.
Do you have any more tips and tricks you can share with others? Comment below and let’s create a treasure trove of top tips.
Take care.