Working from home, this may be something you’ve dreamed of or something you’ve loathed. However, perhaps you find yourself in this situation, without a choice.
The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak has changed how many of us are living.
Many employers are asking their staff to work remotely from their homes.
My husband began working remotely in 1998. His office was in Philadelphia and our home was in Georgia. His employer used conference calls for meetings instead of flying employees into the office. Worksheets and documents were created while he was in his home office.
There was definitely a learning curve.
In 2011 both Dennis and I made a decision to begin a home base business. We have a lot of experience and I’m going to share a few tips that may help you accelerate the learning curve.
When working from home. Keep Your Routine.
You’ll probably notice that your working from home schedule and personal schedule begin to blend together. Be intentional with the hours you are working. Although it may be difficult (if not impossible) to mimic the exact hours that you worked at your office do your best to produce the results that you are accustom to.
- Set your work hours
- Give yourself grace (this is new for you)
- Be specific with your Daily Method of Operation
Set Up Your Work Area
This is your home. This is your workspace. You get to set it up so you are most effective. Find a place that is attractive to you. An area you enjoy being in. Due to the emergency situation, you may not have a lot of time. Do your best. You can improve a little each day.
- Organize. What office supplies do you need?
- Compile phone numbers and contact information.
- Remove / minimize distractions.
Take a Break
Yes, remember to take breaks, drink water and eat. Set your phone alarm if you need too. Short breaks can help your concentration, alertness, and productivity. Working at home is a new routine for you and with the events going on in the current world environment, breaks can also help you decrease stress.
If it will help you and others from your work office, schedule lunch together. I know, I know, social distancing. Here’s what you can do.
Join Zoom.us it is free and you can enjoy spending time with each other so you don’t feel too isolated.
- Arrange your workday so you are working when you are most productive
- Set your phone alarm
- Eat, hydrate, stretch. Don’t isolate.
You’ve Got This
This is a difficult time. We are all experiencing many changes. There are many unknowns. I want to encourage you to stay strong. Fill your mind with positive quotes. Stay connected to optimistic people.
There are many of us who work from home or work remotely and we are here to help you. I know Real Estate Agents, Accountants, Social Marketing, which is what I do, even Online Personal Trainers. We all have experiences that we are happy to share.
And remember, you’ll have some extra time because you won’t be commuting to and from your office. Invest in yourself, take care of yourself, and as my Mom always said… “This too shall pass”.
… Over time you may find you actually enjoy working from home.
The author; Heidi Fleming:
A Lifestyle Architect who helps people create a personal blueprint for healthy living and healthy aging. She encourages and coaches others to find their path and stay on their path for healthy living; clean label living and healthy aging. A bold new endeavor to connect the dots that have never been connected before. She has created many ways for you to participate in this community. Take a look around and become part of a modern, mindful, and memorable experience.
