How to Work at Home During Self-Isolation
I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I am really good at staying at home. Thus far, this situation hasn't been super hard; adjusting to working at home took maybe two days. Granted, I don't have kids, but I do have a sister who isn't working right now, so we are all getting into new routines.
That's the key, creating new routines. Staying positive, finding life patterns, and fabricating moments of joy. Here is how I've re-adjusted my life to work at home.
1) Create a designated office space
Maybe you use a spare bedroom, maybe you go to the basement, maybe you don't have a choice but to work in the dinning room. I think it's really important to create a space that is dedicated to being an office.
2) Get comfy
I worked for a week on a laptop and was so uncomfortable. I was using my old university set-up and quite frankly, the chair had lost all it's cushioning. My work told me I could bring some monitors and my chair home, so I did. I re-arranged my entire desk.
3) Find stuff for everyone else in the house to do
I know you're thinking "she doesn't have kids, she doesn't know"... you're right, I don't. I cannot tell you how to parent, but I do think it's important to set structure when everyone is in the house together. Your job to be able to work is to occupy your new co-workers time.
4) Set boundaries
There's nothing like setting boundaries. You still need to work, maybe you need to work flex hours, or maybe you need longer breaks. There is an importance in setting boundaries to stay sane and mentally healthy. If you need help or you can't take on anything else, you need to express that. You are not here to be a hero, nobody needs a hero. Hero's burn out, regular people don't.
5) Take breaks
In the office, you would take breaks to say hi and be friendly. It's the same at home, you need to take walks, have lunch hours and at the end of the day, you need to disconnect.
6) Go the extra mile for mental health activities
I am not walking to lose weight. I am walking for my brain. You need to change your ideas and clear your brain. You need to make extra efforts to stay mentally healthy.
Working from home doesn't need to be impossible. You just have to find routines that work for you and your family.
All my love,
Samantha