Yet Another Article With Tips For Working From Home During the Pandemic
During this unsettling time of COVID-19 many articles are popping up offering tips on working from home. To do my part, I did some hunting around and compiled the most-offered advice. I added a few tips of my own, I hope it helps. Nothing in this post is sponsored. I’m not that well-known yet. ;)
Create Your “Culture”
•Clothing: Let’s start by changing out of your pajamas. Put on something that: you didn’t wear to bed, would likely wear to the office and is presentable on video calls. Give yourself a little lee-way. This is a distressing time; if you want to wear your comfiest pair of jeans most days, do it.
•Routine: Try to have a start and end time to your workday. Take time for breaks (lunch, coffee, walks, etc.); exercise and outside time is especially helpful.
•Communication: As one of my fellow DEA graduates said, embrace the video chats. Be open to impromptu calls to encourage creativity. Suggest a virtual happy hour, with coworkers or family.
Physical Office Space
•Location: Try to find a space that is separated from the hub of the house (avoid noise and distraction) and has a flat open surface.
•Daylight: Try to find a space where you can see a window. Access to daylight boosts mood and regulates your biological clock. Windows also give you something to glance at; looking away from the computer, to a new depth of field, reduces eye strain.
•Posture: Think 90! Sit so that your elbows and knees bend at 90 degree angles. Listen to your aches and pains: keep an eye out for tight and sore muscles, stretch and adjust accordingly.
For more on lighting and the physical effects of computer use, check out this great guide.
•Personalize: This is a big one. Be aware of what makes you happy and motivated. Bring your favorite plant close by, or order a new one. Get a personalized mouse pad. Add pops of color. Whatever works for YOU. Treat yourself, if you want to work from the couch on Fridays, do it.
Most importantly, take good care. We’ve got this.