Working from home is a new concept for most people during this corona virus pandemic. For some, it’s exciting to not have to wake up early to go into the office. For others, the idea of working from home in a tight space with their spouse, kids, dogs, and everything else in between sounds like hell. So how do you ensure that you are able to successfully work from home daily and remain sane during quarantine?

Distractions – This is the most challenging thing you will have to overcome when working remote. Figure out what your distractions are early. Limiting distractions will ensure that you are able to successfully get your job done. If watching TV while working is a distraction, turn it off. If working in your bedroom makes you sleepy, choose a different room in the house to work from.

Working from home is especially challenging with young kids in the house. As much as you can, try to schedule calls around their nap times. If you have help, set aside some time when you lock yourself away so you can work uninterrupted.

Discipline – Working from home is not a free ticket to NOT working. It requires the same discipline that you exercise when in the office.

Set Your Alarm – Working from home does not mean you shouldn’t get yourself ready for work. Work up a little earlier to mentally get yourself ready for work.

Set a Schedule – There will be times when you have to adjust your schedule because of urgent personal things that come up while you are home. Start work a little earlier or work later to make up for the time that you may have to attend to personal stuff.

Respond to Requests in a Timely Manner – With no face to face interactions, this is key in making sure that you are continuing to communicate with your team, clients and vendors on key issues in a timely manner. If you are going to be away for an extended period, communicate that with your manager and your team.

**Always remember that you have a job to do and there’s a team that is counting on you to do it right!

Stay Away from your Spouse - If you are working from home with your spouse, you may find that being in each other’s space 24/7 can get quite tense and annoying. Try to set up workstations in different areas of the house so you are not in each other’s space always. As much as you can, try to schedule work calls at different times so you are not on the phone at the same time.

Stay Active – There’s something about being home that forces everyone to eat more - it must be boredom. While we are all on lock-down, most of us will turn to food for comfort but it’s imperative that we stay active during these times of restricted movement. I came across one of the best workouts on YouTube by Heather Robertson and my friends and coworkers are doing the workouts together (individually in our homes). It’s a 12 week program and you can start with week 1 day 1 right here. Working out is the only thing keeping me sane right now, It’s my only alone time and I try to do it early in the morning while everyone is still asleep.

I hope these tips help you during this time. If you do start the workout, please let me know how it goes. Remember, God is still in control and this too shall pass!

Until next time, stay safe in these corona infested streets!