As a small business owner, I’ve been working from home for just shy of 20 years. Originally I compiled this for a group of colleagues who found themselves suddenly working from home without a net. I sent them the first few “hints” to help them get started. I compiled the “Addendum” once the stay in place orders were extended.
Helpful Hints — Phase 1
–Set a schedule for work every day. You’ll need to be flexible if you now have kids at home but try to stick to it. If you can, dedicate part of your day for “quiet” work and return calls later in the day.
–Have a dedicated workspace. If you can’t utilize an entire room, at least try to find somewhere quiet.
–Take a shower and get dressed every day. It sets your mood for the day. Now that Zoom is mandatory be sure to do your hair and wear make-up. You don’t want to look like you’ve just rolled out of bed on these things.
–Spend a few minutes at the front end of your day getting organized. It will help you be more efficient with your time.
–Don’t get distracted by things that can be done later. Laundry and dishes can wait.
–Don’t constantly monitor the news. Don’t give in to the temptation of constantly checking the news sites, watching your governor’s daily press briefing or keeping CNN on all day long. It will just make you depressed and anxious.
Addendum
Now that it looks like stay at home orders will continue, I have some additional thoughts.
-If you find yourself homeschooling, set aside a block of time for “school” every day. (BTW — my boys’ teachers, aides and nurses deserve a HUGE raise.)
–Get some fresh air every day. If you don’t, you’ll start to feel like a veal.
–Exercise. The “Covid 19” weight gain is real my friends. Don’t let it happen to you.
–Schedule and plan meals or you’ll end up snacking all day. Seriously, put down the chips.
–Spend a little time everyday bonding with your colleagues. This one is serious. My newly stay-at-home colleagues, used to casually catching up with one another in the office every day, are struggling because they don’t feel connected. Try to check in with folks regularly. It will help them, and you.
-Watch your drinking. I’m rationing the wine and vodka. You do NOT want to run out of these things. Trust me.
I hope these little tips help!
