Working from home is not easy! If you’re lucky enough to have a job in these trying times, these tips from the WIT Safety & Self Care Committee might help.
We focused on wellness and safety instead of productivity. There is a lot out there right now encouraging hyper-productivity (“Finish that project you started! Learn a language! Might as well get something done while we’re home!”) but we know that that’s not realistic and not healthy. There’s a global pandemic going on. Take a deep breath and give yourself a break. Do your best.
As with anything, take what you can from this list - it may not all work for you.
This is not normal; let’s not pretend it is. Don’t put the same expectations on yourself as you had in the office. There is a lot out there encouraging hyper-productivity (“Finish that project you started! Learn a language! Might as well get something done while we’re home!”) but we know that that’s not realistic and not healthy. There’s a global pandemic going on. Take a deep breath and give yourself a break.
Your first priority is your health and safety. If you’re feeling sick, take a sick day. Working from home doesn’t change that.
Having a safe and secure environment is crucial right now: Is your house clean? Is your pantry stocked? Feeling secure about your own emergency preparedness will free up mental space.
Set your office hours and create a dedicated work-space (or room, if you can). It’s easy to accidentally work over-hours when you’re home. Instead, try to “leave work” at the end of the day. Working from your couch (or bed!) is tempting, but separating your “office” from the rest of your space will help you maintain work-life balance. And, who wants to sleep in their office?!
Get out of your pajamas. This one is hard, because who doesn’t want to be cozy right now? But getting dressed is a cue for your brain, and it will help you not want to crawl back into bed. Taking a shower and brushing your teeth will also help your brain wake up.
Do what you can to make your work-space inviting and encouraging. You need, at the very least, a table and a comfortable chair - maybe a kitchen table is better than your living room couch. Be near a window if you can. Is there a door that you can close? Get some headphones. A mouse and keyboard is recommended, for ergonomics and comfort. Do the best you can.
Take breaks throughout the day. Stretch or do yoga. Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you should put pressure on yourself to stare at a screen for 8 hours straight. Pay close attention to your eyes and wrists, and make sure you take care of them (and the rest of you!)
Try nature. Even though we’re isolating, we can still go outside. Take a walking meeting instead of a video 1-on-1. Enjoy the sunshine.
Make a realistic to-do list for the week and for each day. Prioritize to stay on task, and remember to reward yourself when you complete a goal.
Connect. When you get stuck on something in the office, someone will invariably walk by and you can ask for help. When you’re alone at home, it’s easier to get really stuck. Build in opportunities to reach out and connect with your coworkers regularly. We can support each other.
