How to survive when you're suddenly working from home

With the increase in cases of coronavirus, more and more people are now being sent home and being asked to work from home in makeshift offices. It can be an adjustment and can take some structure to get the best out of it so here are some of my own tips from when I transitioned to working for myself. These are to help keep you mentally and emotionally strong while you get through the transition.

1) Create good habits as early as you can.

This can start with just getting dressed. It can be tempting to stay in your pyjamas or get up late but there’s an important mindset shift that comes with wearing clothes you’re happy to leave the house in. You’ll feel like you’re ready for work. Getting up at your usual time can also help keep the familiar structure, although if you don’t need to do a long commute take advantage of some extra rest as we all need that! 

Take some time to set up your workplace. Find a good spot for you, make sure it is clean and tidy and well set up so you’re not distracted whenever you try to get something productive done.

2) Spend time outside during the day.

Obviously If you’re self-isolating, please do this with the right level of caution and responsibility.  But otherwise remember that you don’t need to be chained to a desk or your laptop just because you’re working from home. It’s still important to get time outside.  Find a way to get some fresh air every day. You might do this before you start working to get yourself into the zone of work.  I take a break at lunchtime no matter the weather and that helps me to keep my head clear.

3) Set clear boundaries

It’s so easy to have everything be a workspace so set clear boundaries around where you will work and when. Please avoid the bedroom at all costs unless you have no other option. You need a good space to relax and have a break between work and home life as otherwise it can be really hard to shut down. Allso don’t get distracted by things like washing up. Give yourself allocated times to deal with this kind of thing, and do it outside your work hours. Consider it your home admin tasks, time box it and set time aside in the day.

4) Socialise.

The change to social contact can be one of the hardest things. If you can’t socialise in person, set up virtual coffee meetings. Put in half an hour with no agenda, no reason, just half an hour to have a chat about the normal things you’d be talking about in an office. You can also use this to bounce ideas or challenges off one another.

5) Clock off

Make sure you actually finish for the day. Don’t leave your laptop open, don’t keep it with you when you’re winding down for the evening. Close your laptop and stop checking emails. Have a work curfew so you’re not working consistently. Give yourself a break. Rest is important in order to be functioning and healthy. And you can’t get good rest if you’re always thinking about work.

If you can get some of these things in place you’ll hopefully be in a better place for working from home for the time being.