One of my favorite things to do is speak to large crowds. Otherwise, most of my work is done from home. In fact, I’ve worked from home since 2007. But I’ve never been stuck at home quite like this. Here are a few work and homelife tips from my experience. I hope they help you get through this social distancing.
- Set a Schedule
It’s easy to think you’ve got all day and then the next thing you know, it’s 11 pm and you haven’t done anything that had to be done. I’m a time management and efficiency fan. I’ve seen how schedules help us get more accomplished.
At this point, we don’t know how long we’ll be sequestered in our homes. It would be wise to attempt to keep a similar schedule to the one we had before this outbreak. This will help kids and adults when they ease back into the “normal” routine. And if this is extended longer term, you’ll need routine even more.
2. Stick to your sleep, eating, and work routines.
Create goals for what you want to accomplish each day. Group similar tasks together. Write down your top three and do them before you do anything else. Don’t let laundry or dishes distract you. If possible, work in a home office or sit at your dining room table. Don’t work from the couch or your bed.
Schedule all your phone calls over naptime, if necessary. Take advantage of webinar and video conferencing technology in place of face-to-face meetings. Make sure you have plenty of books and puzzles for the kids. And don’t feel guilty if you need to let them use extra screen time so you can finish your tasks.
3. Create Routines and Rituals
Our morning routine sets the tone for the day. Get up and get dressed as usual. If you stay in your PJs you might get lazy. As I type this, I am dressed but I’m not putting on makeup or doing my hair if I’m not going anywhere. An end-of-work-day routine will help you switch back to family mode.
4. Take Breaks
Don’t forget to take breaks. If your child/children are home, chances are you’ll have a hard time working your usual hours. Be highly productive during your work time and you’ll be better able to enjoy your downtime. Do something fun with your family. Play board games and go for walks. Don’t neglect exercise. I find on the days I’m home it’s hard to get my steps in. I’ve been doing workouts I’ve found on Prime and taking walks.
5. Take Care of Others
Though I’m seriously disappointed at the postponement of my international trip, I’m reminded of those who are in worse shape than me right now. If you have a friend who is supposed to be getting married, check in on them. If you have a friend in a nursing home that’s locked down, send them a letter. Call older ones and text the people you would otherwise be spending time with. Checking in to make sure they’re ok will make everyone feel better.
6. Check Things off Your To-Do List
Take advantage of your time at home. Instead of bingeing on your favorite shows, do some online learning, pick up a craft project you never finished (yes, son, we’ll finish knitting that hat), or start a new one. Clean your closets, refrigerator, and microwave.
Challenge yourself to fill three bags of unused items that you can donate to a local charity. Take inventory of your pantry. Rather than panic-shopping, challenge yourself to eat up what you already have. You might be surprised at how much you already have on hand. Try baking or cooking more from scratch. Your supplies will last longer, and you’ll save money.
7. Be Positive
Yes, I cried all day last Thursday thinking about all the things I can’t do like attend my cousin’s wedding, visit my sister in Panama, speak at UntitledTown Book and Author Festival, attend my friend’s bridal shower, go to a Bucks game, and the three weddings that might be canceled. But I realize I’m getting ahead of myself. We don’t know how long this will last. We need to take things one day at a time. I recommend limiting your news and social media intake, too.
Whenever I find myself venting to my mother about how rough things are, she reminds me, “Focus on the good.” She’s right. My family is healthy and safe. My husband can still work. I can do most of my work. I get extra time with our son. We have a warm, safe home and I didn’t get stuck in quarantine in a foreign country where I don’t speak the language well.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t do everything. You’re doing ok. Just keep going.
8. Treat Yourself
Have you always wanted to work from home? What’s the one thing you would do? Do it now! Write that book, learn that language, train for that marathon, and play with your kids.
Please share your tips in the comments below.
