Maintain Routine
Get up, shower, get dressed. Psychologists agree that routine will not only start us off on to a more productive day, but it is important for our mental outlook, as well. Keep the kids going, too. Our new mantra at home is “just because you’re not in school, doesn’t mean you’re on vacation.” Gets a lot of groans, but a week and half in and we’re still chugging.
I don’t know about everyone else, but the moment I switch my shoes for slippers, my motivation gets mushy, my head goes straight to relaxation, and you’re far more likely to find my feet up than on the floor. House rules: no shoes on the furniture. Ergo, if I’m wearing shoes, I’m not lounging. If I’m not lounging, I’m likely doing SOMETHING. Something is better than nothing. #MATH.
Work at a Table, NOT the Couch
That nagging ache you’re getting in your lower back, right around that tailbone? Yeah, your couch betrayed you. Did you wrong.
That soft, cushy, hug-by-furniture is not your friend during work hours. It may seem like, “I’m home, I’m working; I might as well be comfortable.” RESIST. Working from home offers enough distractions, and it never fails how quickly productivity devolves into watching tv and napping.
Keep your focus, save your backside.
Keep to a Schedule
Whether you have kids home with you right now or all the myriad distractions of pets, internet, mail carriers, or dirty dishes, it’s easy for your day to run off the rails. Schedule your time in 20-30 minute increments. This will not only help you stay on task and get everything done, but will keep your spirits on the bright side as you can check off accomplishments.
3 Meals a Day. Period.
For the love of all that is good – do NOT spend the whole day snacking. If you are anything like me, you go to the kitchen for a glass of water; you see something to eat and take it back to the computer with you. Then, 5 english muffins later, you’re bloated, miserable, and out of English muffins. When quitting smoking, they tell you that a craving only lasts 15 minutes before it subsides. You can find something to distract yourself with for 15 minutes. (See “Take a Walk,” below)
Take a Walk
Fresh air, vitamin D, blood pumping. It’s good for you physically, it’s good for you mentally, and you’ll come back energized, refocused, and ready to knock this spreadsheet out of the park.
Happy Hour is Still at the END of the Day
Beer with lunch might sound like an innocuous indulgence. After all, it’s not like you’re going anywhere. But, look at it this way – if you wouldn’t do it at the office, don’t do it at the home office. Instead, set up a zoom date with some pals for 5:00. #socialdistancing sucks, but we’re all in it together.
Wash Your Hands and Stay Healthy
Do it. Enough said.