In the face of COVID-19, people all across the world are finding themselves working from home. Personally, I have been doing my internship remotely for about two months. It did not take long for me to find out what made working at home easier. Here are a few tips:
Create a Routine.
Creating a routine is usually easier said than done, but it is so beneficial! Try to nail down a solid sleep schedule—it can be tempting to stay up late and binge watch Netflix’s latest release, but get your rest! Set aside your “lunch break” ahead of time as well.
Use a Planner.
My planner is what keeps me going. Whether it is in a physical planner, on an online calendar, or just scribbled on a plain piece of paper, write down your schedule! It is so easy to forget deadlines and meeting times without potential in-person reminders from co-workers. Plot out your schedule on Sunday evening to mentally prepare for the work week. Set reminders on your phone for video calls and other important dates/times.
Set Up a Workspace.
One of the hardest parts of working remotely is being able to stay focused on your work while being in a relaxed home environment. It is important that you find a space in your home that you designate as your workspace. For example, I have a makeshift desk (a card table) in my basement that I can spread all of my work materials out on.
Take Breaks.
Do not be afraid to take a short break when you need one! It is okay to step away from your computer and take a few minutes for yourself. When I am in need of a break, I like to read a chapter or two from whatever book I am reading that week or do a quick ten-minute yoga session. Find little activities that allow you to reset before getting back to work.
Get Ready for the Day.
If you find yourself falling into a rut after a couple weeks of working at home in comfy clothes, get ready like you would if you were going into the office. Do your hair, throw on your favorite power suit and get to work!
Communicate with Your Co-Workers.
I cannot stress how important it is to maintain consistent communication with your co-workers while you are apart from each other. Check up with each other to be sure everyone is on the same page. Send a co-worker words of encouragement during this crazy time. Take time to catch up with each other, too!
When the Workday is Done, the Workday is Done.
It is easy to feel like you need to be working at all hours of the day when you are working from home. Do not feel obligated to continue working after the workday has ended.
Working remotely will never quite be the same, I hope that these tips make working from home a little easier!
Olivia Christiansen is a strategic communication major and is the V.P. of Visual Communication for Scripps PRSSA. Find her on Twitter @ochristiansen28