6 Tips for Working from Home during the Pandemic
Like most of you, I’m working from home because of COVID-19. It’s an abrupt change and a difficult adjustment. I have two teenagers who are also now home. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that within the first 48 hours of social distancing there weren’t doors slammed, tears flowing, and perhaps a device or two taken away.
We’ve since moved through the shock of being “trapped with only you two” to moments of peace, banana bread baking, and games of Clue.
One of the reasons I became a Business Coach for women entrepreneurs was I developed methods for staying productive, focused and goal oriented when I was working from home on my writing business.
I quickly learned the initial feeling when starting your own business of “Freedom! No one is telling me what to do!” leads quickly to “Uh Oh. No one is telling me what to do.”
I had to learn how to motivate myself to get things done. I have since developed a coaching program: Be The Best Boss of You and launched a podcast The All In Gold Podcast, both designed to help business owners tackle their goals, plans and to do lists, and beat procrastion, self doubt and overwhelm.
The following tips will help keep you motivated over the next month or so. There are going to be lots of challenges. We’ll have to do new things we’ve never done before. We’re going to be uncomfortable, frustrated, and battle anxieties and fears.
But we also have the opportunity to make positive changes, to get stronger, and to develop trust in ourselves that we can produce work even in very unusual circumstances.
Keep to a Schedule
Now is not the time to start staying up late and getting up late. Eating cinnamon buns at noon for breakfast is not the ideal way to start the day. So, number one for me is to stick to a schedule. I get up at the same time. I get dressed and organized. I write my list of things to do. AND I DO THEM.
Exercise
Preferably outside. I do a daily walk. The fresh air and opportunity to see a few other humans from a safe distance is invigorating. There are also so many people offering online classes. Take advantage of the opportunity to feel a part of community by participating in live workouts.
It boosts the heart rate and the spirits!
Eat regular meals
It’s tempting to simply graze all day, but I know that for me I need to sit down with my kids and have that time together cooking and eating. It's also crucial at this time to keep up your nutrition. We need to boost our immune systems as much as possible. Small choices will make a big difference: a handful of berries, avacado, nuts. Put onion and garlic in everything!
We have more time. Let's get out some cookbooks or ask Hey Google for a recipe!
Resist Perfectionism
If you’re like me, when I’m stressed and feel out of control, I try to impose order and control around me. This often takes the form of perfectionism: “I’m going to follow this exercise plan every day. I’m only going to eat healthy food. I’m going to clean out every closet in the house. I'm going to write my book. I'm going to do my taxes and have my entire life, and closets and spice jars reorganized!” Give youself some slack. Let things go.
Do the tasks you’ve chosen for the day, get in your exercise, and then if you want to watch a Friends marathon in the bath - go for it!
Feel Your Feelings
I felt such anxiety yesterday that my mom was going to get sick. I also felt annoyed with my kids, tired, exhilerated and peaceful. Make room for all of them. Don’t reach for wine or food or constant news updates to try to avoid feeling.
And don’t feel guilty if you feel good. I loved my dance class yesterday yet thought: “Oh no. People are suffering. I shouldn’t feel this good.” Allow yourself to feel good without guilt. It won’t help anyone if you’re miserable all the time. Revel in upbeat moments whenever you can. They will help you to ride out the times when you feel low.
Every feeling is normal. You are a human. We have feelings. Feel them.
Share Your Space
Just as I suggested that you feel your feelings. Know that the other humans you are surrounded with also have that same huge range of emotions. They are entitled to them just as much as you.
The biggest gift you can give yourself is to not take other peoples’ feelings personally.
They’re also dealing with a challenging time. Stop trying to control them. Let them be. Love them in all their human messiness. And by doing so, you can love yourself in all your messiness.
It’s funny that this whole post about how to work from home and be productive is the importance of taking care of yourself, honouring your feelings, and finding ways to boost your energy.
