6 second take: Not used to working from home? Follow these tips to ensure you stay productive while telecommuting.
I’m guessing most of you aren’t used to working from home for more than just the occasional day. I’ve been basically working from home for the last five years. (For three of those years, I used to go to an office during crunch times — about 12 weeks a year.)
Like everything else in life, telecommuting has its pros and cons. Here are some tips to make working from home work for you:
Tips for Working From Home
- Rise at a regular time. Obviously, you can sleep a little later than you usually do—since you don’t need to commute.
- Take a shower. No, you don’t need to wash your hair every day.
- Get dressed. You don’t need to get dressed up — yoga pants or leggings will do. But staying in the PJs you slept in is a no-no. And I always do at least minimal hair and makeup because I like to feel pretty.
- Set regular snack and mealtimes. It’s easy to graze all day when you know your fridge and pantry are just a room away. Pretend they’re not.
- Make your office mobile. I start off working each day at my dining room table. At some point, I relocate myself and my computer to my couch and coffee table or a comfy chair and my lap. Take a conference call on your balcony. Check email while sitting on your porch.
- Take breaks. Get up, walk around, and stretch your legs. If you’re not feeling sick and aren’t quarantined, go for a walk outdoors.
- Limit social media. I close the Twitter and Facebook tabs on my browser so I don’t see my notifications flashing every time I need to check Google or the dictionary.
- Don’t turn on the TV. I rarely if ever turn it on until I’m “done” for the day.
- Do let the music play. It can be lonely working alone. The radio, Apple music, Spotify, etc. can provide the background noise you need.
- Stay connected. Call or text colleagues or friends. Checking in and hearing their voices will make the day go faster.
- And finally, breathe. As my mother was fond of saying: This too shall pass.
