5 Ways to Stay Insane While Working From Home

To slow the spread of the new coronavirus, organizations around the world are moving to remote work.

Some of us have already been at home for two weeks, and as wonderful as the prospect may have been at first, it may have begun to fade now that there is no end in sight.

Don't get me wrong: working from home has plenty of benefits. Working from home, however, has its drawbacks, as long-term remote employees will attest.

We've put together some pointers on how to make the most of working from home during this period.

1. Be Flexible with Your Expectations

Working from home during a pandemic is not the same as working from home in regular circumstances. You may have children or other folks at home who would not otherwise be there, and the unfolding news and the worry that comes with it are huge distractions.

While sheltering in place during a pandemic, don't expect to be a model of remote work productivity at all times. Also, keep in mind that the rest of your coworkers are in similar situations.

So, especially when it comes to deadlines, try to be gracious to them. Expect to hear a baby shriek or a dog bark sometimes while on the phone, or to see their kids or pets in the background during video conversations. We're all trying our hardest.

2. Make a Strategy

First and foremost, create a strategy. When you work from home, it's easy to lose track of time without external reminders. It is easier to stay on track and complete tasks when you have a plan.

Some remote workers construct formal timetables, while others utilize a more ad hoc to-do list. Either way, set aside some time at the start of each day to consider tasks and when you'll do them. To reinforce your commitment and limit the quantity of information you must mentally track, write it down.

Because you're typically the only person you're scheduling for, one of the benefits of working from home is the ability to plan according to your talents and energy.

Do you prefer to get up early in the morning? Do your most vital things first, and leave the tedious administrative work for later.

3. Get Your Day Off To A Good Start

The tone of your day is set by your morning ritual. When you work outside the home, you already have a lot built in to help you transition from your cozy bed to your office - breakfast, getting dressed, commuting. You've already prepped and begun your day by the time you get at work.

It's conceivable to roll out of bed and into your "office" when you work from home, but it's not recommended. Allow for some transition time and a consistent pattern to indicate to your brain that it's time to get to work.

If, on the other hand, you know your brain doesn't fully wake up until 11 a.m., utilize the morning for routine tasks you could perform in your (nearly) sleep, and do your deep strategy work afterwards.

It's easy to get out of relaxation mode when you're wearing a robe and slippers, which is why every article about working from home recommends getting dressed at home like you're heading to the workplace. Try to stick to your normal schedule as much as possible. Consider taking a quick solo walk outside to replace your commute if it is permitted where you are.

It's easy to plan for what you'd like to do instead of what you'll really do when creating a morning routine. If you haven't already done so, resist the desire to arrange a 5-mile run and an hour of meditation. You can always add additional items to your routine as time goes on, but getting overly ambitious too soon can lead to you skipping the entire thing. Start with something simple like:

• Set an alarm clock to wake you up at a specific time.

• Make a cup of coffee and sit down to breakfast.

• Prepare yourself for the day by getting dressed and getting ready.

• Check the news, social media, etc. for ten minutes.

• Start your day by reviewing your to-do list.

4. Establish Boundaries

One of the most difficult aspects of working from home is establishing your own boundaries. It's easy to stay working without the “end of the day, time to go home” signal of leaving a workplace. This is a surefire way to burn out.

It's time to review your work-life balance if you find yourself working late into the night, checking your work email while ostensibly watching a movie with your family, or habitually skipping lunch to wrap things up.

Set office hours and stick to them as much as possible. Create an "end of work time" ritual, such as closing your work email and turning off your computer. Include breaks in your daily schedule and make a commitment to take them.

5. Meetings

Working from home may be lonely even for the most steadfast introverts. Use Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, or another technology to maintain your regular meetings as close to in-person as feasible if you lead a team.

You might also notice a shift in the way meetings are conducted. Many teams (like ours) find that having a quick all-hands stand-up meeting in the morning to review what everyone is working on that day (and, more importantly, how we're all feeling) can help them feel more in sync after they go remote.

Even if your company isn't doing anything official online, consider video chatting or calling your coworkers instead of sending emails. You will feel more connected as a result of it.

This may give you the impression that you're receiving more calls than usual to do the same types of check-ins that would occur more naturally in person. It may appear that your calendar is much busier as a result, but when you consider all of the casual conversations you'll have during the day, it will balance out.

Working from home can be productive and even joyful, even if the current circumstance is far from ideal. Set a schedule, eliminate distractions, and prioritize work-life balance to make the most of it – skills that are useful at any time, not just during a pandemic.

Do you have any other suggestions for working from home that we didn't mention? Please let us know in the comments section.

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