It’s safe to say we’re all facing some sort of big upheaval in our lives due to the outbreak of COVID-19 six weeks ago. Be it social distancing, shopping for toilet paper or sanitizing wipes or working from home, we’re all trying to find our feet in the current situation. This can be mentally and emotionally draining.
I saw a quote on Instagram this past week, and wanted to share it here: “You are not working from home; you are at your home during a health crisis, trying to work.” Remember this when the days get long, frustration levels rise, and you feel completely overwhelmed. You might have extra family members around, be working in a limited space or have cabin fever. All of this and more is going to be a part of the COVID-19 crisis.
If you’re not used to working at home, it can take some adjusting to new tasks you may not have had at the office. Overcoming these challenges will require a different way of working, and even communicating, with others.
We’ve put together some tips to help you. We hope these suggestions will make you feel more comfortable in your new space and more confident in your ability to work from home.
Make your space your own
Setting up a dedicated space to work in is probably the most important aspect of working from home. By setting aside an area that will be your professional zone, you’ll instinctively slip into “work mode” whenever you sit down.
Keep in mind, you are most probably sharing your space with family members. Try to ensure that your work doesn’t intrude into the lives of other household members, which includes the little ones. Set up boundaries with all family members and go over important points with regards to space, noise levels, respect and rules. Communicate these changes in a language that each family member will understand, and remember, interruptions are going to happen.
Do what you can to create a space that is designated as your workstation. Checking emails, voicemails or texting in front of the TV or spreading work out on the kitchen table is not good for anyone. Working from home amidst a pandemic is stressful at the best of times. Create a space within your home that will provide you with some solitude to carry out your daily duties as an employee. This should set your mind at ease, at least in one aspect.
Put together a schedule
Whether you work alone or in a team, setting up a schedule will help with planning. This will also set your employer’s mind at ease, knowing you are still on target with your deliverables. Once you know your employer feels secure in your ability to work from home, so will you. Don’t be afraid to ask your manager for the resources, tools, and even hardware you might need in order to complete your tasks.
Keep up your usual morning routine that you had before you started working from home. A routine can be more powerful than a clock at helping you get started each day. This includes completing personal activities outside of work hours, just as you would do if you were not working from home.
Lastly, wear pants. Taking the time to get dressed and perform your usual self-care routine is a wonderful mind set booster.
Check in with your colleagues
Sometimes over-communication is necessary, and the world we find ourselves in now is one such instance. Try to keep your manager updated on everything you’re doing, including any changes in your schedule due to your other responsibilities. Don’t try to take on too much, as you will only end up feeling overwhelmed, overworked and over stressed.
Make ample use of video communications, especially since you are more isolated now. Communication is key in any work environment, but now that many are working from home, it’s vital. Make sure you have your company’s telecommuting devices, such as Zoom, hooked up and ready to go so you can stay connected with team members.
If you start to feel lonely, consider setting up a support group of friends and colleagues who are also working remotely. Better yet, why not start up a corporate yoga group with your colleagues?
End your day with a routine
Just as you started your day with your morning routine, it’s important to end your day with a routine too. This will create a signal for the ‘close of the workday’ to you subconsciously. Maybe it’s a walk with the family and dog around the block (maintaining social distancing) or an early evening yoga class.
Whatever you decide on, something simple to signify the end of your day will help you to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. One thing to remember is consistency. Keep your morning and evening routines consistent and you will soon see the change in mind-shift with regards to working from home.
Incorporate Yoga into your new routine
Now that you have made sure your space is set up, your family members understand your boundaries, your employer is content with your work output, and you finally can breathe a sigh of relief – why not round it all off with adding in some calming, relaxing and resetting yoga?
According to Medical News Today, people often practice yoga to reduce stress and aid relaxation. Scientists are now learning the mechanisms behind how yoga lowers stress. Persistent surges of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, may damage blood vessels and elevate blood pressure. However, research has shown that people who practice yoga regularly have low cortisol levels.
Innergy Corporate Yoga is now offering group yoga sessions for you and a group of colleagues, friends or family in partnership with Zoom. To learn more, email us at info@innergycorporateyoga.com or call 1.888.457.3543 to schedule your 15 minute virtual yoga consultation.
