Millions of People are facing a new challenge amid the Coronavirus Global Outbreak, working from home. Most American's don't usually have the luxury to work from home with their daily job, but we have been encouraged, and even mandated to do so in our current life. So what does this mean, how will it work, and how do we know when to turn off the computers and work phones and have your home life? 

Working from home can be a great thing if you are prepared for it, but when you are given a short notice, it can be a huge challenge. Most of us don't have a home office to work from, and may face many new distractions from home that they would not be faced with in a traditional office. I, for one, just started working from home again, and was faced with this exact problem.  I was able to carve out a small space in our media room, that I will utilize as an office. I purchased a small secretary desk for the space which is just the right size for the space. 

Photo by bongkarn thanyakij

But what do you do if you don't have the space in your home, or if you have house mates? My suggestion is to find an area of the house that is not used the most, and turn that into your office space. If you work best from the couch, great, but set up your space like you would at the office. Have your phone, computer, notepad, or whatever else you use on a daily basis within reach. Nothing keeps me from procrastinating more, than if I have to get up to get something. If it's not within reach, I'm most likely to not get up to get it. So keep your home work space, like your main office space. 

Get up on time, and continue with your routine. Discuss with your employer set hours. Will you been working your typical hours, or will there be different hours in place? Make sure this is written out and stick to it. If you are expected to work a normal 8 hour day, do it! If you are able to make your hours and work as needed, set your own schedule and stick to it. This will make you and everyone else in your home happier.

Photo by Madison Inouye

Don't forget about yourself. Self care right now is crucial. Whether you are single and living alone, a Mom, Dad, or married with fur kids, take care of your self. There are many things you can do to unwind like: Binge watch a new show or movie, take a relaxing bath, watch or listen to some ASMR, take part in a guided meditation, read a new book, make a new recipe you've been wanting to make. Share a calendar between a group of friends and have a set time to socialize with those in the group through social media. 

Whatever you decide to do, keep your work life out of it. It can be tough to do, but have an accountability partner to hold each other to it, and let your boss know your plans. Working from home can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be if we come up with a plan and stick to it. 

Let me know what working from home has been like for your family. Do you typically work from home, or is Social Distancing and working from home becoming harder each day? How are practicing self care? 

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