Top 10 Work from Home Tips during COVID - 19

"Dear loyal associate, due to the increased advisory for social distancing during this global pandemic, we are asking that all possible staff work from home."

I work in the IT department for a psychiatric facility. We were first to get booted!

WeeK 1- We are keeping our anxiety low, washing our hands and graciously keeping paychecks coming...let's do this!!

Tips to manage your days working from home: 

1. Wake up extra early and exercise outside.

• Fresh air is the only remedy for cabin fever. 
• Before the email grind & Webex calls - get your blood flowing! (With or without your babies.) 

2. Buy fresh flowers for your work space.

• Allow lots of natural light into your space and keep bright flowers around.
• Fake flowers can't bring the peace and sweet life reminders of real flowers.

3. Throw the dinner recipe into the crockpot at breakfast and walk away.

• Remember that you are not typically at home to stand over the stove for hours.
• Set a low maintenance meal to get the benefits of home cooking and ease of dining out.

4. Order a fancy coffee maker on Amazon for fun espresso drinks during the day.

• I'll miss my barista friend every morning!
• Best Chai Latte on the planet. Can I recreate this at home??

5. Parents of young kids - 3 easy tips for sanity:

• Freeze water bottles the night before and set them out with name tags to avoid death by “I’m thirsty.”
• Pack & set out a box labeled "Fun Break" with the following (Michael’s order):
  • Sticker books
  • Paint and brushes
  • Blank canvas sets
  • Kinetic sand
  • Easter crafts
  • Sensory Kits
  • Bubble guns
• Stock up the lower pantry shelves w/ pre-portioned snack bags for easy access

6. Open all virtual meetings with an inspirational quote and lead w/empathy and human connection.

• "In the light of all that is happening, I would like to open this meeting with a personal favorite quote..."
• "I'd like to share some motivation for our new normal at this time.."

7. Send practical Amazon egifts to your staff or boss.

• Order useful, but thoughtful items to be delivered to your coworkers.
• Care packages during this bizarre time can reduce the lonely or isolated feelings.

8. Dress up - you’ll feel better!

• Pretend that you are going into work.
• Groom yourself, dress well and greet the day in style.

9. Make lunch time memories.

• Spend an hour at your local park. 
• Have a picnic with friends, a lover or kids. 

10. Over communicate with your coworkers.

• Stay connected by any means necessary.
• Download apps for video chat, messaging, stress relief and project management.

Some of us prayed for slower days- don't waste them following the chaos or stressing over things out of your control. Take it easy!

​Cheers.