Getting Through Work from Home Together – 5 Tips to Stay Sane
We’ve all experienced a lot of change over the last couple of weeks due the spread of COVID-19. Many are transitioning to work from home as part of our nation’s social distancing plan. And what seems like a great opportunity to help us all slow down and relax can actually feel quite stifling, but we’ve got to get through it somehow. So, if you’re like us and you’ve got a lot of extra energy or you miss your dear coworkers, try a few of these tips to stay happy and healthy throughout the work week (and all the time)!
Get ready for the day.
It’s tempting to stay in our PJs and work from bed, but environment has a huge impact on productivity. Try getting up at your normal time and getting ready for the day. Sure, you can avoid the suits and heels, but dressing in business casual will help you stay on top of your game, even from the safety of your house.
As Tom Popomaronis of CNBC puts it “While the thought of working in your sweatpants without judgment might sound nice, your pajamas aren’t exactly professional attire — nor will they put your mind in “work mode.” According to a study from Northwestern University, employees, no matter what profession they’re in, perform tasks better when they wear clothes that have “symbolic meaning.” So get out of those comfy pants and into something with a real waist band!
Set yourself up for success.
It’s important to keep your work environment and leisure environment separate. Keep your bed and couch for relaxing and set up a temporary workspace at your kitchen table or a counter to keep you focused. Keep an eye on your posture and make sure you have access to outlets!
Lighting plays an important role in how we feel, so try to set your temporary workspace up near a window to get some natural sunlight. Use cooler lighting rather than warmer tones to keep you mentally active. (CNBC) You certainly don’t have to change your whole world at home, but make sure you’ve created a space for yourself to work effectively.
Get moving.
You might walk more than you expect at the office – visiting coworkers, attending meetings, walking to and from your car, etc. If you are only going as far as your bed to your desk, you aren’t releasing as much energy as normal. Take some breaks and get up for a quick walk or some stretches regularly.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration to get moving, the Huffington Post put out a great article a few days ago on simple stretches and movement you can do while working from home. Check it out!
Get some fresh air.
Staying in the same environment can feel stifling at times – take a step or two outside and enjoy the fresh air. Even if it’s for a just a minute, it will help you reset and get focused.
Bianca Miller-Cole a serial entrepreneur and contributor to Forbes agrees: “Get some exercise and get some fresh air (if you can find it), if you are used to a daily commute you may also be used to a little walking, cycling etc. so where possible try to feed a little of this into your daily routine. Even if it is a walk around the block.”
Finally, remember to hydrate!
Without that Keurig or water dispenser handy, it’s important to make sure you’re still drinking plenty of water! According to the CDC, water helps your body to:
Keep your temperature normal
Lubricate and cushion joints
Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements
That’s pretty important stuff folks! There are a lot of ways to accomplish appropriate water intake from home – for instance, our crazy office has water check ins over our group chat to keep us all accountable. If you’re looking for more ways to hydrate, check out 22 Easy Ways to Drink More Water Everyday.
Remember, we’re all in this together so let’s look to one another for support. Together, we can be successful, productive, and maintain balance. Speaking of balance, if there’s one thing work from home lets us do, it’s dance like no one is watching! So, for our BONUS TIP, we’re asking you to take full advantage of this isolation and get your groove on! We’ve put together an extra special playlist of dance jams for you to enjoy during those much-needed mid-afternoon, work from home breaks!
Presenting
“Dance Like No One’s Watching… Because They Aren’t: an Ocreative Playlist for the Everyday At Home Dance Party”
About Us
Ocreative is a Milwaukee marketing agency, with expertise and broad experience in developing digital marketing strategies, and growing their online presence, for their clients. The company’s core values include offering the highest level of customer service, award-worthy quality, and performance that surpasses client expectations. Ocreative is located just outside Milwaukee, and works with clients locally, nationally, and globally. Their clients have access to some of the most fun and knowledgeable professionals around – ones who inspire, educate, and problem solve. The agency provides marketing and brand strategy, advertising and design, website design and social media, and video expertise to their clients, fulfilling their desire for business growth, and their aspiration to make a mark on their industry.
