First, let me say that I am very thankful that I still have my job. I am also very thankful that I have been allowed to work from home. I have worked “at” home but I have never worked “from” home. I am not working from home by choice.
Change can be challenging in the best of times. During a pandemic with its stay at home orders, social distancing, physical distancing and anxiety, change is most difficult. The transition to working at home has been easier because of my access to technology. Most of my clients also have access to technology. The technology that helps us be able to have counseling sessions is the thing that comes between us. Because of the COVID 19 pandemic and in an abundance of caution, we cannot meet in person. That, however , might be a subject for another article.
When you suddenly have to work from home, adjustments must be made. You are, in fact, working from home. During a stay at home order, you might just be working from home with another family member who is also working from home. Discussions must be had about space, boundaries, expectations, parameters, perimeters before working from home starts so that there are no misunderstandings.
Do not be upset if you are not quite as productive as you usually are.
Stick to a routine. Whatever your routine was before going to work should be the same or similar to your work from home routine. Set your alarm clock, get up, have your coffee and whatever else you normally do before work. Get dressed. Do your hair. Get dressed.
Your work day routine need not be rigid. Rigidity tends to increase stress. Let us be honest, in the face of COVID-19, we do not need another bit of stress.
Remove as many distractions as possible.
Set a goal each day. That way, you can measure your progress.
Schedule time to decompress during the workday. If possible, go for a walk for lunch. Schedule a 30 exercise routine. If you like meditation, meditate. If prayer helps your emotional and spiritual well-being, pray. Do something that you enjoy midday.
Get up from your desk periodically during the day.
To combat feelings of isolation, stay in touch with your co-workers. Call a friend or loved one during your breaks to increase feelings of being connected.
When your workday is over, shut it down. Close your office for the day. I know that is not always possible, but that should be one of your goals.
I am able to counsel my clients from home. I am fortunate to be gainfully employed. I am grateful. Even so, there are some challenges to working at home due to COVID_19.
What will you do to make the best of working at home during this pandemic? Will you schedule your breaks to make sure that you take them? Will you put your exercise break on your schedule? Will you get dressed as if you have a “Zoom” meeting even if you do not?
Whatever you decide to do, make sure that your plan includes being kind to yourself.
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