Tips For Working From Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak

At this point, it’s pretty safe to say that we are living in some scary, uncertain times with the worldwide spread of COVID-19.

Many returning vacationers have been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days. On top of that, gyms, nightclubs, cinemas and concert venues have been ordered to close. Travellers are stranded in faraway places. All of this is unprecedented.

Like most offices, all staff where I work have been told to work from home in an attempt to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.

If you’re working from home, here are some great tips to stay motivated and focused. These helped me over the weekend during my extended work hours and I needed it. Before we get started, I recognize that I am very privileged to have the ability to work from home. My thoughts are with everyone dealing and struggling with this worldwide shift.

OUTFIT DETAILS

Shirt – Salt Water Luxe c/o Finders Keephers | Black Skinny Jeans – Denim Forum Aritzia | Cowboy boots – Zara (similar) | Iconic Link Watch – Daniel Wellington (use code “BAKER15” to receive 15% off any purchase)| Silver and Gold Cable Bracelet – David Yurman

1. The first thing I do when I wake up is drink a glass of lemon water with a pinch of pink Himalayan salt (PRO TIP: since this concoction is quite acidic, protect your teeth by using a reusable straw). This little drink has immune boosting properties. I follow up with a healthy breakfast and high quality vitamins.
2. The shower is the next stop. I always get showered up, put on a little makeup and get dressed and not in laze-around-the-house clothes. This little routine motivates me and funnily enough, gives me that little boost of confidence to tackle the day.
3. I made my home office a calm, serene and ergonomically-friendly space. Concentrating and producing great work is easier when you can think clearly and aren’t distracted by clutter.
4. Frequent breaks are key to staying productive. I’m human – I’m known to power through something for hours until it’s done…but that leads to burn out. Get up from your desk every 20-30 minutes and stretch, go for a little walk, or cuddle your dog/cat. Additionally, every twenty minutes that you work, take the time to look away from your screens and rest your eyes for a few minutes.
5. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated gives you energy and flushes toxins from your body. Every little bit counts to ensure your immune system is working efficiently.
6. I’m guilty of eating my lunch at my desk everyday. This results in me wolfing my food while concentrating on what I’m working on. I cannot remember the last time I savoured a lunch. Don’t be me: try eating your lunch in a quiet, calm space. This will also allow you time to decompress and not think about work for a few minutes.

Lastly, let’s all take the time to take care of one another. During stressful times full of unknowns, people tend to start “acting out”. Depression can set in, fuses are shorter, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are common during emergencies.

Always remember that everyone is doing their best in their own way. Lend an ear to someone who is struggling. Listen to them and offer up resources to help them deal with this current situation if you can.

Do whatever it takes to make you feel better. That can be exercising, meditating, cuddling a favourite stuffed animal, homeopathic remedies to boost immune function, whatever. You do you and be sure to help others.

Stay safe….AND WASH YOUR HANDS.

*Photography courtesy of Salt ‘n Streets Photography