It is eight o’clock at night and the silence of the Peruvian streets is interrupted by applause. From our windows and rooftops, we seek to show our support for all the people who risk their health every day to keep us safe from an unexpected enemy: the coronavirus. A disease without precedent for our generation and one that, to date, has claimed a considerable number of lives worldwide.
The mandatory quarantine, which has completed one week today in Peru, completely changes our daily routine, especially regarding our work life. Who would have thought that some of us would come to miss the office? Working from home is definitely a challenge for many people, but even more so for those of us who live with the anxiety generated by this context. That is why here we share some tips for working from home without losing ourselves in the process.
1. Find a free space at home
Choose a quiet place that allows you to work comfortably, with a good Wi-Fi connection.
2. Talk to your boss about the new work dynamic
Discussing this new work dynamic and the expectations to consider in this context is essential. If you are a manager, keep in mind that many people will not be working under the same conditions as in an office, and this may affect their work and performance.
3. Respect your schedule
Your workplace has changed, but you will most likely still be expected to achieve the same results, and falling behind will not be good for your mental health.
4. Avoid distractions
Try not to get distracted by social media and news reports during your working hours. You will see how focusing on being productive can work as a small form of therapy to disconnect from the situation and will also help you avoid leaving home.
5. Take breaks and do not skip your meals
It is okay to stop for a few minutes for yourself. The mind works better when you have time dedicated to rest and eating. You can also try active breaks and breathing exercises.
6. Prepare your best playlist for work
Listen to music that improves your mood and motivates you to work.
7. Monitor your tasks and manage deadlines
You can use applications such as Todoist and Evernote to help you, or simply use a notebook and mark each completed goal with a check.
8. Dress in your work clothes
As if it were a normal workday, dressing in work clothes will help your mind understand that you are following your work schedule, and things will flow better. In addition, you will be ready for any unexpected video call.
9. Use your free time for activities that help you relax
Such as communicating with your loved ones, exercising, cleaning your home, or taking online courses. Many institutions have opened free online training programs during this situation. In line with this article, I recommend a course called “Learn to work remotely”, which is completely free and includes excellent recommendations, including tips for entrepreneurs who want to maintain their business productivity without using offices.
10. Stay in contact with your therapist
Finally, if you are receiving psychological or psychiatric therapy, contact your therapist and agree on an action plan for these days. They may have also adapted to teleworking.
This battle against the coronavirus is one we are fighting together. Every person who makes an effort to continue fulfilling their responsibilities will contribute to ensuring that the economy of our country and the world does not stop. Let’s be responsible and stay working from home.
#IStayHome
