The "Dos" & "Don'ts" of Working from Home

Yesterday was my first day ‘working from home’, and I am still trying to find my footing in all of this.

I put ‘working from home’ in quotes, because I am a public officer, and due to the nature of my work – it is nearly impossible to work from home.

I however am still working (more than I normally would actually), because being home means I can focus fully on my media business, and I have not had the chance to do that in a rather long time.

As of yesterday – I woke up around 09:00, sat up in my bed, and I immediately started working. I took a break around 11:45 to make lunch, and resorted back to my be to continue working.

By 15:00, my back was aching. Mentally, emotionally and physically, I was drained. I remembered I had not taken a bath, nor brushed my teeth. Impromptu, I took a drive to my boyfriend’s home, took a bath, had an early dinner, and was back at my house around 18:00. I worked again, and fell asleep around 22:00, so you can say I had quite the productive day – but perhaps not the most well-planned?

Here are a few dos & don’ts – really at best suggestive, to hopefully help you get through this season with ease:

Don’t: Stress

I am such a control-freak, and tend to stress when things do not go as planned.

I hope you remind yourself through this period that the world is going through a serious pandemic – that nothing is going according to plan, and it’s okay if a few things; or your entire day do(es) not go to plan.

Do: Plan

I am trying to find a routine which works for me. Planning is usually the biggest step, I realise since my routine has changed entirely and I do not have to be ready, showered and fed before 07:30, I have to actively plan better my time, and things I intend to do.

Don’t: Overdress

Ahem! *Note to self*

You are not leaving the house, and you are allowed to dress down and not wear your office best.

Put the heels away and grab those indoor slippers. Did someone say sweatpants? Yas!

Feeling like going nude like I often do? Go right ahead… well unless you have a skype/zoom meeting, you know! Absolutely no need to scar others.

Do: Take A Shower, & Brush Your Teeth

Yes don’t be like me yesterday. Not needing to leave the house is not a reason to not freshen up.

Even if you live alone like I do, still freshen up, for you. It makes you feel more alert, and helps you achieve more.

Don’t: Absolutely let go

As hard as things are – we are still hoping that the pandemic will come to pass, and that both and I will survive.

If we do survive, life will have to return to normal, and we cannot let our lives become absolute messes.

If you absolutely cannot manage to work; that is okay – take care of you. If you can muster up some energy to even just try however; do so.

I am using this time to catch up on a lot of projects. If you can, and only if you can, do so.

Do: Relax

Again, the world is really tough right now. It is perfectly fine, if you would like to take some more time to relax.

I am stressed all the time. As someone who enjoys watching the news – I have had to make an active effort to no longer do that, as it terribly triggers my anxiety. I also have to unfollow and mute some content on my social media for a while, just for a little bit of sanity.

I can afford myself the same relaxation in my day to day life. Take the time to kickback, an relax.

Don’t: Drink & Work

Unless, you know, you are more productive that way.

Getting intoxicated however, is not the best option if you have some deliverable to you boss or clients.

You may end up missing some deadlines – or maybe not. You know, honestly, do whatever works for you.

Do: Drink, & Relax

Again I say, do whatever works for you. If drinking a glass of wine and relaxing is all you can do today; well I know I will be proud of you for just having survived the day.

Don’t: Go out to congested gatherings

Or any gatherings at all! Covid-19 is really here, and we need to start taking this seriously. Social-isolate, and avoid social gatherings. If you can; please stay at home.