Working from home has never been an option for me before. My entire career I have worked in retail (currently on the corporate side), so working from home has always been a dream. Now that it is a state/federal mandate and is currently the only option, saying that it has been an adjustment is an understatement.
The way things are now are far from normal, and it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and out of control. No way of working from home is going to be the right way, or going to perfect. I had expectations of what working from would look like, and they definitely did not include a puppy on my lap all day. But then again why am I complaining about sleeping puppies.
Below are some of the ways I’m adjusting to the current “normal”.
- Have a routine.
I’m still working a 9-5 schedule, so it’s important for me to still maintain a daily routine. I still get up at a reasonable time every morning, and use my usual commute time both in the morning and the afternoon to be productive like do a work out or clean. By having some structure (a very minimal one), it keeps my days from blending all together, and helps separate the work days from the weekends
- Get “ready” everyday
I am NOT saying that I do my hair, make up, and put on an outfit everyday. I do however take a shower, put some lip balm on, and change out of my pjs, even if it is to put on different comfy clothes. By “getting ready” everyday I just feel a little more like myself, and feel a little more motivated for my day.
- Take a lunch break!
You take lunch breaks when you’re at work, why wouldn’t you be taking lunch breaks when you are at home? It’s a good time to step away from your work, and even do a load of laundry, some dishes, or just watch some TV and relax. For me it’s a good half way point to my day, and helps break it up a bit!
- Have some small, manageable tasks that you can check off
Even if it’s a minor thing like taking out the trash, or something bigger like organizing a kitchen drawer, it feel so good to check something off your list, and accomplish something. I downloaded a free language-learning app, and now spend 5 min a day learning French. How effective it is, not too sure, but it does feel great to check one thing off every day.
- Get some fresh air!
Being cooped up for so long sometimes makes you forget how important the outdoors are. I live in New England so it’s still pretty chilly, but I do make sure to go on a nice walk with my dog everyday, and even go on a drive around the block to get my car running and some fresh air.
- Take some time for yourself
Self-care is by far the most important thing you can do right now. Do whatever you need to do to feel your own version of normal. You don’t have to be productive if you don’t feel like it one day. You can stay on the couch and watch movies all weekend. You can eat another brownie. That’s totally fine, and no one will ever judge you or fault you for it.
Shades and Stripes 
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