Let's face it - we have all been thrown into a state of uncertainty and anxiety as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced most of us to work from home. Many of us are now several weeks into home-office life, and we thought it would be helpful to remind everyone of the best practices for effectively working from home:

1. Create your own workspace

Working from home can make it difficult for you to separate work from personal space. One way you can draw the line is by setting aside an area in your home dedicated for "work only"! It can be as simple as just clearing up a space on a table or a corner of your room as your office space. This creates a specific work zone for you, and you can even set rules for yourself, such as no social media in when in the work zone.

2. Take time for self-care

Now that you're at home, use this opportunity to do the things you usually have no time to do. Cook yourself a hearty home cooked meal once a day, spend more time with your family, de-clutter your house and maybe even do some yoga to relax. Just because you're working from home doesn't mean that you need to be working around the clock - standard office hours should still apply.

3. Schedule your time

Draw up a schedule before each day, from when you wake up until you are finished with work. Make sure to build in time to eat your lunch! Proper time management makes sure you don't put off work or work overtime, both which can lead to stress & anxiety. You can also set timely reminders to take breaks or start on a task.

4. Don't work in your pajamas

I know, it's SO tempting to just dive straight into work after waking up, still clad in your comfy pajamas. However, getting too comfortable might not always be a good thing. Your body might take your comfort as a signal to be sluggish, which is the last thing you want. So hop into the shower, freshen up and put on some fresh clothes to signal the start of a new productive day. You can even put on some make up and your favorite dress, it is perfectly okay to dress up for yourself. Remember: when you look good, you feel good too!

5. Embrace video conferencing

In-person meetings have now been moved online, which might still be a foreign territory for some people. You might even be struggling to find the best video conferencing platform that fits your company's needs and preferences. There is a plethora of video conferencing options out there, with the advancement of technology in this day and age, there is bound to be a video conferencing tool that is just right for you and your company. Here are some video conferencing tools that Cabinet members use and suggested which we think might be useful for you.

Stay home and stay safe!