Overnight the landscape of the workforce has shifted. Due to a global pandemic, many, for the first time, are making the switch to telecommunication and working from home.

As a blogger and online personal trainer, I have been in the WFH game since 2014. My entire business and livelihood are dependent on the internet, online learning platforms, zoom and various other pieces of software.

When I heard the news about social distancing, my first thought was “There is about to be a huge learning curve for those making the switch to working out of the house”. When it comes to successfully working from home there is an art form. A little prep goes a long way.

EXHIBIT A:

HERE ARE MY TIPS TO WORK FROM HOME:

REVIEW AND TEST NEW TECHNOLOGY FIRST:

Jennifer pooping on zoom could happen to any of us. This woman forgot she was on video and started taking a poop while on video! Face palm* Prior to rolling out new technology, take it for a test drive. Many programs like zoom, slack, and google docs have tutorials and video demonstrations.

DESIGNATE A WORKSPACE:

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s super important. While the couch, kitchen table or even your bed seems like an okay spot to login. Having a dedicated space is a game-changer. Set up space specifically for your work. If possible have it away from your place of rest. This allows for some work-life balance. Place everything you need for a days work in one spot.

HONOR WHEN YOU ARE OFF:

When you work out of the home, you have space and time in the morning between regular life and work. Avoid rolling out of bed and logging on right away. Make your coffee, get dressed, have breakfast. Do what you would normally prior to starting the work day. The “just one look” at emails can be a slippery slope. Honor the time you are off.

TIME BLOCK:

Some of the world’s most productive people, from Elon Musk to Bill Gates have sworn off to-do lists in favor of something else: Time blocking. Create a schedule for your tasks. I use time blocking daily in my business. Hour by hour I know what tasks need to be done and for how long, and when I will break. List out hour by hour when tasks need to be done and block out the time you need for each task. Schedule breaks (not just lunch) and leave a buffer between tasks.

GET DRESSED:

I know how tempting it is to simply roll out of bed, hop on the computer and start the day. However, when you take the time to put yourself together and get dressed, it affects the way you show up energetically. When you feel confident your energy changes. Does this mean full dress suit? No! Simply get out of your pjs and in to something fresh for the day.

EAT YOUR LUNCH AWAY FROM YOUR DESK:

Take a real lunch break. The time you take to sit down and eat should be an opportunity to reset and recharge. Eat your meal away from your desk. Take your meal somewhere relaxing like your patio or dining table. When you take a real break you will feel ready to get back to work.

Dogs bark, kids yell, spouses walk in. Life happens. Give yourself grace during this time. How are you making the switch to WFH? Comment below!

xo

Kat