Just like you, we are always looking for ways to keep ourselves and our family busy and active as we adjust to the new normal of “Stay home. Stay healthy”. Every day we are giving you a list of 14 things to keep us sharp, in shape, stimulated, busy, or entertained during these unprecedented times. Do one a day for 14 days, or tackle the entire list at once. Just make sure to check back every day for something new.

Now that the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order has been in effect for a few weeks, many of us have realized that working from home is not as easy as it seems. That’s why we’ve put together these 14 tips to make working from home a little easier.

  1. Keep a Regular Work Schedule – just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean office hours don’t apply. A consistent work schedule will help you separate your work from home life and maintain your efficiency. Dedicate your work hours to work and your off hours to relaxing.
  2. Wake Up Early – Don’t wake up right before work just because your desk is a few feet away. Take time in the morning to get into the mindset of work. Enjoy some breakfast, have some coffee, and get prepared for your day
  3. Get Dressed and Ready For the Day – Take the time to get yourself dressed and ready in the morning, even if you aren’t leaving the house. Working in your pajamas may seem relaxing, but it can actually make you feel depressed. Instead, get dressed like it’s any other day to help your mood, productivity, and stay in a working mindset.
  4. Take Your Breaks – Take some time every few hours to take your breaks. You need time to disconnect from work, especially when you’re working from home.
  5. Stretch and Exercise – This is especially important if you’re workspace isn’t a traditional office. If you’re currently working at the kitchen table, on the couch, or in bed, make sure you take time to get up and move your body. Even 5 minutes of stretching every few hours will make a huge difference.
  6. Avoid Distractions – There is only so much in our control, but do your best to avoid distractions. Trying to multitask by listening to the news in the background or watching tv between projects will kill your productivity.
  7. Listen to Music While You Work – On the note of avoiding distractions, listening to some relaxing background music has been shown to help with focus and efficiency.
  8. Get Outside When You Can – The weather is just now started to get nice. Take some time to get outside and enjoy some sunshine during your breaks.
  9. Make a Daily To-Do List – Stay focused and create an instant sense of accomplishment with a to-do list each day. This will help you keep your momentum every day and stay productive.
  10. Communicate With Your Team – It may be harder now that your coworkers are no longer a few feet away, but take the time to collaborate and communicate with your team. Send a quick email, chat message, or call your team to ask questions or brainstorm.
  11. Find a Pattern For the End of the Day – Get yourself out of the working mindset by establishing an end-of-the-day routine. Maybe that’s going through the day’s emails again, double checking your task list, or reviewing industry news. Whatever your routine is, try to do it every day so you can fully disconnect at the end of the day.
  12. Ask For What You Need – Whether this is technology, better communication, or an adjustment of your goals to be more attainable, ask for what you need to do your job well. Your success is dependent of your needs being met.
  13. Socialize with Coworkers – Consider a virtual happy hour after work one day. Or just call and chat for a few minutes if your breaks line up. We need socialization to be happy, so take the time to talk to your coworkers on a personal level.
  14. If You’re Sick, Take a Sick Day – If you’re sick you need rest for you body and your mind. Just because you can work through the flu while laying in bed doesn’t mean you should. Our health is our biggest asset, so take the time to get better. Work will still be there when you’re feeling better.

We know things are stressful right now, and you may be worried about your finances. We have solutions available through our Member Assistance Program, designed to support you. We have a range of resources, such as an Emergency Loan Program, Skip-a-Pay, and our Visa Credit Card special, that can help those who have been impacted.