What a time this has been for all of us. Between the constant updates and all the unknown, COVID-19 has taken over 2020 in a way we didn’t know possible. While some of us have already perfected the art of JOMO (joy of missing out), transitioning from an office space to working from home can feel particularly isolating. We’ve crafted some tips and best practices to embrace social distancing and navigate this new (temporary) normal.
Setting up a designated workspace will help you feel organized – like you’re at the office, but not. No home office? No prob. Any cozy nook, coffee table, counter space will do the job. All you have to do is make it your own! First, the essentials. Laptop, notepad, pens, cell phone etc. Then the ambiance. Everyone was so busy stocking up on actual groceries that the local store had a great selection of beautiful blooms to choose from. If you can, a $7 bouquet can really make a difference on your at-home desk. You can also set the mood by lighting your favorite candle or creating the perfect playlist to keep you motivated throughout the day (and provide a little white noise so you don’t feel SO alone).
Try to stick to your normal routine. Wake up, make your bed, make a cup of coffee, shower, get dressed (this one is subjective – we love work-casual, but we currently love leggings more). When you sit down at your new designated workspace, create a schedule for the day. Write down your list of to-do’s and things to accomplish, then check them off as you complete them. This will help you stay focused on what should be prioritized and make sure nothing is slipping through the cracks! If you’re part of a team, set up times to chat throughout the day (if you haven’t already). There are so many incredible resources to help you stay connected from afar – start a group chat, sign up for slack, or get some face time with zoom or, well, FaceTime. Lastly, set an end time. If you leave work at 5-6pm, then that is the time you should be signing off. It’s important to separate your work/personal life so there’s no blurred lines at home!
Take. Breaks. We can’t stress this enough. It’s hard enough to focus outside of a proper office, so taking regular breaks will help section out your day and give you time to refresh & refocus. It can be 5 minutes or 15 minutes, just do it. Get up, take a short walk, make lunch, and take time to briefly unplug. Work is important, but so is your mental health.
A note to our beloved Botkier family; right now, the most important thing to remember is that we’re in this together. We support you and we’re here for you. It’s so important to connect and engage as a community, especially during this particularly lonely period of time. We will be sharing our team members favorite things to keep you occupied and we ask that you do the same! Recipes, playlists, workouts, creative indoor activities…anything! You’ll never be alone with us and we’re here to keep you company, even from afar.
Stay healthy and safe! xo
Main Photo: Lunya