The following is a guest post by Marie Miguel.

For some of us who have worked from home for years, this COVID-19 stay-at-home order is no big deal. For those of you who are just learning, it is going to take some time to get used to it. One of the most important things to know about working from home is that you need a schedule. While many people think working from home means you can just work whenever you feel like it, that does not work well if you expect to get things done.[adrotate group=”4″]

Scheduling

With most at-home jobs, yes, you can set your own hours. The problem is sticking to them. It is easy to get distracted when you work at home. The phone rings or someone texts, you feel like you have to answer. Turn it off or put it on silent while you are working. You have to schedule your time wisely and stick to that schedule, no matter what. After all, you are working, so act like it. The phone can wait until break time. Yes, you can take breaks on a schedule, just like when you worked at the office. Just don’t forget to come back to work.

Talking to Others

When you take your break, go ahead and pick up the phone and answer whoever messaged you or call someone. Even if you didn’t get any calls. Make one. Take a walk. Play with the dog, cat, hamster, whatever. If your kids are there, play with them. Have a snack. Talking to others while you are working from home is important, so you do not feel isolated. Even during this social distancing time for COVID-19, you can talk to people, just stay at least six feet away from them. If you do feel isolated, anxious, or depressed, talk to one of the therapists at BetterHelp. They can help you figure out how to feel better.[adrotate group=”4″]

Set Goals

Depending on what you do for a living from home, set yourself some goals to achieve. Everyone needs goals. They keep you going. For example, if you have to have several articles due by the end of the day, make sure to get them done first before working on those that are due tomorrow or the next day. Plan wisely and do what you have to do to stay on schedule. Do not wait until the last minute to do what needs to be done.

Stand Up

You do not have to stay sitting if you do not want to. In fact, it is not healthy to sit too much, as you have probably already heard. If your job is to talk to people online, get some Bluetooth headphones so you can walk around the house or even outside if you can. If you have to be at your computer for writing articles or research, get a stand-up desk. If you don’t want to invest the money right now, set your laptop on the counter and stand up while you work. You will get a bit of exercise and feel better about yourself, which is important. And as always, if you feel like you need help, contact one of the many therapists at BetterHelp.com. They are available 24/7/365, and you don’t even have to leave your home.

work from home adviceMarie Miguel Biography – Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.[adrotate group=”2″]