Shahar Avigezer

Coronavirus Lockdown: How To Work From Home and Stay Sane

March 23, 2020  •  5 minutes  • 1025 words

The challenge: WFH for weeks, with/without kids, under quarantine. Go, go, go. Well, I’ve past the first week and trust me, I’ve done all the mistakes. Here are some tips to get through.

So, how did we come to this? Due to the COVID-19 spreading out, On March 14, Saturday evening, Israel’s prime minister announced a shutdown for schools, pre-schools, cafes, theaters, restaurants and restrict most of the movement. Also, he decided to close down any non-essential businesses and advised workers to stay away from offices. Tons of employees we’re forced to take unpaid leave and basically only if your job allows it — work from home.

Anyone else feels like we’re in an apocalyptic movie?

I used to work from home occasionally but it sure is a whole different challenge when you’re working remotely for weeks. We’re already past the first week and I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster.

It’s refreshing to be home so much but I’m losing my work-life balance.
I’m so productive now but I over-worked till 11 pm.
I have no distractions during the day but I feel lonely.
I have more time with my family but I’m been beating my self up for not always being available for my baby.

The perfect meme to describe 2020

Let’s take a long breath for a sec and remember this is a period. One day we will all look back at this time. If you’re in the same situation or in need of some helpful tips to work productively from home, here are some tips I use in my day-to-day to get through this weird time.

My personal IT guy

Set up your workstation

The company I worked for made a very smart move and already decided to go fully remote a couple of days before the shutdown as a WFH drill.
During the weekend, we packed up our equipment such as laptops, screens, keyboards, cables and more. Heck, someone even took the chair home 😆

So, first, set up whatever you need to work comfortably. Create a space that is work-oriented only. It will be your distraction-free fortress, a mental space. It doesn’t have to be huge or impressive, just yours.

Get up, Dress up

I can’t stress this enough — please get out of your pajamas… I know, it’s easy, the laptop is right there, it’s so comfy, why do I even need to leave my bed?

Well, I’ve done that for a couple of days and it was fun until my personal life was mashed in with my work life and I ended up working around the clock without noticing. I realized I needed to have a clear cut before I start my workday. It’s more mental than physical of course but it helps when I pretend like I’m actually going to work. So, I put on clothes (yeah, you can only go waist up), make myself a cup of coffee and try to structure my day like I would in the office.

Business on the top, party on the bottom

Give and take

The thing you wanna be right now is liable and communicative. Working from home is also challenging for your employers. Think of your manager, not knowing what you’re doing, not sure when you’re working, not aware if anyone is distracting you, not there to see your energy throughout the day.

I always keep them updated. I let them know I’m responsible for my tasks and time. When I go offline, I share it. When I’m stuck on something, I ask for help. When I need something, I reach out.
The more reliable I become, the more my manager can count on me to get the job done without micromanaging me.

Morning person or Night owl?

Since now you might have more liberty to work in other hours than the ordinary 9 to 17, try to find out what is the most productive time for you and leverage that. We all have productivity cycles throughout the day but we also tend to be more focused and get into that sweet spot of deep work at different times.

For example, I’m a typical morning person. I wake up (no clock needed, got my baby to help) I get my coffee, I spend my morning time with my baby, I dress up (taking my own advice) and then, I’m fully concentrated for anything. I use it. Then comes the afternoon. I’m running on fumes. I definitely should avoid doing any critical tasks. Believe me, been there, messed up that. So nowadays, I just try to go with my focus flow.

Take a Break

You need it.
Get up.
Stretch.

We already know by now that breaks can actually improve productivity significantly so let your brain time to process. Do whatever you can to divide your day to avoid getting burnout.

I love this simple Tomato Timer to track my breaks. I either walk the dog, play with my baby or do 10 min yoga with Adriene session as a break and a stretch!

Keep in touch

In our regular routine, we’d probably have some small talks around the coffee machine, ask a colleague how was the weekend, consult with someone on the team about a task, go to lunch with the team and so on. All those interactions are so important for our mood and sense of belonging.

Yes, you’ll have to initiate these talks. I know, it feels a bit artificial. But it’s critical to keep your social connections. Find your way to engage. I have an afternoon coffee break, I go on spontaneously team hangs or eating lunch together. I recommend Zoom but find out what works for you.

Zoom screenshot is the new selfie

Use the IT’S OK mantra

These are hard times for everyone. Whatever it is you’re feeling, is VALID. Remember, this period is not forever, you can make it through.

Stay safe and stay home 🙏 ❤️

Spending/wasting my time on