Since a lot of us have found ourselves working from home, we thought we’d share some important tips for maintaining productivity (and balance!) while you transform your home into your office. And yes, water cooler banter with yourself at your kitchen sink is highly encouraged.
To us, it all starts with having the right space.
Set boundaries between work life and personal life
Prioritize tasks at the start of the day
Add in breaks and changes in scenery (to the extent you can)
Communicate with friends and family
Eat right and exercise
It’s important to remember that there’s an off switch. When you don’t have the normal buffers of a commute and a separate place to go to — aka an office — you can fall into the constant work trap. Make sure you remember to clock out (and also to clock in the following day).
Having colleagues around and having set meeting cadences can help structure your day. In the absence of that accountability, we recommend that you map out your day at the start, so you can keep to a schedule and stay on track — and avoid the Netflix-binge trap (you can do it!)
Take a breather. Shut the laptop (not mid video conference, though). And reset. There are some great meditations available online. You could thumb through that book club book you’ve been meaning to read. Take a virtual tour of the Guggenheim. Or just enjoy a moment of silence. And yes, you can ultimately give into that Netflix binge.
We’re practicing social distancing — not isolation. Our phones aren’t just for looking at funny cat memes. They actually make phone calls. Give a family member a ring, or a friend, and truly catch up. Now, it’s more important than ever to reach out to our networks. And yes, share that cat meme, a laugh always helps.
Oreo casseroles are fun cooped-up novelty meals. But it’s important to maintain a healthy diet — canned veggies and frozen fruits are your friends — especially since you’re probably not getting your daily steps. Also embrace that your dining room is probably your new yoga studio.
And if you’re feeling tight on SPACE in your own space, we’re offering our apartments up at special rates during this challenging time (see our destinations here). They make for great work-from-home spots (awesome Wi-Fi and very spacious) or second homes for those who need more space for extra family or friends (fully equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and true living rooms).