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With the ongoing health crisis, we can never tell how and when this will end. For one thing, it has greatly affected our daily routines. From simply going out for errands to going for work, we would have to live in the “new normal” soon.

As of now, we have no choice but to stay at home except going out to buy essential goods and other emergencies. Some thought this kind of set up has become a blessing, while others thought of this as a curse.

Believe it or not, there are some people who did not want to be locked down at home at this critical time. A few days ago, some people actually went out to protest the ongoing policy of staying at home and closing down America.

How to be productive while working at home

Working at home has its pros and cons. On the one hand, you can work at your own pace wearing your pajamas. Working at home is a crucial thing these days since we are not allowed to go out. Plus, we get to spend more time with our family and keep ourselves healthy and safe.

On the other hand, there can be distractions while working at home. It can be isolating working at home instead of mingling with co-workers in the office. However, there are ways you can motivate yourself and be successful working at home. Here are some things you can do.

Set up your own home office.

Distractions can be part of a work-at-home setup. It can be your clingy child, a hyperactive pet, or your food pantry. If you want to take your work at home setup seriously, you should set up your own office at home.

First, look for a spot where you can work in peace. It can be in your basement, the attic, or in the corner of your bedroom. You can invest in an ergonomic office chair, a lamp, and a work desk. You can even put a family picture on your desk if you want for added inspiration.

Create a morning routine.

Working at home can be lonely at times. It’s like you’re not working because you’re not in an actual office. It can also be tempting to delay work because you’re at home and supposed to be relaxing!

However, that shouldn’t be the case. A proper mindset is a key to be a productive home-based worker. Imagine it’s just the same as when you’re going to your actual office. Set your phone alarm, take a shower, dress up, and have breakfast. You can even wear makeup because why not?

Take breaks as well.

Are you the type of worker who does not take a break? Or are you one who takes too many breaks? One of the challenges (or perks, depending on your perspective) of being a remote worker is that no one is supervising your every move.

However, make sure to have your own breaks as well. For one thing, it can be a bad thing to sit in your desk all day. Use those short breaks to stretch, drink water, or munch on a snack. Plan on your lunches and dinners in advance so you won’t spend time thinking about cooking while you’re in the middle of working.

Be social in the time of social distancing.

The ongoing pandemic should not be an excuse not to catch up with your loved ones. Introverts may tend to get used to working alone. But you will feel anxious and stressed at some point. That is why it is important to stay connected especially in these uncertain times.

There are social media where you can post funny memes or chat with your friends. There are also video conference apps where you and your team can huddle after work. Somehow, we are fortunate to have these kinds of technology despite the pandemic going on.

Take care of yourself.

As a home-based worker, it is important to achieve a work-life balance. You can do your job while enjoying your time at home. At the same time, you should learn to relax when needed to avoid burnout, stress, and anxiety.

Adjusting to work-at-home life

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Not everyone is fortunate to continue their jobs while the quarantine period is ongoing. Those working in tourism and events industries are among the most hardly-hit of the pandemic.

On the other hand, there are still a lot of people who are fortunate to keep their jobs despite the lockdown. A lot of companies opted for a work-from-home set up for their employees. That way, companies are still able to operate and employees still get to earn money for their basic needs.

Meanwhile, those who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 chose to look for home-based jobs to augment their income. Working at home may seem like a dream come true for all of us. But the truth is that this kind of work setup may not be for everyone.

Keep yourself entertained from time to time, exercise, and bond with your family and loved ones. That way, you can make the most of your time at home.

It is a great opportunity to be working at home at this time. We will never know when this pandemic will exactly end. But at least you still get to keep your job.