Many organisations are establishing optional or required work-from-home policies in the wake of the emerging coronavirus outbreak. As a result, many of us are facing a unique situation. Working from home due to coronavirus may feel like a whole new universe, even if you’ve done it before: It’s most likely a surprise. It could be over a longer amount of time rather than just a day or two (and you have no idea how long it will stay). Your entire organisation is participating. Outside of work, you may not be able to socialise in person.

These points can help you succeed at both getting your work done and keeping your mental health:

Plan your day ahead

This will allow you to reduce distractions and maximise your true productive times. For example, many people eat a small breakfast on their way to work, but when you get home, you may be tempted to eat a larger breakfast, which will slow you down for your early morning meeting. Or you may normally leave at 5 p.m., but your children arrive at 4 p.m., necessitating a shorter lunch to complete all of your work.

Be Tech-Savvy

As you will be doing the majority of your work on a computer, you must be computer literate. Everything from learning how to use different software to updating programs and keeping your computer running smoothly should be covered. A broken computer or Internet connection means no work, so you’ll need to be able to navigate your way around technical issues and concerns.

Brush up on your communication skills

Because you will be working remotely, you must have great communication skills. Although smartphones, instant messaging, and applications such as Skype allow us to stay in touch, the majority of our communication will be done via e-mail.  That’s why you must ensure that you are able to convey your message clearly and concisely.

 Set office hours

Make a time slot for each of the day’s activities. This aids in communicating with others while you’re at work and when you are at play. If you have little children, you may need to plan your work around their naps or the schedule of another caregiver so that you may work uninterrupted for a long period of time. You should also inform your loved ones that you are working and request them not to call you unless there is an emergency. Make your office hours known and obvious to your family, and make sure they respect your working hours.

Take breaks

Consider working in short bursts and taking breaks from the computer to stretch when planning your routine. This will be extremely beneficial to you on both a physical and mental level. You may forget to take breaks from your workstation if there isn’t a water cooler or coworkers nearby. You will be more productive if you take breaks.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Working from home encourages a sedentary lifestyle, and the proximity of the kitchen and refrigerator adds to the problem of weight gain for many telecommuters. Make sure to set aside time for regular exercise, keep nutritious snacks on hand, and drink enough water.

Working from home, in comparison to a regular job, can take some getting used to. However, if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to take advantage of the flexibility that remote work provides while also feeling good and productive in your job.