The Working From Home Challenge

Daily life has changed quickly–and dramatically–in the United States and around the world. The planet’s economies are trying desperately to keep going and forego the financial devastation that is being forecast.

Therefore, working from home is as good as it gets for many companies, big and small, to keep their workforce employed and their services and products available in the marketplace.

However, as more people are glued to their laptops and cellphones (yours truly included), there are a few things to keep in mind to maintain healthy, not only mentally, but also physically.

One of the most common behaviors adopted by people who work from home is working in bed. An article published in the British Daily Mail last Thursday references four reasons why this habit should be discouraged: “It’s bad for your brain, you’ll be less productive, dark bedrooms are not conducive to work, and it’s bad for your back.” (Read the full article.)

In an ideal world, electronics, in general, should be banned from sharing your sleep chamber. But in reality, we all depend on them somehow. (I, for one, usually fall asleep with the TV on at a low volume.)

But, out of all gizmos, the worst is a work laptop on a nightstand. It is a constant reminder of those “pending things” that disrupt your sleep pattern. So, evict your computer from your bedroom. Whatever you forgot, it can wait until tomorrow.

Working in bed also hurts our back and makes us lazy. Or let me ask you, have you made your bed yet? Like the famous commencement speech, “Change the World” of Naval Admiral William H. McRaven at the University of Texas in 2014 says:

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task… If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.“

Nevertheless, working from home can be as–or even more–productive than commuting to work. These are some tips that can help you make the transition.

First, turn a room of your house into an office and shut the door. If this isn’t possible, find a window away from the regular home traffic (i.e. living or dining room or kitchen) where you can set up a small desk or a table. Even decorate it with a nice calendar.

Experts believe that daylight influences our brain to stay alert and controls our body clock when it is time to stop. If you are the workaholic type, set up an alarm on your phone to finish your day.

The most important thing during this Coronavirus outbreak and confinement measures is to adapt our routines to the new circumstance and remain active. We must also guard our sleep. The lack of it affects our overall health and immune system.

So get up, make your bed, take a shower, and do everything possible to look like as your usual self. For me, it is blow-drying my hair and putting on mascara. Just because we are working from home, it doesn’t mean that we have to become Neanderthals.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

Xiomara Spadafora

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