Set Yourself up for Work-from-Home Success

As we round out the seventh week of coronavirus lockdown,
the novelty, if there ever was one, has most definitely worn off. Individuals
and businesses alike are beginning to settle into the “new normal” work-from-home
reality. It is possible some businesses may see the value in allowing their
employees to work from home. We, humans, are very adaptable after all, so this
“new normal” may become a permanent change for many of us.

With that being said, we decided it might be a good idea for us to share a little of our WFH wisdom and experience with you. Some of you are undoubtedly starting to get the hang of this new life, many of you are probably excelling! But still, we would like to share a few pointers to help you truly succeed in your new environment.

1. Create
   an energizing morning routine for yourself.

Lounging around in your PJ’s all day, teeth unbrushed and shower left dry as a bone will only lead to vegging out in front of the TV. Now, while this may sound appealing to some of you, and if we’re being honest it sounds like a dream weekend to us too; it is no way for anyone to spend a weekday.

Creating an energizing morning routine will
help you start every day off on the right foot. You will be more productive;
you’ll get more enjoyment out of the day, and you’ll feel content and
accomplished when you lay your head down on your pillow that evening.

Here are a few suggestions to help you
start your morning off with a bang:

• Keep a bottle of water next to your bed and down it immediately after waking up.
• Program yourself an upbeat morning playlist. (might we suggest including “Wake Up” by Run River North)
• STREEEEEETCH! Get your blood flowing with a little toe touch.
• Take a shower, ya filthy bugger.
• Make your bed. There’s nothing like crawling into a nicely made bed at the end of a long day.
• Dress for success. We’re not suggesting you dawn your best business suit, but you can put on some pants at the very least.

• Get
  off the couch

Although it may be tempting to
rest your computer on your lap and stretch out on the sofa, we’re here to tell
you that unless you’re under the age of thirty, working this way will
absolutely murder your back over time. Design yourself an ergonomically sound
workspace. You can accomplish this by:

•    Ensuring your chair is the right
height in relation to your desk. Your arms should rest at 90-degree angles.

•    If, after adjusting your chair
to the appropriate height, your feet are not touching the floor, you can grab a
footstool or a few books to rest them on.

•    Next, adjust your screen, so
you are looking straight ahead rather than craning your neck down all day.

•    Finally, remember to get up
and move every 20-30 minutes. This will help you avoid muscle stiffness.

3.    Make a to-do list.

The power of the to-do list is incredible.
You will be amazed by how much you manage to accomplish each day. Not to
mention the fact that crossing things off your to-do list at the end of the day
is extremely satisfying.

4.    Try to avoid Netflix during office hours.

Trust us; we know the dangers of
day-time streaming all too well. Before you know it, “just one more episode”
can quickly become “OMG, where did the day go.” So, please don’t rely on the
Netflix “are you still watching” message to prompt you to accomplish your
goals. Get your to-do list ticked off, and you’ll be able to enjoy guilt-free
TV all evening.

5.    Remember to eat and eat something healthy.

We get it; the ice cream is just
sitting right there in the freezer. You don’t have any judgy co-workers hanging
around, and it’s not like you can leave the house anyway, so who’s going to
know if you eat a pint of If I had 1000000 flavours for breakfast?

You’ll know, that’s who!
Moreover, your motivation will know. Loading up on junk food is a one-way
ticket to afternoon sluggishness. Treat your body right with some energy
fueling, feel-good nutritional foods. Trust us; you’ll be glad you did.

From everyone here at Jester, we
hope you are keeping happy and healthy during these difficult times. If you
ever have any questions or concerns you think we may be able to help you with,
please do not hesitate to contact us.