Routine – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

01 May Routine – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

We are well into the thick of this hideous pandemic, and are trying to settle into some sort of routine. Remote learning has been tough for my 3 teenage children – yes, we had another milestone birthday when my baby turned 13. Even though there is pressure from the Commonwealth Government, there is still no talk of Victorian schools welcoming students back. So, the routine that we have established under our roof just might need to stay a bit longer.

I have had the benefit of working from home for over 15 years, so that is nothing new for me. I have always been able to work with distractions and be self motivated (helps that I love what I do). I know a lot of people are perhaps not adapting to working from home, so here are some tips that just might help:

• Exercise first thing in the morning. This is sometimes what I refer to as ‘worst first’.
• Have a clear and clean work space. You may be restricted on where your dedicated work space is, but even if it is the end on the dining room table, make sure you claim that zone!
• Take mini-breaks. If you need to set a timer, then set a timer.
• Power for an hour. This refers to either work or home tasks.
• Use music if you need extra stimulation.
• Keep in touch. Use any forms necessary including phone, email, facetime, Zoom, calling over the fence.
• Reward yourself. If you are like me and don’t work in a massive team, sometimes you just have to give yourself a pat on the back.

Working from home can actually be more productive than in a busy office. You just have to keep yourself busy and stay productive.