As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. surpasses 600 (at the time this article was published), many companies are encouraging their employees to work from home to help prevent the virus from spreading. But while working from home can feel natural to some, others are struggling with the transition to this new lifestyle. Now, there's a viral Twitter thread offering some helpful tips on how to make working from home work for you.
On Sunday, planetary scientist Emily Lakdawalla asked experienced remote workers on Twitter to share some "tips for working effectively and avoiding distractions" while working from home, and people delivered.
Cosmologist and astroparticle physicist Sophia Gad-Nasr suggested leaving the phone in another room and putting it on silent for hours, filling your room with light and avoiding the bed if it's just going to make you sleepy, and, of course, pretending the TV doesn't exist.
She also recommended using headphones or earplugs, especially if you live with another person.
Geophysicist and science communicator Mika McKinnon advised setting work hours and sticking to them, otherwise it can be all too easy to procrastinate with errands and chores.
McKinnon also said if you find your mind wandering, pick a short activity that will help you refocus, like showering, taking a walk around the block, or even having your own mini dance party.
Filmmaker and software designer Aharon Rabinowitz is a strong supporter of the "1 o'clock pants rule," which mandates that you change out of your pajamas by the early afternoon.
Some people even recommended having separate sets of pajamas, one for work and another for sleep.
Of course, not having children helps.
And cats are the enemy.
Make a cat-proof barrier around your keyboard.
— Radha Venkat (@AhdarTaknev) March 8, 2020
Seriously, no matter what you do, cats will find a way to walk all over your keyboard.
It's also important for anyone you're sharing the house with to realize that working from home means working from home.
And, finally, as important as it is to clock in, it's also crucial to remember to clock out. Making a plan to walk the dog at 6:30 p.m. or go to a yoga class can help your brain realize the work day is over.
It might take a little time to adjust but, once you do, you may never want to come into the office again!
