If you are a nonessential employee, most likely you are working from home due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It’s become the norm as we try to prevent the spread during this pandemic. Thankfully, technology—with the help of an internet connection—makes it possible for us to communicate, collaborate, and do our jobs outside of the office. However, some professionals might find the line between business and leisure easily blurred in the confines of home sweet home. Here are some tips to help you keep your head in your work and remain productive despite all of the distractions away from the office.

Keep your morning routine – Even though you’re working from the comfort of home, stick to your standard daily preparations as if you were going to the office. Wake up at the same time, take a shower, get dressed in appropriate clothes, eat breakfast before starting, etc. Sticking to your typical pre-work routine will help distinguish work from play and put you in the right frame of mind each day. Not to mention, with any luck, hopefully, we’ll be going back to the office within a few months; don’t make it any more difficult than it will be by developing a new routine you will have to break.

Have a dedicated workspace (if possible) – While you might be more comfortable lying in bed or lazing on the couch with your laptop, it’s in your best interest to have a dedicated workspace. Even if it’s a setup at the dining room table, this type of space will make it feel more like work and enable you to concentrate better. Besides limiting distractions, you’ll also maintain good posture, which will prevent back or neck pain, fatigue, and muscle aches.

Communicate with your colleagues – When working from home, it’s more important than ever to stay connected with your co-workers. The isolation of remote work can bring on loneliness or disconnect. Regularly reaching out to and communicating with your co-workers provides you with the personal connection you experience in the office. Communication will also keep you focused on your work and let your supervisor and colleagues know you’re staying on top of your responsibilities.

Don’t forget to take breaks – Believe it or not, it’s easy to forget about taking a break when working from home. In the office, we have set rituals and intermissions, such as coffee breaks and lunch, where we like to get away from our desk or leave the office for a reset. Stick to your scheduled breaks when working from home. Not only will it force you to get up and remain active, but it will also help you reduce stress and avoid burnout.

While it sounds like a dream job, working from home can present unique challenges to those who aren’t experienced at it. But by taking measures to eliminate distractions and remain in the right frame of mind, you can be even more productive outside of the office than you are in it. For additional information regarding data security while working from home, check our our blog: 10 Tips to Stay Safe Working from Home.