While we are all attempting to adapt to the changes, and let's be honest, the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to our lives, I thought it could be beneficial to share some of my tips of working out of a home office.  Some of you maybe transitioning to working from home for the first time, and there are others who do this regularly, so let's learn from each other as some of us are not only working but also navigating around children/elearning/spouses becoming coworkers.

1.  Stay organized.  Google calendar is a great tool to help remind me of conference calls because it pops up on my computer welcome screen every morning to help remind me what is coming up next.  But I'll be honest, I also still use a written planner.  I know that can sound historic to some of you but for my personality, it works well.  I write down project due dates in that calendar because it has absolutely everything for my family, including meals, written in it.  Looking at it multiple times a day keeps me prepared and sometimes keeps me sane because I don't have to search through thousands of emails to find due dates.
2. Create a routine and stick with it. This might be easier said than done, but it is true.  I get up everyday at the same time I would if I needed to drive into the office.  I workout, get dressed, and then use the "commute time" as time to destress and prepare for my workday and my child's schedule.  
3. Technology is either your best friend or your nightmare, prepare for both!  Not having a tech team a few offices away from yours, can be difficult.  But if you have multiple devices, prep them both.  Last year my monitor on my laptop was disconnecting from my computer, our docking station wasn't helping the situation.  So before any conference calls, I would get logged in with my iPad and turn off the microphone so if I had to switch from laptop to iPad, it could be seamless and my audience had no idea.  
4. Take breaks accordingly.  Sitting at your desk or makeshift desk at the dining room table for 8 hours straight is not ideal.  If you can, put your earbuds in and take a call while walking around the block.  It allows you to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and keep working all at the same time.  And at the end of the work day, don't be afraid to sign out of your email.  It will be there tomorrow, so give your brain a chance to recharge.  
5. Talk with your "co-workers" aka your family members or significant others.  Ask them for help when you know you will have a conference call and you need a quiet space for a certain amount of time.  Share your work successes.  And don't be afraid to ask them for their input, regardless of their industry.  Sometimes that point that they have provided can trigger something specifically for you that you can take back to your desk and apply it.  Also continue to connect with your real co-workers, by checking in with them and providing support.  We are all in this together, and it takes a village!

What are some of your additional tips that you can share while we transition out of typical offices to a remote office-environment?