As the coronavirus continues to disrupt the lives of many, there’s a high chance your area is already under community quarantine, if not lockdown. The government advises that anyone who’s showing symptoms or have recently visited places with confirmed cases spend 14 days of self-isolation.

Social distancing is also being implemented to reduce the amount of contact with other people, especially those who are at high-risk of being infected.

Another measure being taken is switching to a home-based arrangement. Though it comes with its share of challenges, working from home is actually a luxury.

What Are Some of the Perks of Remote Work?

• You don’t need to face hordes of other commuters everyday, which is valuable these days when public transport is limited and with temperature checkpoints almost everywhere.
  
  
• You don’t have to be in a rush to get ready for the day since there’s no need to think about what you’re going to wear or what things you need to bring.
  
  
• You don’t have to spend so much money on car fuel, parking fees, lunches bought out, a professional wardrobe or bus fare.
  
  
• You don’t contribute to the carbon footprint of the city you’re living in as your workstation is only several steps away, plus walking has been advised.
  
  
• You don’t have to get involved in any office politics as there are no co-workers for you to hang out with by the water cooler or in the break room.

You can see that telecommuting in the midst of quarantining is a good thing. It’s just that the looming fear of COVID-19 at our doorsteps can fill you with anxiety instead of ease though. Reduced social contact can heighten these feelings too.

It won’t just be your mental and emotional health that will be affected but also your physical well-being. Productivity is sure to suffer as well.

How to Stay Healthy and Productive?

Regardless if you’re new to working from home or have been at it for some time, it pays to know or be reminded of the following so you can better cope with the coronavirus situation.

Reduce the stress

This applies not just for yourself but for those whom you are living with too. If you’re living with children or the elderly, talk to them about the outbreak calmly and factually. Reassure them that they’re safe and that they can always talk to you if they feel upset.

Limit exposure to news coverage of the event so you won’t get distracted while working. Stay off Facebook or Twitter as much as possible and consider meditation instead.

Eat as you usually would

Stocking up doesn’t mean subsisting on items like canned fish or instant noodles. You can make pasta or bake brownies or experiment with vegetable soups as well.

It’s a good idea to keep some potato chips, chocolates and whatever snacks that you know you’ll be craving if you’re stuck inside for some time. Don’t forget tea, coffee, or powdered juices too.

Though water is likely to remain up and running, refill the gallons while you can.

Maintain regular hours

When you were working in an office, you must’ve had to log in and out at certain hours. Keeping these same hours will enable your brain to get some rest when your day is up.

It might be that your employer requires you to be online for a specific time zone or it might be that you have some flexibility. Either way, it’s best to set a schedule then adhere to it.

Check in with people

Introverts may enjoy being forced to stay inside but it’s not as fun during a pandemic. Avoid being too isolated by getting in touch with your friends, family and colleagues.

If someone you know gets infected or becomes a Person Under Investigation (PUI), give them a call, send a playlist or share memes. Having someone around when you’re ill does wonders for your mental wellness.

Take a break every so often

Giving yourself a break allows your body and brain to release some of the tension. Take a 15-minute walk even if it’s just around your yard, catch up with a loved one or make some lunch.

Working yourself to the bone won’t do your immune system any favors. Anyway, breaks are better for boost your ability to focus and your productivity levels.

Get some exercise in

Working out can help your mental health and it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Look up exercises that you can do with little to no equipment. YouTube has plenty of videos that offer instructions for doing home-based strength training, Zumba, yoga and more.

Plan out your entertainment

There might be some shows on Netflix that you’ve been meaning to watch or there may be craft projects that you’ve yet to finish. Make a list of all the things that you want to do and when you want to do them.

This can motivate you to complete your tasks on time so you will have hours to spare for having fun. At the same time, it provides alternatives to staying glued to the TV and freaking out over the news.

Finding a Job Online

We hope the tips provided here are useful to newbies and veterans in the remote working scene. If you’re yet to find a client to work online for, Remote Workmate can connect you with amazing employers through our website. We can also help you in transitioning to a home-based lifestyle.