Operation Quarantine | Effective Tips for Working Remotely Long-Term

It’s no question that in light of the global concern of COVID-19, all of our lives have been impacted. Hopefully if you are reading this, you have not been infected and are simply self-quarantining and working from home until the dust settles. I’ve of course been following nearly everyone along on Instagram to see how people are reacting to working from home, a concept that surprisingly most don’t do on a more normal basis. It’s exciting at first because you can just wake up, wear comfy clothes all day, save money on buying breakfast/lunch/coffee and can lounge while getting work done. However, it is a concept that can get old fast if you don’t follow effective protocol that keeps you motivated all day.

So what do I know about this exactly? Well… I 100% work remotely! I have for a few years now and have found my groove, but it did take some time. A lot of people on Instagram have been sharing some great tips of their own for working from home but considering I am basically a pro at the WFH life, I wanted to share some that I found have been effective for me over the last few years (meaning, they really work for the long run!).

Take Walks

I have found that taking brief walks in the morning and in the early evening help to start and end the day on the right foot. Something about breathing in the fresh air at those times just calms you down and gives you exactly what you need.

Have Snacks You Look Forward to Eating Later

This doesn’t mean candy or junk, but maybe it’s a healthy-ish recipe you made the night before that you came across on Instagram. I personally make these vegan peanut butter balls with chocolate chips and they not only keep me full, but they really do make me look forward to eating them and rewarding myself with them later because they are THAT good!

Create Boundaries

No matter what, there will always be more work to do at the end of the day. It’s so important to keep the separation of working and home life in the same space. If your hours are 10 AM - 6 PM, keep it that way. I cherish the time before and after work because it’s the only time I get for me, to be productive on TGB, work out and ultimately stay sane. It’s easy to feel guilty because the computer is always there but once you talk yourself off a ledge, I promise it’s for your own good.

Switch Rooms

Switch rooms after a while so you don’t feel stagnant or bored. A location swap is good for re-setting and getting comfortable again. Sitting in the same spot for 8 hours is dreadful.

Take a Virtual Work Out Class

Now more than ever, we are all taking advantage of the awesome fitness classes that we can access in our own living rooms due to the COVID-19 safety concerns. Taking a class also helps with your own personal boundaries too. Maybe you take a class in the morning as you normally would, or you take a “lunch break” and bang a work out out real quick. You won’t be late going back to your desk. Here are a few of my favorite work outs right now!

Barrewell (barre - my studio I belong to and is my favorite barre method hands down!) - Tons of FREE youtube video work outs

Tone It Up (mix of yoga, pilates, etc.) - The app is FREE for a month for new users

Melissa Wood Health (mix of yoga, pilates, etc.) - 7 day FREE trial for new users

9Round Laguna Niguel (a 30 minute work out that’s kickboxing centric and incorporates a functional, interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regimen) - FREE work outs on their Instagram live, and my friend is one of the trainers!

Rumble (boxing, HIIT, etc.) - One of my favorite boxing work outs! FREE on their IGTV

Hot 8 (yoga/hot yoga) - FREE hour-long classes on demand

Think in Increments

I find that dividing my day in increments is really helpful and helps the day go by a lot faster. 2-4 hour time blocks, and getting through them feels like you’re checking part of your day off your list. It helps to feel like the day is progressing vs. is just stagnant in your home working environment.

Take Coffee Breaks

It’s so easy to just heat up your coffee and continue doing you work, but give yourself a 5-10 minute break to just SIT and enjoy your coffee! Those little breaks with a coffee in hand are crucial to giving your eyes a rest and getting off the computer for a few minutes.

Voice Memo Your Friends

I do this ALL THE TIME. Some hate it, some love it. But recording memos for your friends and receiving them is a great way to keep in contact throughout the day when a story is too long to text and you don’t have a moment to get on the phone to catch up. It’s a fun way to go back and forth and it makes you feel like you are really keeping up with those connections throughout the day, especially during your most stressful times.