It’s a big change having to work from home during COVID-19. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have unexpectedly had to adapt.

If this is an all-new experience for you, you’re not alone. The tough thing about it is not all of us thrive in a work-from-home environment. Some will get lonely, others’ productivity will fall behind.

Here are some work-from-home tips to help you during these difficult times. Even if you have to work remotely, make it easier on yourself. Don’t let the anxiety and frustration of the times negatively impact you. Here we go.

Follow Your Usual Work Routine

You may not be commuting but you should still stick to your everyday regular work routine. Schedule your alarm clock the night before, wake up, eat a healthy breakfast, and get ready.

Set A Time to Start and Finish

You need to set a time to get into ‘work mode’ and get out of it. It’s easy to lose structure throughout the day and feel like you’re always working. Know when to pack it in and leave your work to the next day. You need time for yourself and time to relax.

Communicate With Your Manager

If you have a concern or question, don’t hesitate to share your feedback with your superior. If you’re going to succeed as a remote worker, it’s your manager’s responsibility to ensure you’re supported with the right tools.

Create a Home Office

You need a dedicated workspace. Remove distractions. It might be tempting to sit on the couch in your pajamas. Don’t give into that. Set aside a work-from-home office desk with all the accessories needed to do your job.

Take Breaks to Eat And Drink

A lot of newcomers to working at home will forget to eat and drink throughout the day. Get yourself some water to bring with you to stay hydrated. Schedule a lunch hour at some point. Ensure you’re feeding yourself.

Check In With Others

You may want to do this on your break. Check in with other team members via text, video conferencing, a phone call, or an email. Check in with family later in the day. Keep yourself connected with others.

Get Dressed

Mindset is everything. Even if you aren’t seeing your work friends in-person or on video chat, getting dressed for work puts your brain in the right position to do the work. Make yourself presentable, like you normally would if you were walking into work today.

Get Some Headphones

Silence can be lonely. You may want to get some over-the-ear headphones or a small music speaker system to play some tunes on. You may even want to broadcast white noise or take a similar approach to staying focused.

Let Others Know When You’re Working

If you have family, friends, or roommates with you, let them know when you’re working and expectations around that. Be clear about any privacy or conditions you need.

Be Appreciate of Others

A recent study showed more than 82 percent of employees wished they received more recognition for their work. If you’re working at home and have people working with you or on your team, be appreciative of them. Share positivity. Encourage them.