It is clear that in the current climate, things are changing at a rapid pace around the world. If you have not already guessed – I won’t be travelling anywhere anytime soon. COVID-19 has truly dampened everyone’s spirits and we are living in scary times at the moment.

Having Crohn’s Disease means I am classed as ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at risk’. Funnily enough, I don’t feel vulnerable so it is a really hard concept to grasp. I am young, fit, and able. But, I am doing everything I can to protect myself. Anyway, enough of that – I am not here to write about the horrors of COVID-19.

I am lucky enough to work in an industry that will see a minimal impact (or so we think at the moment), and I am also very lucky that I can work from home. Working from home is my life now, at least for the next 12 weeks as per the government recommendations. Usually office based, it can be hard to get into a productive routine when working from home. The normal house chores can be a distraction, the dog gets in the way, the list goes on.

Life must go on and where possible, we have to do what we can to protect our economy. So here we are, working from home.

For those of you who are usually office based, here are my top ten tips to set yourself up for success:

1. Keep your alarm, and don’t snooze… trust me
   Wake up at your normal time, keep your normal routine in tact. It sets you up for the day and ensures that you are not distracted very early on.
   
2. Get up, get dressed up
   Don’t be tempted to work in your PJ’s (although sometimes I do work in my dressing gown if my house is cold… I don’t want my energy bills to ramp up.
   
3. Set up a dedicated desk space
   If you are an office worker, like me, you may not have a dedicated study or desk in your house. It is important to set aside a specific work area if space allows. I purchased a small computer desk online and have set this up under the Velux window in my kitchen. It is bright, airy and has created a lovely space to work from.
   
4. Make ‘to do’ lists your friend
   Write a comprehensive list, everyday, and complete it.
   
5. Create a motivational playlist
   In our office we have music on in the background. Don’t be tempted to watch TV all day, it will halt your productivity. Background music is always a good alternative.
   
6. Allow time for breaks
   Cuppa tea time, lunchtime, afternoon walk, workouts etc. It is easy to sit at your desk for 8+ hours but get up, move around and break up your day. Ultimately, you will get more done.
   
7. Schedule breakfast, lunch and dinner as normal
   Don’t skip the main meals.
   
8. Stay hydrated
   Make as many hot drinks and cold drinks, as you would make (or your colleagues make you) in the office. Your body knows your routine, stick to it.
   
9. Communicate, don’t shut yourself away
   Get on a virtual call with your colleagues, check in with people. This will make time pass and means that you won’t miss out on any important information.
   
10. Check yourself
    Have some discipline. If you are procrastinating stop it. Keep yourself in check. Stay ahead.

Are you working from home? or are you self-isolating? Let’s have a chat and keep each others spirits up. I am always a message away.

Love,
Soph x

Insta: @crohnswithme