Tips for Working From Home (From an Occupational Therapist)
As an Occupational Therapist, it's my job to remind you to keep your occupational routines intact as much as possible. What does that mean? In this case "occupational" refers to how you occupy your time—your daily, regular activities that include work, leisure, and self-care. In order to maintain your sense of normalcy and your sense of wellbeing, here are a few suggestions.
Put On Clean Clothes Daily
It's ok if they are pajamas or lounge clothes!
Stick to Your Hygiene Routine
Complete your regular hygiene routine including applying deodorant, washing your face, and applying moisturizer. If you decide to change your time of day for things like showers, pick a new time and set it as your new routine from there on out.
Eat Lunch at Normal Time
When working from home, it's easy to lose track of time—especially if you are used to working outside the home. Make sure to eat lunch at your usual time. Set an alarm if you have to!
Take Breaks
Take breaks and walk around your home or neighborhood, especially if this is part of your normal daily work routine. Don't skip out just because you aren't at the office!
Designate a Workspace
Choose a location in your home where you'll be working. If you live with other people, this will be a signal to them that you are "working."
Set Your Hours
It's just as important to designate when you're "not working," which should be 16 or more hours/day. Balance and relaxation are important and healthy. It's important to keep a separation between the two during this time.
Exercise
If you're unable to do your physical exercise in the same manner as before, work on a similar substitute that you can do at home. Keep it simple! Now isn't the time to begin a new and vigorous work out plan, as we're already under enough stress.
Overall: Relax, take it easy on yourself, and be safe.
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About the Author
Melissa Christopher, OT/L is an Occupational Therapist with more than twenty years of experience and the founder of Stellar Therapy Services. Stellar Therapy Services provides therapy staffing solutions for school districts, home health facilities, hospitals, and many other settings needing Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and other therapy and healthcare professionals.