Until further notice, we are (almost) ALL working from home to keep ourselves and others safe from COVID-19. If you’ve never worked from home before, this can sound a little (or a lot) stressful.

Home means dishes and laundry and cooking. Home means family that maybe aren’t working, children that need fed and entertained. Home means safety, but home can also mean distractions. Big ones.

I spent the first decade of my career working for myself in a home office, so I know the drill. You have to manage your time in a way that’s reasonable for you. Want to actually get things done? Tune in to AmyTV:

SUCCESS TIPS FOR WORKING REMOTELY

1. Start the day on your terms

Stick to your morning routine, even when you’re transitioning to an at-home workflow. Starting the day on your terms allows you to get your mind right before you begin the hustle and bustle of the day, and it can help you balance work and life. Since you are no longer commuting to an office, it can be a challenge to keep your personal life and career separate from each other. A solid morning routine gives you that time you need!

2. Choose a designated work space

If you don’t have a home office, choose a spot in the house that will be your designated workspace. Clear the clutter, minimize the distractions if you can, and work in the same spot each day. Getting into a designated space activates the work-time switch in your mind so you can be as productive as possible.

3. Make a list of priorities

Create a list of priorities for what needs to get done in the day. It can be easy to get distracted when working from home, so be sure to write down the tasks that need completed. This way, you can return to that list and cross things off as you move through your workday. If something doesn’t get done, start your list for tomorrow and add it to the top!

4. Communicate

If you live with other people who may not understand your need for time and space to work, communicate with them. Talk to your spouse, children, or roommates about when you can and cannot be available so everyone is on the same page, and use your designated workspace as a signal that you are busy and focused.

5. Turn distractions off

When working from home, it’s easy to get distracted by the people or devices around us. Do what you can to minimize the distractions. Communicate with the people around you and let them know you need space to work. Turn “do not disturb” on and check your phone when the work is done.

6. Move your body

Break up the workday with some exercise to keep your mindset right and your mental clarity sharp. If working out midday isn’t for you, try going on a walk to get some fresh air and change things up!

7. Schedule breaks

Give yourself something to look forward to! Schedule breaks throughout the day so you can stay more focused between them. This is called the Pomodoro Technique, meaning you alternate work time with break time in cycles.

8. Practice video conference calls

Practice your video calls beforehand! No one wants to see you sitting in bed with a blanket over your head. Take your calls somewhere well-lit, quiet, and free of distractions if possible.

9. Find ways to be helpful

Look for ways to be helpful to your team, even from afar. If you find helpful information, share it! If you’re feeling a bit lonely, reach out and see if a coworker wants to video chat on lunch. Search for opportunities to show up for others and yourself in a way that makes a difference.

10. Get enough sleep

Prepare to be efficient by making sure you’re well-rested. Create a bedtime routine for yourself and make sure you’re giving your body 7-8 hours of good, restful sleep each night,

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Q: What have you found to be helpful in working remotely? Leave your tips in the comments!