When COVID-19 hit, many of us had to learn how to work from home and live remotely. When this happened, certain routines couldn’t be practiced. However, even though we have transitioned mostly back to normal life, many of us are still working from home, some permanently!! At isure insurance, we transitioned 100% of our team to the safety of our homes during the pandemic. There, we continued helping clients manage their car, home and business insurance needs! During this time, we also managed to figure out the best tips and tricks when it came to working from home. If you still work remotely, read below to see how you can make the best of it!

As we all transition during COVID-19 to work from home and living remotely, certain routines can’t be practiced. However, just because the workweek looks different doesn’t mean it can’t still be productive. At isure insurance, we have transitioned 100% of our team to the safety of their homes and have learned some simple leadership tips to support the mental wellness of our team as we continue helping clients manage their car, home, and business insurance needs through COVID-19.

1. Make a routine and stick to it

When you work from home, it is essential to keep a consistent daily schedule to maintain mental wellness! A great example of this would be to work out in the mornings or make a nice breakfast before beginning work! If you don’t have a routine, now is a great time to begin one, or even start a hobby such as yoga! Set an alarm in the morning to wake up at a time that works for you. Make sure you give yourself enough time to be fully prepared to begin the day! Of course, make sure you are still getting the sleep you need. It is also helps to review your employers work from home policies while crafting your at-home routine.

Even if you’re working from home, it is essential to keep a consistent daily schedule to maintain mental wellness. If you normally work out in the mornings or make a nice breakfast before leaving for work, keep that practice! Set an alarm in the morning to wake up at a time that works for you. Make sure it’s a time where you don’t lose the day, while still getting the sleep you need. Also review your employer’s Work From Home policies while crafting your at-home routine.

2. Limit distractions

We get it, it can be tempting to scroll through social media or have the TV playing in the background while you work from home! However, it’s crucial to make sure you limit all of your distractions or shut them all off completely! Depending on your living situation, avoiding distractions for the whole workday may not be possible. However, it is definitely worth asking your children, family or roommates to respect noise levels during the day if possible!

3. Be flexible as your workday may need to change

If you have young children that need to be cared for during the day, ask your employer about amending your work hours. The additional stress of managing family along with your regular work can affect your mental wellness and productivity. Sometimes, depending on your situation, it may be necessary to work non-work hours to remain productive while meeting your family commitments.

4. Create a separate workspace

Although this may not be possible for every individual’s living situations, try to create a separate space where you can work from home and where you can relax or sleep. Even if it’s just at your kitchen table, or a desk in your bedroom, find a spot in your home where you can be most productive. Avoid working from a couch or a bed, though we know how tempting it may be! Let the sofa or your bed be a reward at the end of a productive day. This difference will help maintain the routine you would follow regularly.

5. Participate in video conferences/online communication

If your employer is making use of video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Teams or Skype, make sure to participate as much as you would in person.  Every video software differs, so take the time to learn how you can best utilize the one(s) you will be using. One fun idea is reaching out to your co-workers to try apps out together on weekends or in the evenings. It’s always important to stay engaged during these video conferences or meetings. If you have something to contribute, don’t hesitate to voice your opinion. When working from home, try to stick as close to your regular work habits as possible!

6. Use video and chat to get social

Don’t just use tools like Teams, Zoom, or Skype for business purposes, have fun with them too. At isure, we have created the virtual iCafe. It is a place for our team to share stories, tell jokes, post funny memes, and recommend their favorite Netflix show. Our leadership has also built out a Wellness Channel where we share tips on maintaining good mental health while working from home. Every day our social committee engages our team with fun, social interactions like: Monday Motivations, Dad Joke Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesday, Wellness Thursdays, and our weekly after-hours virtual get together, the Friday Friendly. We only have one rule about the iCafe: no business talk – just fun!

7. Get in touch with your mental health

Without realizing it, sometimes working from home can take a massive toll on our mental health. When working from home, follow the schedule of a regular workweek, avoiding the temptation to continue working beyond your usual work hours. Many of the activities we use to decompress from the workday aren’t possible right now, so fill this free time with new activities.

If there is a craft you have always wanted to try, now is the time to see if you like it. Catch up on that new Netflix show you’ve meant to finish, and ensure you get out of the house for a walk or run if you’re able. There are plenty of online at-home workouts, both on YouTube and Instagram, that cater to a large variety of interests. For example, Yoga With Adriene is a fantastic YouTube channel that features several yoga workouts and guided meditations. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood and helps your mental wellness, so make sure to get your body moving in some capacity every day!

Remember, at isure we are always helping customers manage their car insurance, home insurance, and business insurance needs, so if you are in the market for new insurance request a quote today!

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