finding a *new normal*: Work From Home tips + Supporting Local Businesses

Written By Ashleigh Bowling

Being an empath, I feel all the emotions. Not even just my own, but everyone's around me. With coronavirus hitting the world, there's a lot of uncertainty in the world and I’ve been feeling extremely uneasy. I think what makes me the most anxious is not being able to truly know how each day will be. One thing’s for certain though, our normal routines HAVE to change. Remote working, social distancing... it’s all important to help stop the spread of this virus, so we have to find ways to live in this new normal.

At least for me, change is hard -- forced change is worse and brings on anxiety attacks. I wanted to share what’s been on my mind during these past few days + share how I’ve been coping. As someone who’s used to virtual + remote work, I also wanted to offer my advice for those who aren’t used to this virtual business we’re being forced into. 

WORK FROM HOME TIPS

I’ve had a virtual job in some form (internship, part-time gigs, side hustle) for the past three years. At first, it feels like a dream -- getting to set your own hours, doing laundry while working, not having to put on pants. It’s true, working from home does have it’s advantages, but, it can get difficult really fast -- the days can start to blend together causing some stir-craziness. Whether you’re in school and forced to take online classes or are working a full-time job, here are my biggest tips to make it through an extended period of working from home -- 

Have a Dedicated Work Area 

I’m not saying you need to buy a desk, another monitor, (though, I wish. I really miss my double monitor.) and a cubicle set up in your living room. Your working area can be the kitchen table (that’s where mine is currently), you just need to dedicate one spot so your mind and body can associate this area as a place to do business. It’s really, really tempting to do work on the couch or even better while laying in bed, but if you really need to get things done, it’ll take 10x longer (not a real statistic) to do them while laying down in a comfy bed. 

Limit Distractions

Do not turn on Netflix -- you WILL start watching it and you WILL get distracted. When I’m working from home, I’ll listen to the same playlists I listen to at work to get myself into the *working* headspace. I also try to move anything out of eyesight that could distract me such as that new book I want to read, my phone, and snacks.

Take a Lunch Break

Even if you do it at the office, don’t work through lunch. Use this time to get up, move around, cook something, watch Netflix...really take a break. A personal tip is to set an alarm for when you usually eat lunch. I know that there are days I’m working from home that I forget to eat because I don’t have others around me getting their lunches to remind me about eating. 

Give Yourself a Clock-in Time

Just like when you’re at the office, it’s good to set working hours for yourself. The best part though, you don’t need a 9-5 schedule (most of the time as you need to account for meetings and being there for your co-workers if needed)! If you work really well early morning, get up super early + get to work. Then, you can have your entire afternoon // evenings free. Switch it up if you’re a night owl! The main thing is to set a schedule that works for you. To me, if you have a few really productive hours + get your to-do done, you don’t have to work the entire 8 hour day. 

Set up Calls, if Possible

Interacting with other humans is a luxury we take for granted in an office setting. Solely talking through emails and Gchat can get old, fast. And you can’t just walk over to their desk as you’ve grown accustomed to doing. If you’re having trouble communicating with coworkers via email, set up a call. It’ll save a lot of headaches + time. 

THINGS TO OCCUPY TIME

Not being able to go to my usual cycling studio -- okay, I only go 1-2 times a MONTH but still -- upsets me. The good news is there are SO MANY virtual communities and companies out there offering workouts + fitness support. Here are some of my suggestions: 

Fitness

  • Unmeasured by Simi Botic -- for $25 a month you can get 10 at-home barre classes!

  • ClassPass digital workouts + ClassPass Go app -- $9 a month + you get 4 credits to take an in-person class (though, you probably won’t be using that. The good thing though is that up to 10 unused credits roll over each month!) 

  • Nike+ Running and Nike Training App -- Both are free to use — the Training App is even offering their premium version for FREE with now! I trained for both of my marathons with the Nike+ Running App! There are so many workouts for all levels, they’re great apps to get you started with virtual workouts. 

  • Xfinity workouts -- I don’t know about other tv providers, but if you have Xfinity, you can find free fitness classes.

  • Youtube -- there are SO MANY workouts. My go-to is Yoga With Adriene. 

  • Virtual Studio Workouts -- some studios that are closed are offering free or donation-based workout classes via Zoom or video recordings. Here’s a list of some. 

Mindfulness

  • Insight timer- take a few minutes to just breath with this app. Listen, I’m really bad at meditation, but this app makes it easy. 

  • Headspace -- listen to guided videos and talks about meditation, anxiety, sleeping, and more. Nike+ running app also has Headspace integrated into some runs!

  • Focus -- this app uses the Pomodoro technique. Basically, it’s 25 minutes of focus with short breaks in between. Especially useful when working from home where you can stop working and take breaks without feeling judged about leaving your desk every 25 minutes (just me?)

  • 5-minute Journal app -- in times like these, it’s nice to bring a gratitude practice into our daily routines to appreciate the things that we have in our lives

Enjoyment

I cannot stress this enough -- do things that bring you joy during these times. Don’t feel pressured to be productive or share what you’re doing. It’s completely fine to do nothing if that brings you joy. Some of my suggestions are: 

  • Brit + Co offers creative classes and for the rest of the month they're FREE! 

  • Watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ -- my recs are Love is Blind, The Witcher, The Society, Bob’s Burgers, Billy on the Street, The Handmaid’s Tale, 10 Things I Hate About You, Lizzie McGuire

  • Blogs: Mindbodygreen, CHAARG, living minnaly.  

HOW TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES

I know a lot of people with small businesses, freelance jobs, side hustles, etc. This period of uncertainty is scary for those who rely on social interactions and events for their businesses. I’m lucky to have a job that’s supporting me during this time, but I know a lot of people aren’t that lucky. Here are some ways to support small businesses during this time: 

  • Sharing their content // sign up for newsletters // help them create a fan base: When things slowly get back to normal, they’ll be in a good position to get back on track. Also, they love + showing them you’re still listening. 

  • Write reviews!!! -- Another free thing that can make a huge difference is writing reviews!  Once things pick back up, having these stellar reviews will be great. 

  • Buy gift cards // shop online -- If you know you’ll go there once things slow down (like coffee shops or fitness studios that you’re a regular at) buy a gift card or membership pass. With the studios though -- make sure you’re able to freeze your account or hold off on using any pass until classes open back up again and it’s safe to take classes. With gift cards, be sure to ask if they get the money now or if they won’t get it until a purchase is made -- if it’s the latter, consider shopping online for something now. 

  • Instead of buying products, ask to give donations or virtual tips. I know a lot of small business owners won’t ask for help, but, if you are in a position to donate time to help them fulfill online orders, buy them groceries, watch their kids…. Anything would help. There’s an amazing program going on in Pittsburgh that’s a virtual tip jar to donate money to small businesses and workers. Find it here. 

  • Pre-plan events: This is especially useful for events-based companies like photographers, caterers, hair stylists. If you’re able, putting down a deposit can mean the world to a small business owner who’s had events unexpectedly canceled these past few weeks. 

  • Purchase from local restaurants: The grocery stores are crazy. If you’re able, opt for food delivery services like DoorDash or GrubHub from a local restaurant or order directly if you’re close enough. At least in Pittsburgh as of now, restaurants are able to be open if they solely offer take out or deliveries. By ordering from these places, you’re also making sure the food delivery people have work during this time as well! 

BEING MINDFUL

It’s important for me to acknowledge -- a lot of the above recommendations are based on privilege. For most of them, it’s assuming you have the extra money to spend, you have a job that allows you to work from home + you’re not in “survival mode.” I understand my privilege with all of the above, and if you’re like me, remember that not everyone is in the same boat. Some people are worried about losing their jobs, houses, businesses… These are tough times. While you may be able to use this time away from work + usual responsibilities to relax, some people don’t have that luxury of using this time as free time. 

No matter your situation, these are tough times for everyone, especially in a mental aspect. If you’re feeling anxious or just in your feels, here are some great resources that have helped me navigate this temporary *normal* living:

Above all, be kind to yourself during this time. Isolation and forced schedules can be a lot for anyone to handle. The one thing we can all take comfort in is knowing that we’re all in this together -- cue High School Musical Dance. 

Ashleigh Bowling
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