A New Normal

Two months since I've posted - SMH. I've been up in the house too, so there really isn't any other excuse other than being distracted by this COVID-19 mess we're all in. Actually, that's not true. Transitioning to this new normal created by the COVID-19 pandemic is what's taken a lot of my attention. I've been working from home since March 9th and it's been a huge adjustment for me. I didn't WFH very often before all this because I feel so much more productive in the office, but having to do it until God knows when meant figuring out a routine that would work for the long haul.

Here are a few tips I picked up along the way:

* Get up early. Maybe not as early as you would if you needed to make the commute to the office, but having a couple of hours to center and have time for yourself rather than just launching yourself into your work day makes a HUGE difference in how you execute.

* Get up, shower and get dressed every day. Even if you just put on leggings and a t-shirt, COME OUT OF THOSE PAJAMAS.

* Don't work from your bed. If you don't have a home office setup, designate a place OUTSIDE OF YOUR BEDROOM where you will work and when the work is done, leave that space.

(These things help you compartmentalize work vs personal time, and prevent your time in quarantine from feeling like one long ass, run-on day.)

* Take breaks. WFH, it's very easy to find yourself sitting in your work the entire time you're on the clock. Step away from your laptop/computer/work device every couple of hours, for at least 15 minutes each time. TAKE YOUR FULL LUNCH BREAK, and do so away from your device. Also don't work any earlier or later than you typically would. Reclaim your time.

* GO OUTSIDE. I cannot stress this enough. The idea is to stay away from other people as much as possible, and to take precautions when that can't be avoided, not to make you feel like you're on house arrest. Go for a walk or a run, or hell just stand outside your house for a few minutes a day. Walk to the corner. Something. Sunlight and fresh air are essential in maintaining your health (and sanity).

* Get cute. Whenever you feel up to it, ladies, put your whole face on. Looking the part helps you feel the part, and you never know when your day might include a video conference.

Which brings me to my last point:

* Stay connected. Bars and restaurants are closed in most places now but that doesn't mean you can't have virtual drinks or dinner with your people. I do it several times a week with my team from work and at least once a week with friends. It helps to be able to see their faces, and to be reminded that we're all in this together.

Oh, and turn the goddamn news off. Nothing but negativity is being reported and it's only going to make you more paranoid - especially when a lot of what is being reported is misinformation engineered to create that response. Fear is a means of control. Know that.

Just some things I've found helpful.

Ironic that the last time I was in here, someone had died - I actually lost a long-time friend today as well. A friend we have in common posted about it on social media and I learned he had had a heart attack about 4 weeks ago and just never fully recovered. He was my boss for several years and we cultivated a friendship in the process; occasionally meeting for coffee, lunch, drinks, or just to chat for years after we no longer worked together. I never saw him again after I relocated 10 years ago, but we kept in touch up until about 3 years ago, which I believe is when we last spoke - just LIFE. Too young to be gone so soon, but the older I get, the more this becomes common place. I found out this morning and it's taken all day for it to sink in. I'm EXTREMELY saddened by his loss, but grateful for having known him and for all the people out there who feel his loss because of how great a person he was.

Deep sigh...

Rest easy, my friend.