Millions of people are finding themselves unexpectedly working from home, some for the first time.

Under ordinary circumstances, working from home now and then feels like a treat. The commute is nonexistent, the dress code is laid-back, and we get to work in the most comfortable place of all.

Working from home has been shown to boost mood, enthusiasm to nail projects, and even motivation to help out colleagues. One experiment found that working from home increased productivity by 13%, while reducing stress.

But even in ordinary times, working from home in the long-term poses challenges. And these times are far from ordinary. Kids are home from school. Roommates are stuck in cramped quarters. The news is distressing and distracting.

How can we stay grounded and get things done?

1. Return to the basics

People who have successfully worked from home before will recognize these tried-and-true techniques.

• Establish your work hours and stick to them. (Parents with kids at home may need to get creative—doing work while the kids are sleeping, or trading off parenting duties.)
• Dress similarly to the way you would in the office—this can put you in a productive mindset.
• Plan your work in the morning, setting small goals to hit throughout the day. Immersing yourself in a task is a great way to take your mind off the news. And if you feel overwhelmed, turn off your notifications and don’t check the news for a set amount of time.

2. Get social

Coronavirus aside, employees who frequently work at home often report loneliness. But social connection is possible, even from afar.

• Hold daily video check-ins with your colleagues. Set aside some time for chit-chat that would naturally happen in the break room or before a meeting. In addition to sharing work progress, ask about how people are feeling emotionally.
• Throughout the day, keep chat lines like Slack open. Ask each other questions, share your progress, and check in on each other.
• Swap email for a phone call. Calls are often faster and reduce the chance of a misunderstanding.
• After work, have a virtual “happy hour” with colleagues or friends.

3. Stay physically active

Physical exercise is critical for mental health. When we work from home, we lose natural opportunities to stand up and move around a little.

• If you work on a laptop, put it on an elevated surface (like a dresser) to create a makeshift standing desk.
• Every hour or two, take a couple minutes to move. Stretch, watch short workout videos on YouTube, do jumping jacks—get creative!
• Make “movement breaks” communal by pinging your colleagues to move as well.

4. Establish boundaries

Having clear boundaries between your work and home will benefit both productivity and mental health.

• Carve out a dedicated space. Stepping into a spare bedroom or corner that you’ve designated for work and only work will be your signal that it is time to embody the role of employee. Along the same vein, try not to work outside of your dedicated area.
• When you’re done for the day, put away your computer and any papers. Shake off work with a transition ritual. For example: going for a walk, changing clothes, taking a shower, or cooking a healthy meal. It can be as simple as saying “I am finished working for the day.”

Stay well. We’ll be back with more advice soon.