Fynn’s Tips for Surviving the Qurantine

Tips from Fynn, the Office Manager for his work from home Mama

For the past three year’s I’ve run my own business from the comfort of our apartment and then our first home. Fynn, my newest hire, has picked up some tips and tricks for staying productive while working from home. This is the first in a series of blog posts that I’ll be writing on Tips from Fynn on how to work from home.

Hopefully I’ll be able to come up with some funny pictures of Fynn and his older brother, our labrador Murphy to help break up the stressful news cycle. I also hope that some of these tips or tricks that I have found useful will help one of you.

Why am I sharing Tips from Fynn and not Knitting?

There are a few answers to this question if I’m honest. I’ve been a little bit more open about my situation on social media than I have been on here. My husband is an ICU nurse here in Pittsburgh. While his floor has a low number of confirmed cases of the corona virus, there are over 40 being tested. The tests are backlogged and can take a number of days to be processed.

He has isolated himself from our little family, living somewhere else so that Fynn doesn’t get sick. To get help caring for a one month old baby, an energetic Labrador who’s sick for his daddy, and keep my day job, I’ve spent the past 6 days with my parents. Being in the mountains has been nice, but it’s also made it harder to work. Why?

For those curious about my day job/business you can check out the website here.

The First of Fynn’s Tips: Stick to Your Routine

Being in a different home with more people, trying to work has taught me the importance of this first tip.

Stick to your Routine

You’re probably thinking, “Whelp, my routine is leaving for my office in the morning”. While you can’t go into work, you can:

• Wake up around the same time of day.
• Get your coffee and your breakfast in before you start your work day.
• Get dressed (don’t say in your PJs all day).
• Dedicate a space in your home or apartment for your working hours.
• Make time for work, and time for play.

Wake up around the same time of day

Getting up around the same time will do worlds for sticking to your routine. If you’re anything like me, you’re most productive in the morning after you’ve had your coffee. If you get up late, you’ve missed part of your most productive time. It will also force you to get to bed on time, and get an appropriate amount of sleep. Both of these do worlds for your productivity. They also have a huge impact on your health and your mood.

Get Your Coffee in Before You Start Your Work Day

Caffeine, if you drink it, becomes a must have for working individuals. Make sure to get your morning coffee in. A downside to this tip is the risk of drinking too much coffee. With coffee freely available at the push of a button it can be tempting to drink more than you normally would. This can dehydrate you, throw off your sleep, and even make you anxious. Right now it’s a good idea to keep the coffee in your morning routine and maybe switch to decaf or herbal tea later in the day if you want a relaxing hot beverage to sip.

Another side of this tip is to not start work until you’ve finished your morning routine. Fynn says this for two reasons. The first is that you are used to a morning commute which preps you mentally for the day. You can use this time to walk, exercise, meditate, journal, etc. Do something that helps frame your day. It also allows you to be fully present for your family. If you live with a spouse, kids, dog, etc. be present in this time (and other meals) to give them what they need. This will help to reduce interruptions throughout your day a bit.

Get Dressed

Staying in PJs or sweatpants is so tempting. I know. Right now I’m sitting here in joggers and Lululemon shirt (that Fynn has puked on). There is something about getting dressed in actual street clothes (even if you can’t go out on the street), that wakes you up and makes you feel more productive. Now, I’m not saying put on a full suit or bust out that pencil skirt. What I am saying is that even a pair of jeans or your good yoga pants and a nice top can make you feel more productive.

Dedicating a Space for Work

Working just about anywhere in your home leads to working just about everywhere. You are constantly moving your laptop, notes, finding a pen. You’re also putting yourself near or in sight of distractions. It also begs your family to interrupt you.

Carve out a small space in your home for your laptop or tablet, your notes or papers. Stock it with a few good writing utensils, and a place to put a mug or water bottle. Get a comfortable chair. Make this somewhere preferably that has some good natural light, or move a lamp so that you’re not straining your eyes.

By entering a space designated for work you’re priming your productivity pump.

Make time for work, and time for play.

One of the biggest struggles that I have working from home (and billing clients hourly) is not working too much. While the bulk of this post has been about Fynn’s Tips for being productive, there is a downside. There is a risk of spending too much time working. Be sure to carve out some time for play. This could be actual playtime with kids or pets, time to work out, or time for your hobbies.