Keeping your wits about you will be extremely important in the upcoming weeks. Some of us are now forced into roles we may never have imagined — working from home, distancing from friends, homeschooling. Without much notice or direction, what is one to do? Here are some tips to help create a plan for these uncertain waters.

Keep Your Routine

When working from home, it can be hard to find motivation. By keeping your routine similar to your everyday life, your mind responds to habit — focus and determination can follow naturally after your morning coffee and workout.

Continue to Speak Regularly With Co-Workers

Working from home can feel isolating, and the lack of communication from the outside world can make us feel very alone. Even if you thought Janet's stories about her pets were unbearable, they are very much ingrained in your everyday life. Reach out, send funny memes and anecdotes. Video calls don't have to be just for meetings — building a strong sense of community within your alternative workplace will benefit everyone, both now and when you return to the office.

Log Out of Social Media

Make it harder to stray into social media by logging out of all personal accounts on your phone and workspace. Without constant notifications, your workflow will go uninterrupted — allowing you to get more done in longer stretches.

Use Sound to Motivate, Not Distract

Listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or rewatching a favorite show might seem like a fun idea, but these all compete with the focus necessary for work. Try listening to non-lyrical music like classical or ambient — these can encourage productive thinking rather than letting your mind wander.

Save Chores for Breaks or After Work

When working from home, there is a huge temptation to try and get household chores done simultaneously. What harm is there in stopping mid-proposal to switch the laundry? The problem is that it breaks your chain of concentration. Save chores for when you would naturally take a break, and time them just as you would any other break at work. Remember that you likely have more time in your day than usual since you're no longer commuting — the chores will get done, and there will be plenty of time left for everything else.

We sincerely hope that during this time, everyone is staying safe and healthy. Continue to follow the Kratos Gas and Power blog for more tips related to changes in everyday life.