Like many other companies, Yelling Mule is embarking on our second week of working remotely. As COVID-19 continues to impact the United States, self isolating and working from the safety of one’s home is becoming more imperative as we try to contain the outbreak. For some of us, working remotely for an extended amount of time is a first. Each day we are learning what adds to our productivity and what does not. In this post, we are sharing 5 simple yet productive tips to help you make the most of your time at home.

Keep a daily routine – In these uncertain times, structure is something we are all looking for. Maintaining a daily routine is a great place to start. Start your day as if you were heading into the office. Wake up, get ready, have a cup of coffee- whatever it is you typically do will help you stay productive throughout your work day.

Create a designated workspace – While your couch may be calling your name, try to avoid setting up shop there. It may seem like a good idea at the time but getting too comfortable may cut into your productivity. Your living room or bedroom could have a number of distractions that will take you away from your work. Create a workspace that closely resembles your office and the working conditions you are familiar with.

Set daily goals – It’s normal to come across obstacles that leave you feeling frustrated or unmotivated during these challenging times. To help avoid this pattern, give yourself something to work towards. Your goals can range from daily tasks to more big picture ones you wish to accomplish in the future. Whatever the goals are, use this time to get creative and push yourself.

Take breaks – It is so important to set time aside throughout the day to move around and be active. A change of scenery away from your laptop screen can really contribute to your overall productivity. If it’s safe, take a walk around the block or you can even do an at home workout. Tie these mini breaks into your daily routine so they can easily become part of your day.

Stay connected – Just because we are self-isolating does not mean we’re in it alone. Thankfully there are a number of ways for us to stay connected with one another these days. Make it a point to reach out to your coworkers throughout the day. This will help you prioritize tasks and to continue to work collaboratively with your team.