The coronavirus outbreak means many people are suddenly remote working for the first time, and quite a few are already struggling, psychologically. I’ve been doing it for over fifteen years. So here are my five top tips for working from home:
Routines help. Make sure you change them on the weekend, though. Otherwise you’ll soon stop noticing that weekends exist. Build in some flexibility too, if possible. Work with the needs of your household, not against them.
Stop telling yourself, “It’s only for three weeks” (or whatever the expected duration is in your region). It may be, but it may be longer. This is your new normal. Accept that, or however long it ends up being, it will seem a lot longer. Also, if it turns out to be longer, you’ll be more stressed about that.
Enough with the doom and gloom. As small business owners facing this coronavirus lockdown, we need to remember:
Bad news and fear sell papers. So they get over-promoted.
Good news is coming from other sources. Share hope, not fear.
The game has changed, not ended. We lose if we admit defeat.
Everyone is being hit — but that levels the playing field.
Adaptability is the small business advantage.
Negativity undermines creativity and planning.
Our families and teams need to see confidence, not fear.
Stress also undermines the immune system. Breathe, and calm.
Mutual support, determination and flexibility will win.
No entrepreneur survives without being able to see hope in adversity. Silver linings may be a razor’s edge at times, but that’s where we find the silver.
