5 practical ideas for those working from home to avoid the coronavirus

Teleworking is very much a reality due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Spain, with lockdown and confinement at home an obligation for the large majority of the Spanish population. The idea sounds great, however, working from home is not as simple as it might seem, even more so if you have children at home, as is the case for many due to school closures in Spain. The online design and architecture community Houzz has proposed 5 practical ideas to be able to continue with a healthy work routine in the best possible way.

Define a clear work space

Where are you going to set up your home office? Once you've decided, make sure that those at home with you are aware that this will be your workplace during these days of isolation. Create a practical and comfortable space, make sure it is well lit and that you are using the right chair. As far as artificial lighting is concerned, Houzz's advice is to opt for a lamp that provides good light at all times.

Alfredo Arias / Houzz España

Keep everything neat and tidy

Papers, folders, books and more. It is essential to keep your work area well organised so that it is a pleasant place to sit every morning, and for the next few weeks. "It is a good idea to spend 5 minutes in the afternoon leaving your work space tidy and ready for the next morning," recommends Rafael F. Bermejo, the editor of the Houzz Magazine in Spain.

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Make yourself a schedule and stick to it

Define a daily routine and a schedule, and the most important thing is to stick to it. If you do this, it will be easier for you to separate your work from your personal life. Many professionals and freelancers who generally work from home tend to work many more hours than recommended, but during these days of confinement, it is important to maintain a healthy routine and to define your working hours.

Alfredo Arias / Houzz España

Have a shower, get dressed and have breakfast 

The temptation to work in pyjamas can be strong, even more so nowadays due to the fact that with the coronavirus you won't be leaving the house or expecting any visitors. However, the best thing is to get dressed for work. Somehow, this simple action, along with having a shower and breakfast to waken yourself up, can helps you feel that you are going to start your work, to do something professional and be more productive.

Carla Capdevila / Houzz España

Maintain virtual contact with others

Talking with other professionals, with colleagues and clients, or even keeping up to date with things on social networks is a good idea in the opinion of the editor of Houzz Magazine. Maintaining contact helps you "to follow a productive work rhythm and above all to avoid in some way the feeling of isolation and loneliness that we are facing these days, and that many are experiencing from working from home due to the coronavirus". Some suggestions to combat this can be to schedule a meeting or simply exchange impressions with colleagues or clients.