At first, you are all powerful. “I am at home and I can accomplish everything!” But in time, you realize, it’s hard and you’re not accomplishing anything. Be honest about what you are good at doing and accomplishing, and note what you are struggling with. Even daily tasks that were easy for you to complete at work, may now be hard to complete at home. Ask for help. Ask for advice. Those of us who have been working from home for years, struggled with this task at first too. It is okay to ask for help with things you are struggling with. In today’s technology, there might be an app that will help you complete tasks that were once easy for you. Many know of apps or tips and tricks that can help, but you have to ask for help. Be honest here.

This can probably be the hardest as it depends on what type of job you have and what types of electronics you might need. Make all your essentials organized on your desk and keep in mind ergonomics. Many who work from home, try to use their laptops and set it on their desk. This causes them to aim their neck downward. This can cause strain on your neck or other body parts. Make sure you are in a comfortable position that will support your body so that it doesn’t hurt. It is okay to move and work at a desk with a chair, then to a couch or reclining chair, but don’t get too comfortable on the couch because this is not good for your posture and will add to back pain weeks down the road. Take turns with where you work from and keep in mind your health and your bones, and muscles.

Don’t forget about your Internet speed. If you have kids at home who are also on their electronics or maybe your spouse uses the internet for work too, you may need to increase your internet speed especially if you and your family are streaming things at the same time.

It is easy to get caught up on all the resources that go with working online, but sometimes, it is nice to take a break from technology and remember the good ole-days of using pens and paper. Now, we are environmentalists here at CLV, and believe in conservation, but if you can switch from using your computer to using an Ipad for writing, try that and get away from the computer every so often. Schedule walking meetings and phone calls. If able, take a pair of headphones and your cell phone and head outdoors for a walking meeting. This way, you get away from staring at a screen to relaxing your eyes and even your mind. It is amazing what a short walk can do and how it can motivate you once you get back to your office space.

Snack healthy. Have healthy snacks near your office space so it doesn’t tempt you to go to the kitchen and eat the unhealthy things in your pantry. It’s so easy to work from home, get up and head to the kitchen, and snack on anything you have. Our biggest advice here is to meal prep and avoid the kitchen if possible. Don’t forget to drink lots of water. Keep your Brita Pitcher on your desk filled up. View these healthy snack options.

You will need these things below because your employer does not supply these things in your own home:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Bathroom soap
• Coffee and tea

Your home office space and supplies are a tax write off. Keep a folder or file of all your receipts of things that were purchased for your home office.

These things include:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Paper
• Markers
• Paperclips
• Rubberbands
• Stapler and staples
• Glue
• Tape
• Personal computer, personal ipad, personal cell phone, keyboard, mouse, headphones, microphones, webcam
• The room itself
• Wi-Fi bill (only a portion of this can be claimed), CAT cables
• Electric bill (only a portion of this can be claimed)
• Ect.

Doing normal waking up tasks helps you remember that you are about to begin your job. Do your hair and makeup, dress up, shave, brush your teeth, wash your face, take a shower. Doing these things makes you feel as if you are heading to work in an office and reminds you to be professional.