Resources for Working From Home

The month of March has brought great change to how many of our daily lives operate. Whether it’s how we complete lectures and classwork, the way we commute to work (or don’t commute) or the overall way society has changed. It can be an uneasy time for many, but we want to continue to encourage brothers to continue to reach for success.

Below are 5 things to help you get through the day while working from home:

1. Outline your schedule
   1. Create a checklist of the things that need to get done today. Even if it includes the easy things you’re accomplishing daily, like brushing your teeth, creating a to-do list and crossing things off helps create a sense of accomplishment.
   2. Complete one task at a time. I’ve always been a multitasker, and very proud of it, but the best productivity is found when completing one task at a time.
   3. Try to group similar tasks together. When tasks with similarities are grouped together on your to-do list, it makes the transition easier from task to task.
2. Create a distraction-free environment
   1. Your focus determines your productivity. When the TV is on or your dog is running around, accomplishing your work or schoolwork can feel almost impossible. By eliminating at least one level of distraction, you’re able to be more productive. Many resources also point out designating a specific area to do your work, separate from your “living space” this can be deemed a distraction-free zone if it works best. Obviously with students being home and lifestyles looking differently, removing all distractions is impossible, however, outlining a schedule could help with minimizing distractions at set times.
3. Over-communicate
   1. The go-to method of communicating seems to be text messaging, but when a text is sent, rather than a phone call or a video conference, you’re missing verbal cues and body language. It’s estimated that 93% of communication is non-verbal, so communicate daily with your team, even if it’s a simple daily phone call or a weekly video call. Reaching out to others instills community, despite the physical distance.
4. Socialize & Connect
   1. Loneliness is one of the primary concerns for many who are working from home and “social-distancing.” Lives have been interrupted and plans have changed, but reaching out and connecting with loved ones, friends, or brothers and checking on their well-being and continuing to foster brotherhood.
5. Move your body
   1. Walking from the bedroom to the living room to complete the 8- hour workday can mean that you’re only getting in about 15 steps a day. Moderate exercise has been found to release endorphins, helping to battle depression and anxiety. Gyms are closed, but even just walking outside for 30 minutes a day can help. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495)

For some, it’s business as usual as you continue to plan for the next growing season, tend to patients or continue to work in other essential fields, but for those experiencing vast amounts of change, specifically our undergraduate men, we want to encourage you to reach out to your brothers, remain connected, and let the Home Office know if there’s anything we can do to help. Being physically distant doesn’t change the bonds of brotherhood.