Experts offer advice on working from home – News – Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice

SUBMITTED PHOTO Coaldale native Daniel Urban, author of the book Grow Up Already, says working from home takes time, patience and practice.

Working at home is becoming the new normal for many.

Those who are seasoned work-from-home professionals say the transition can be challenging but that it can be done with patience and practice.

The adjustment going from a time-clock puncher to working from home wasnt easy, said Coaldale native Daniel Urban, author of the book Grow Up Already.

The first days I would sit down at my desk, look at a blank page until it was time to brew another cup of coffee. While the coffee was brewing, I would start chores, dust the furniture, unload the dishwasher, wipe down the countertops, run a load of laundry.

Then I would talk to the mailman for 10 minutes, read the mail and go back to my desk to look at a blank page until lunch. Working that way got frustrating fast.

Urban, along with Barnesville native Amy (Harper) Hogan, found that establishing routines and sticking to them was the way to go. They offered tips.

You might not need to set your alarm clock anymore, but its still best to reenact some aspects of your daily commute, said Hogan, a former senior editor of In Touch magazine. I get up early to write and am in my pajamas but I make sure to be dressed by the time I have to get my kid to the bus stop.

Both Urban and Hogan agree that having a dedicated workspace is key.

Preferably a room with a door so you can close yourself off from the distractions and temptations of the comforts of home, Urban said. And no TV in your office. Its a distraction and de-motivator.

Urban said it is wise to follow a clock. Set work hours and be in your workspace during work hours, Urban suggested. If you take a shower before you go to work, take a shower before you work from home. Put your normal work clothes on.

The two said they take time for short breaks and lunch. Hogan prefers to prepare healthy meals in advance. It saves time and guards against weight gain.

Youve heard of the Freshman 15? Well the work from home 40 is just as realistic when your snack supply closet is always unlocked, she said.

She said there are many different free workouts available online, so you can try something new every day.

Those who work from home may also benefit from technology. Video chats with co-workers and friends are possible through Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting and Google Hangouts.

Contact the writer:

jwhalen@standardspeaker.com;

570-501-3592

Tips from the pros

Create a dedicated workspace in your home.

Make a set work schedule and follow it.

Set daily goals.

Focus on accomplishments as you would at the office.

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Experts offer advice on working from home - News - Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice