Thoughts from quarantine #1

This Monday started our first week under quarantine. To say that these times aren't tough would be a complete lie, but we all have to make the best of it. Creativity is a great way to do just that! Find something to keep you busy, try something that you always wanted to, just do anything to keep your sanity. We have decided to write again. Some people might wonder "what is there to write about when you are stuck in your house all day?". There are so many things. We plan to push out a bunch of quick blogs on our “Thoughts From Quarantine”. This first entry is, “How to get along when you are you and your spouse are both working from home”!

Working from home is a newer concept that many of us have been thrust into. It is a unique skill that not everyone is born with, and when you both are in the same house, using the same internet, and talking on the phone at the same time, it can cause tempers to flare. Below are a few steps that we’ve found to help:

1) Create separate work spaces. Trust me, you are going to want some separation, it's normal. Now not everyone has the ability to have two offices in their house, but separate as much as possible. There is nothing more distracting than having two conference calls going on in the same room. Respect each other's space, you both have a job to do. You can also take this time to make this space your own. Especially because this might continue for a while. If you are going to be in the comfort of your own home, you might as well take the liberty to make your office how you actually want it. No need for boring white walls and florescent lights, make it bright, and bold. Make it yours!

2) Not everyone's job is 9-5 normally, but when working from home, chose a time to start and a time to end, and hold yourself to it. It’s very easy to accidentally work too many hours because you don’t have to work in the getting ready and commute time. It’s also very easy to get distracted and not do your part, and that’s a slippery slope. By keeping firm start/stop times, you can be as productive as possible, and you are still on a regimented schedule. This will help you assimilate back into your normal work arrangement when the world is back to normal. If you are used to getting up early, stick to it. We’d also recommend making good daily to-do lists of things you want to accomplish that day, and maybe even lists to keep track of what you did do. These can help maintain accountability.

3) Talk to your spouse about what is on your plate that day. Go over your daily schedules. Taking the time to understand what each of you has going on gives you a insight on when you can interact with each other. Understand when each of you have firm meetings and shouldn't be disturbed. Don't assume they will be able to take lunch everyday or that they won't be working late. You can save yourself the disappointment, not to mention an unnecessary fight based on an assumed expectation. Maybe you can try schedule some breaks together. Which brings us to our next point...

4) Take breaks during the day! The amount of steps you’re probably taking now is likely significantly less than a normal day at the office. It’s easy to get in the zone and spend 6 straight hours in your chair. Take time to stretch, do 20 pushups every hour, take a walk, and take a lunch break. Use these breaks to help each other get some chores done. You can empty the dishwasher, or play fetch with the dogs. Anything will help, since at the end of the day, you are going to be able to have more time to spend together that you normally wouldn't get.

5) Make them lunch, or some fresh coffee. It is a really nice gesture to take time to make each other a lunch when you can. Never expect it from each other everyday, but cherish the time when you can do it for them, and they will cherish the time as well.

His office

Her Office