Hi, my name is Meredith, and I am an extrovert. I, like many of you out there, have had my ups and downs while navigating this “working from home” thing. I crave human interaction daily and let’s be honest, there is not a lot of that going on right now with no true end in sight. So in the meantime, before we can get together for costume contests, chili cook-offs, or even just lunch in the CafETEria, check out these ways I’m making it through (and see if some of them can work for you!).

Step One: Set up a dedicated space. I bet when we first started working from home, a lot of you were set up at the kitchen table or in a common/high traffic area – I know was. Unfortunately, being in a common space made me distracted, like I didn’t have enough space, and didn’t really give me the sense of “going to work.” I found creating a dedicated workspace was a huge help! I am lucky enough to have an extra room in our house that I have now created as my office. When I get up in the morning, I can go to my office to go to work. When I take a break or get done at the end of the day, I can get up and walk away from work (usually😊). Just changing this one aspect really helps me get into and out of the work mindset each day and could be a great thing for anyone to try.

Don’t have an extra room? I have colleagues that work with great success from a walk-in closet!

Step Two: Create a routine. Remember those days from long ago when you used to get up and drive to work? What did you do before work every day? Did you get up, shower, pack a lunch, and eat breakfast on the way to work? Did you grab a coffee before sitting down at your desk? Routines are something that makes (a lot) of people happy and comfortable. Do you have a routine now? What does it look like, or better yet, what do you want it to look like? It could be showering and making breakfast, going through a drive-thru for a coffee, or rolling out of bed to make tea and start your day (GUILTY). Whatever it is that will make you feel ready to start your workday can be your perfect routine.

Step Three: Reflect. This is something you can do to start your day, end it, or do continuously throughout your day. Take some time to bring positive thoughts to your mind. Here are a few of mine: I am so grateful for a job that has not suffered during this pandemic. I am glad that my dogs are so happy to have me home every day (even if they drive me nuts sometimes). I am really enjoying being able to cook each meal for myself and not feel rushed.

For those of us missing the coworker presence in our lives: I am so grateful that I still get to see my coworkers on video chat each day; I cannot wait until we can get together again!

I am missing you – yes, you – anyone! – like crazy! Let’s try to remember to keep positive attitudes, be grateful for what we can, and make big plans for when we can get together again. I know I am. 😊