Now that we’re all regionals, here are some tips and tricks
If you wondered, “Do I need to wear pants today?” before starting work, you might be working remotely these days.
And if you’re like me, you might need some help.
Luckily for me (and now you), Lawrence University’s regional three admissions officers — Briana Barkin (based in Southern California), Keegan White (Chicago) and Katie Seidel (Louisiana) — have pulled together a resource to help you live like a regional rep with style and panache.
Here it is (with credit to the Chicago Area Regional Representatives group for some additional helpful material — IHRTLUHC).
Make a schedule!
Set your alarm for around the same time you would normally get up — it’s important to maintain routine
Brush your teeth before noon, or you may not brush them at all
Shower regularly.
Get dressed. (You can change in to sweatpants, but having sleeping clothes and awake clothes makes a difference.)
Eat your normal meals. (It can be hard and you might either be not as hungry, or more hungry, than usual. If you plan in your day when you’re going to eat, you won’t forget or overeat, and will be nourished!)
If you’re not a confident cook and need help, Briana and her Appleton-based colleague Gaelyn Rose are happy to help!
Stay hydrated. (Drink enough water every day. It’s really easy to not drink anything for 8 hours, don’t let it happen to you….)
Pick a time when you are done working for the day. (This can be 5pm or 10pm, your choice, just stick to it!)
Plan for fresh air and activity
Open your windows and/or plan for scheduled outdoor time every day!
Stay active: you get more activity than you think being in the office and just walking around. If all you’re able to do it walk laps around your home, which will help feelings of anxiety and restlessness!
There are also a lot of free resources online for indoor workouts.
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVl6ZdslZz2Zj-34bMJFPbg
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFitnessMarshall
https://www.facebook.com/FitBoxWorkout/?ref=br_rs
Make a productive work space
Don’t work from your bed!
Pick a few places in your home that would be good workplaces. This can be a desk, your kitchen table, or a couch. It also could help you to rotate throughout the day as to not feel like you haven’t moved all day. If possible, try to create a standing work space out of your dresser, a counter, or by stacking books.
Let natural light into your home, if possible. Again, open your windows if it’s not too cold
Have all of your regular beverage options available.
Take a lunch — don’t work through your lunch break!
Skype for Business (if applicable). Make sure your status is updated daily (available, busy, away, etc.) so your colleagues know if you’re available for a phone call or “in the office.”
Getting all of your work done
This is challenging as our tasks are changing daily. But here are some basic tips.
Make a list. Write down everything that needs to get done. Write the list in the order of importance. Block your time either by task or time. (For example: Every hour/after every task I am going to give my eyes a break and go refill my water/tea/coffee/check Instagram/stretch/take a walk around the block.)
Pay attention during video calls
But keep it fun.
Stay connected
Reach out to your colleagues, even if it’s just to say hello, just like you would do in the office.
Utilize water cooler Zoom (why have we not had an office happy hour yet?!?)
Talk to your friends and family on a daily basis.