Well hello… so, here we all are living in this new reality of the Coronavirus CoVid-19 pandemic. We’re sheltering, self isolating, quarantining or social-distancing for who knows how long. However, one of the most jarring adjustments is that the vast majority are now working from home full-time. I’ve had a home office since 2010 in the midst of the great recession and it took quite awhile to get used to it.
I had serious reservations about working from home, having spent most of my career in corporate offices in mid-town Manhattan. I went on to have my interior design studio in the Flatiron district for several years, so it was quite a wrench to give that up. I won’t lie it was an adjustment, but what I learned through trial and error is that working from home for me at least, requires a certain structure and discipline. If working from home is new and you’re struggling with it, allow me to share my workday routine that might help make it a less stressful transition:
6:45 AM: Up with my first cup of coffee, reading the news online, emails, instagram in that order -- Decide on a regular hour to get up and stick with it, as you would if working outside your home
7:45 AM: Make the bed - it’s a small but not inconsequential gesture that says you respect your personal space; I then work through a series of stretches and yoga poses 3 mixed in with gym visits throughout the week, though it’s currently closed -- If you don’t already have one, initiate an exercise program and if that’s not your thing, take a daily walk around the block, or to the park to clear the mind and maintain sanity
8:45 AM: Shower and dressed - getting out of your pjs and into something comfortable yet presentable helps get you in a work mindset — My rule of thumb is, if it’s not suitable to leave the house or face-time in, don’t wear it or better yet, get rid of it
9:00AM: Breakfast of granola and natural yogurt and my second cup of coffee -- Be kind to yourself and make this first meal a priority, so if you forget or don’t have time to eat during the day you’re less likely to start mindlessly snacking
9:05AM: Pop into my home office where I’m now in full on work mode — It’s fantastic if you have a designated office, but if not find an area even if it’s a section of the dining table, which is my husband’s preference when he’s working from home and make it your designated work-space
1:00 PM: Lunch which usually consists of leftovers from the night before, soup or salad -- Set a specific time for lunch, again to avoid random snacking
4:00 PM: Time for a cup of tea and maybe a cookie
6:00 PM: If I’m not out at meetings or events I usually wrap up my day
During this particularly stressful moment in time, I suggest listening/watching the news once a day to cut down on the anxiety it’s likely to induce
Set boundaries around friends and family texting/calling/face-timing/whatsApping to just chat and catch-up by politely letting them know you’re working and will be available after a certain time, say 5:00pm
Incorporating some variation of these steps will have you well on your way to developing a working at home rhythm
in the midst of all the work disruptions you may well not be as busy as usual and I’ve found podcasts, especially the ones on meditation to be a lifesaver… Facing Pandemic Fears with an Open Heart by Tara Brach is well worth a listen
One bright spot of being home is that I have greater control over my environment. I’m in contact with far fewer people, preparing meals, thoroughly cleaning and keeping my home virus-free. By now everyone hopefully is aware that only through diligent cleaning of our surroundings and washing our hands thoroughly and frequently will we be able to keep the virus at bay. Also, include the following to your daily routine:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you’re sick, except to get medical care
Cough into your elbow and sneeze into a paper tissue then throw in the trash immediately
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g. tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, fridge door handles, microwave door handles, sink faucets, toilet flush hardware) using a household cleaning agent that says “disinfectant” and includes an EPA registration number. These are required to meet government specifications for safety effectiveness
For a homemade disinfectant, the CDC recommends mixing a quarter cup of household chlorine bleach with one gallon of cool water
After disinfecting food-prep surfaces such as cutting boards and countertops, rinse them with water before use
For Laundry, use detergent and bleach (for white loads), peroxide or color-safe bleach (for colors) to kill germs; read clothing labels beforehand to avoid damaging garments
If possible, operate dishwashers on the sanitizing cycle: machines certified by NSF International, formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation, must reach a final rinse temperature of 150 degrees and achieve a minimum 99.999% reduction of bacteria when operated on that cycle
Wash your hands often with soap and water vigorously for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose or sneezing, going to the bathroom and before preparing food
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
So many people already are, or soon will be experiencing severe challenges due to the free-falling economy, it’s important to embrace a community spirit by looking out for others who may need some help. If we ease up on panic buying by not hoarding food, cleaning products or medical supplies it gives everyone a chance to have what they need. Adhering to the guidelines laid out by our state governors is of the utmost importance and I just have to say I’m in awe of Andrew Cuomo!
Stay safe, keep the faith and together we’ll get through it❤️
My home office, which is cozy and functional designed by Doreen Chambers Interiors
Photos below from Architectural Digest
A crisp clean palette of classic white on white Photo by Michael Moran
The minimalist drop front desk and shelf unit adapt perfectly to a small space Photo by Roger Davies
A room too perfect to leave and the Joean Prouvé chair is outstanding Photo by Michael Moran
Photo by Joshua McHugh
Photo by Eric Piasecki
Brooke Shield’s study has an antique cabinet with drop-down top that saves on precious space if working in a bedroom or corner of the livingroom Photo by William Waldron
Disparate pieces of furniture come together with graphic pattern rug, dramatic wood panelling and floor to ceiling windows of fashion designer Stefano Pilati’s Paris apartment Photo By Bjorn Wallander
With a home office opt for residential rather than office furniture for a cozier and more personalized environment, a glass topped table replaces a conventional desk and a straightback armchair instead of a conventional desk chair Photo by Douglas Friedman
Here a console does double duty as a desk slots neatly into this quite narrow room Photo by Joshua McHugh
If the room’s wide enough to have a door a desk and chair can be found to fit the space Photo by Peiter Estersohn
Photo by Oberto Gili
This is all about the view and lush garden that you practically touch photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo
photo William Abranowicz
I’m not a fan of working in the bedroom but if it’s the only room available, carve out a work space situation photo Peter Piasecki
The graphic Picasso inspired mural and indian chair sets the eclectic vibe of stylist Carlos Mota’s home office Photo by Douglas Friedman