The Conversation (0)
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Darren Richman
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iStock/Getty Images/Twitter
Coronavirus is sweeping the globe, with more than 100,000 cases confirmed worldwide and one of the less troubling effects of this is that many workplaces are now asking their staff to work from home.
Planetary scientist Emily Lakdawalla asked Twitter for tips from those with WFH experience and was inundated with useful advice.
Lakdawalla put the question out with the words:
Friends, there are going to be a lot of people newly working from home starting this week, and it will be a difficult transition for some. *IF AND ONLY IF you are experienced at working from home*, please reply with tips for working effectively & avoiding distractions!
Friends, there are going to be a lot of people newly working from home starting this week, and it will be a difficu… https://t.co/aufJql0pWD— Emily Lakdawalla (@Emily Lakdawalla) 1583699015
The first key tip was to avoid staying in bed.
@elakdawalla I work from home most of the time anyway. My advice: •stay away from the TV •if your bed triggers nap… https://t.co/4TROvPf0Fm— Sophia Gad-Nasr (@Sophia Gad-Nasr) 1583701709
@elakdawalla DON’T WORK FROM BED. You’ll just fuck up your sleep patterns. Working at a desk vs on the sofa vs wit… https://t.co/o7RgtolJ6M— Mika McKinnon (@Mika McKinnon) 1583700213
But what about the issue of children?
@elakdawalla Refrain from having children.— Thomas Dixon (@Thomas Dixon) 1583703172
@elakdawalla It is crucial that both you AND ESPECIALLY your spouse/partner understand that though you are working… https://t.co/4FzlaTgH0A— Dr Heidi B. Hammel (@Dr Heidi B. Hammel) 1583700881
Others stressed the importance of showing yourself kindness.
@elakdawalla One thing I’m not seeing people say: Be flexible if needed. Find what works for you. Maybe you need mo… https://t.co/nJaVY0sKyZ— Phil Plait (@Phil Plait) 1583702406
@elakdawalla Lots of replies focus on productivity and how to switch into work mode. Very few on the end of the day… https://t.co/DL6uliO1K8— Dreadnought Holiday (@Dreadnought Holiday) 1583707003
And what about those with pets?
Clothing, is it essential?
@Astropartigirl @_Astro_Nerd_ This is huge for me, even if I'm just changing from night pajamas to "day pajamas" (l… https://t.co/pBSv28XsDv— not that karen (@not that karen) 1583712637
Some stressed the importance of going outside.
@elakdawalla Go for a 1/2 mile walk before you sit down to start, and if possible, come in by the backdoor. That wa… https://t.co/NMIbzJyFny— Paul Guinnessy (@Paul Guinnessy) 1583699160
@elakdawalla Leave the house in the morning to go to work, walk round the block and then come back into your house… https://t.co/rv5MG3oKQA— Henry Dimbleby (@Henry Dimbleby) 1583699289
One person, however, had a different approach.
@elakdawalla Ignore everyone who says you shouldn’t have a nap. You should have a nap.— Martha Sprackland (@Martha Sprackland) 1583706756
Ah, naps. Truly one of life's few joys regardless of the state of the world.