One of the biggest challenges folks face when working from home is the total lack of structure. If you are accustomed to driving to an office the mere fact that you can "walk" to work can be discombobulating. I've operated my company from a home space for years. Here are some tips that I found helpful.
#1 Get dressed for the day. I encourage you to enjoy the extra time that you have in the morning to do something for yourself. Maybe you can do yoga, go for a run, meditate or spend some time in prayer. Now it is time to shower and get dressed for the day. I know it is tempting to stay in your pajamas however we all equate pj's with relaxing. You are more likely to be productive if you put on real clothing.
#2 Limit your social media scrolling. Right now social media is a way to stay socially connected while we practice physical distancing. Understand that there are plenty of armchair experts littering the social highway with falsehoods. Get your facts from the scientists of the world including the CDC. Click here for a direct link. Also be extremely careful about sharing "facts" by checking references first. Remember that the mental health of so many people can be affected by the chaotic times we are experiencing so don't contribute to anyone's discomfort with false statements.
#3 Work. Suddenly you have all of this extra time and it becomes very tempting to tackle a closet organization project or binge watch a series on your favorite streaming service. If your income depends on your effort, then make sure you are investing time into your future. Continue to do the things that need to be done for the company that you work for. This dedication will separate those who will emerge unscathed from those who will be unemployed. Make sure you are checking in with your boss frequently asking what needs to be done to keep the company afloat.
#4 Stop Working at 5. This is the hardest one for me to honor. When you have a fully equipped office that is so easily accessed, it is arduous to call it a day. There is always one more thing that can be done and before you know it you've worked until 9PM. A big part of being successful is to keep your life in balance. That means spending time with your family and taking care of yourself. The tasks will be waiting for you in the morning.
#5 Stay Connected. It is important to stay in touch with people who inspire you. If you are an extrovert and need companionship, working in isolation can be depressing. Jump on a video call with others and connect. Spend time encouraging one another instead of fueling the frenzy.
I hope these tips will help you function in this ever changing landscape.
Home Schooling Encouragement
Back in the day I home schooled my two older girls twice during their academic careers. It became quickly apparent to me that completing a day's assignments for a second grader really did not take more than an hour or so. My fifth grader did dedicate more time to her work, however we spent a great deal of it outdoors. We never allocated more than 3 1/2 hours a day to complete any assignments.
Here are a couple of tips to encourage you!
Relax and remember that you finished whatever grade you are trying to teach. It is alright to dust off the cobwebs of all of those tried and true tricks you learned in school. Share those shortcuts with your children. There is a tendency to think that we have to duplicate the teaching method that was happening in the classroom. That is a lofty goal and really doesn't apply to the home school environment.
Set Goals for your children. For example if your child completes all of his work, then he gets_______________. Fill in the blank with whatever motivates your son or daughter. It might be playing outdoors, video gaming or FaceTime with friends.
Favorite subjects will emerge, so don't hold your child back. If he or she wants to move ahead in a topic then encourage that. Great scientists and leaders are born from this sort of spark.
Trust your own abilities to teach your children some real life skills. My children learned math and science skills by helping me cook. Think about the things you wish someone had told you and start there.
Communicate with other parents to find out what works for them. I will never forget when my oldest daughter was having trouble with spelling words. A friend of mine, who had a Masters in Elementary education, suggested I take a baking tray and cover the bottom with salt or whipped cream. My daughter used two fingers (the index & pointer) to spell the words in the salt while you call them out. This worked well for her!
Cabin Fever Tips
We are accustomed to being able to get in our cars and go wherever we want to without fear of contracting some deadly virus. These days our normal routine has been altered and some folks are feeling the effects of confinement. My neighborhood sidewalks are hosting joggers, walkers, bikers, and dog walkers at a record number.
Getting outdoors is a great way to pacify your brain's need to "go". I've seen folks "socializing from their respective backyards, keeping a safe distance from one another. Food trucks are beginning to go to where people are in their subdivisions. There are "bear hunts" and sidewalk art decorating the landscape.
The best tip I can share with you is to remind yourself that this is a temporary situation. Stay home and stop the spread of this virus. One innocent trip to the grocery store could mean the end of the life of someone you know. Is it worth it?
Boss of the Week
Bill Maloney
Gulf Coast Mobile Fleet Services
Meet Bill Maloney, owner of Gulf Coast Mobile Fleet Services. His company is on the frontline these days keeping delivery trucks on the move. Thank you Bill for all that you are doing. We caught up with him recently and asked him a couple of questions.
#1 What is one insider tip that you would share with someone visiting or moving to the Mobile area?
I'd suggest that they take the time to enjoy the numerous water sports that are prevalent along the Gulf Coast. We've got great fishing, skiing and boating opportunities here.
#2 What is your favorite thing about living in the Mobile area?
Again, it is the easy access to our waterways. My wife, Kelly and I, escape the work week by spending time on the Gulf.
#3 What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
Gulf Coast Mobile Fleet Services provides on-site, emergency and mobile service & repair for Trucks, Vans, Box-Trucks, Company Cars and all Commercial Fleet Vehicles in the Gulf Coast Region from Gulfport, MS to Crestview, FL.
We eliminate the hassle of transporting your fleet of vehicles back and forth to a mechanic and can assist your existing service team with overflow. We come to your location, saving time & money. If you are responsible for service vehicles in the greater Gulf Coast area, we can help with your maintenance and repair needs. Our prices are the most competitive in the industry. As a Fleet Services International Dealer, our warranty and nationwide recognition provides the confidence you need to keep your fleet moving.
#4 What do you do for fun?
I imagine everyone can guess my answer to this one. I spend time with my wife Kelly exploring the Gulf.
Thank you Bill for sharing! Read his story at meetdaboss.com/gulfcoastmobilefleetservices
How to support local and stop the spread at the same time!
Here is a list of locally owned businesses that you can support online by purchasing a gift card. Just click on the name to go straight to their website.
Salt & Light Spa - owner Lesley Senne offers everything from bronzing to Halotherapy.
The Hickory Pit is offering curb service and gift certificates for future dining! Brandon Van Hook and his team are determined to keep folks fed!
Back on the Rack's owner, Kassie Gundlach is treating her social media fans to daily shopping videos! Gift certificates and shopping online are available for her boutique.
Crimson Blue Boutique has launched a new online shopping experience.
Reney's Honey Butter is doing curb service for breakfast weekday mornings. Gift certificates are available.
Play Cafe Mobile has a great on online play via gift certificate. Grab one quickly if you have a child 5 or under in Mobile.
Avant Tous Nail Bar & Spa has some awesome March memberships happening now in Baton Rouge.
Clean Eatz is meal prepping and offering curb side service for menu items. Don't forget about their Grab-n-Go freezers stocked with pizza, family meals and single serves!
Domke Market has awesome specials happening now and is offering curb service. By all means don't run out of wine!
Ashley Scarbrough is doing virtual makeup demo's on social media. She can FaceTime or Zoom with you to find the right colors and skin care for you.
Ruby Ribbon Alabama with Melissa Bush is offering virtual fittings on their comfy undergarments!
Many of the Boss partners are able to continue operating while taking extreme precautions. Daycool Heating & Air, Acme Pressure Washing, Handy Guys Moving, TipTop Kimble's Cleaning, Enviro-Masters, Alacoast Insurance, Mobile Marble, Synergy Realty Group, The Camille Wilkinson Direct Mortgage Loans, Lindsey & Waldo, CPA's and many others are able to conduct business. For more information visit their individual page on the site.
This week please find a way to live your best life. Slowing down and enjoying your immediate family, a great book, time outdoors or playing with you pets is the foundation for healthy balance.
"Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life". ~ Marcus Aurelius
Charlsie
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