1).       Start your morning right

You no longer have to rush to catch a train or hop in the car, so try and start your morning right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so enjoy something nutritious and filling to give you the fuel you need.

While donning a full suit may be excessive, avoid falling into the trap of sitting around in your pyjamas. Get dressed and take your recommended daily exercise before starting work. Returning back to your house will give you the same feeling as walking into the office.

2).        Establish a routine for the day

One of the most vital tips on working remotely is to keep to a structure. If you have kids, make sure you have a lunch break with them and clock off at normal time to spend evenings together. If you have a dog, use your recommended daily exercise intake to take it for a walk.

3).        Set some boundaries

With work and home blurring into one entity, you might be finding switching off difficult. Establish time boundaries to prevent you from burning out. This applies to space, too – if you’re able, find a room in your house that is your designated office. When it’s time to clock out, avoid that area until the next morning.

4).        Find some company

Depending on how busy your household is, you might be finding remote working a lonely experience. Try and replace the buzz of the office with your favourite radio station or get into a new podcast – The Middle has a host of experienced managers from a range of sectors sharing the secrets of their success.

5).        Keep in touch with the world of business

Birmingham businesses of all shapes and sizes are having to adapt to these uncertain times. Stay in touch and offer support to them by using the Twitter hashtag #keepbusinessmoving, which has a range of businesses providing help during the coronavirus outbreak.

Furthermore, the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce regularly run a #gbchamberchat for specific local communities.

6).        Reach out to your clients

Your clients will be grappling with new ways of working as much as you. Keep in contact with them in an honest and engaging way – utilise your social media channels, get involved in local initiatives, be frank about expectations and share the positive things you are doing for employees.

7).        Stay in contact with your colleagues   

Whether it be work-related or for just a lunchtime laugh, have a regular dialogue with your colleagues. Spend 30 minutes of the day catching up over Skype or forego the tedium of chain emails by discussing work over the phone. Create a Slack account to trade ideas and spark creativity.

8).        Learn a new skill

Being in isolation isn’t on anyone’s wish list, but try to think positively. One upside is it provides you with the opportunity to take on a new talent.

Maybe there’s a skill you can master that could really improve your business? If you’re looking to improve your virtual skills, Birmingham City University has partnered with JC Social Media to offer a series of free webinars on content, ecommerce and more. 

9).        List some rewards

When you work from home, there are a number of distractions that can really test your resolve. There’s Netflix shows to binge, games to play, kids that need something to do after school time is over…

Instead of giving in, draw up a quick list of these pastimes and keep it near your home office during the day. Not only will it keep you motivated, it’ll yield great rewards for when you punch out.

10).      Stay healthy

Purchase heathy snacks that’ll keep you energised throughout the day, such as fruit and nuts. Stay hydrated and don’t rely too much on caffeine.

However, there are other aspects of health to be aware of. With the coronavirus being incredibly contagious, remain diligent and follow governmental guidelines.

Furthermore, working in isolation can put a strain on your mental health, so remember to keep reaching out to friends, family and colleagues.