#remotelife 101
Tags: productivity, remote, career, webdev
Published: 2020-03-17 20:56:19

Given the recent state of the world, a lot of people have been asked to start working from home if possible. We're privileged that most of us in this industry are able to.

While this is great, not a lot of our industry is already remote. So being thrown into this, on top of everything that is going on, can be challenging.

I'm enrolled in [Microverse](https://www.microverse.org/?grsf=i244iw), a software development program that's fully remote, so I have some experience that could be useful to you if you're just treading water on remote life.

###Routines are what makes the world go round
I know it's hectic since you might have a lot going on at home, but try to outline a routine. Set up a calendar with your work hours and let everyone home that, while you are physically present, you are busy.

###Make time for things that matter (and block it on your calendar)
Schedule your lunch break, seriously. It's easier than you think to skip breaks and lunches now.

###Remember to take breaks
We can get very absorbed into what we're doing that we completely lost track of time and since we're not going *out* for lunch, it's easy to stay put for hours. To tackle this I personally use [Posture Minder](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/postureminder/dkmkfopiihabelocpelofchappjjnpkm), a chrome extension that lets you know when its time to take a small break and when to check your posture.

###Resist the urge to be in your PJs all-day
This comes along with the routine point. It's very tempting but in order to get your mindset into 'work mode', it's better to change up into something else that's equally comfortable. (Slippers allowed though, we're not going all business attire like)

###Take a few minutes a day to clean up clutter in your new workspace
A cluttered area will not help you out. You will probably make video calls too, so while we all get that we're dealing with what we have, make a bit of effort to keep it clean and lean.

###Video calls are your friends
Slack is good but now that we're being more isolated, it doesn't hurt to schedule a call or two. Do you have a question about something? Ask to jump on a quick call. It might get you clearer answers than a slack message plus you get social interaction.

###Keep an eye on your mental health
Productivity is cool but give yourself a break. If you need to take a longer lunch break on some days, it's okay. Try to get yourself by a window to get some sun, pet your dog, make yourself some tea. Everything works out great when you are good and great. Take a minute.

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OvKkU0K.jpg" alt="Chi working zone" width="400"/>
<figcaption>Dulce, my local Project Manager, making sure things are in check</figcaption>
<br>

###Mind your noise
Houses are crowded now, but make sure to let people at home know that you're on call. Your standup doesn't need to know someone forgot to do the dishes. Also, it's perfectly okay to mute yourself if you're not talking, just be present and *don't forget* unmute yourself when talking.

###Write a list
What are your top 3 things that you want to get done today? Write them down. Schedule them, label them if it helps you out. (I use Todoist for this and it has worked wonders). 
Our headspace can be a bit of scattered right now, so help yourself stay on track.

###Communication is key
If you need to take some time to help out a family member, do some errands or are just having a hard time, it is completely understandable. Reach out to your team. It will be generally okay and adjustments can be made as long as you don't leave them in the dark. We're in this together.

I hope you found this helpful, stay safe and please remember to take a break.

Got something to add? Please feel free to [reach out](https://twitter.com/miss_elliev) for any question, comment, meme or dog photos swap.