Stay Home. Stay Productive. Stay Sane.

So yah, we're all in this together. It happened fast, didn't it? One week I'm a crazed traveling working Mama - balancing kids, hockey games, lacrosse practice, grocery shopping, feeding my small army, dragging kids to ortho appts, wellness appts, haircuts, maybe scoring a lady's night out for drink (if I can muster it after the aforementioned craziness) - then Shazam...Nothing. Oh, I'm still feeding my army, kids & pets alike, but I haven't driven my car in a week. We are at a standstill that rivals downtown Boston traffic after 2pm. We operate at a break-neck speed and to suddenly halt is odd. Eerily odd. Embracing the slowdown might just be the gift we all need. But, in the immortal words of Freddie Mercury, "The Show Must Go On." Here are a few things I've learned to keep my Show running.....

Find your Cave. I work remote when not traveling anyway, but I'm now sharing workspace with my spouse, who typically has an office to flee to. But I do have my space. This space has been designated by me & for me. Can I still hear, and often see, my kids... yes. Can my clients and co-workers? I'm sure. But, as soon as you pick a spot to call your own it changes your mindset from home to work mode. Thus, maintaining a level of productivity amidst the chaos surrounding you.

Pretend. Pretend you have somewhere to go. I know you're clever and you really know you're probably not but humor yourself and do all that would normally be required to make that happen. Make your bed. Shower and get out of your pjs. Eat and go sit down to work. Just those actions will make you feel like you've accomplished something. Are there days where pj's linger? Yes. That's ok, but don't make it the norm. Dressing for Success matters, even when home.

Hydrate & Exercise. Keep a large cup of water at your workstation. Perhaps exercise isn't part of your normal day. Remember, your body is used to moving. Don't underestimate what your usual day consisted of with regard to movement. You got yourself to the office, met a client, met colleagues for lunch, ran some errands, hit the market...it all adds up. If you're used to incorporating cardio or strength training or yoga, check your local cable outfit, they offer free asynchronous videos! The point being, get up and move. Being homebound nearly immobilizes us. Walking to the fridge or mailbox is not enough.

Avoid Distractions. Yeah, right. This is difficult because they surround us. All I can say is keep the ear-pods in when sitting at your workstation. Listen to soft music or a podcast. Anything to drown out what may be attempting to consume your other senses.

Take a break. I'm not talking about your lunch break, that's a given. I mean take those little breaks to stretch, engage with co-workers (your family) that are currently ever-present. This is not a time to nap or hit the couch. That could prove to be most unproductive as returning to work mode post sleepy time is really hard.

Quitters never win. Bullshit. Know when to stop. It's healthy.

Practice daily Gratitude. You're alive, you're surrounded by family (yes, the same folks that may be currently driving you mad), you've got a job and are loved. What else could there be? Put a sticky note on your laptop to remind you that although your current situation feels stifling and the world at large may appear grim, life is good. Make it simple, like a single code word. It will serve as a reminder with a mere glance at it.

My hope is that some of these aid you as you navigate the next few (several?) weeks. Doesn't matter if you've been in an office setting, a true road-warrior or are a work from home veteran, none of us are used to working like this. You know, with 24/7 togetherness. Give each other some space, and some slack. This too shall pass friends.