Schools and many businesses are closed to the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this, many people are working from home for the first time. Knowing how to get started can be a challenge in itself.

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind as we all navigate this new normal:

• Make a plan – talk to your supervisor about expectations and communicate often if these expectations or your home life has changed and you become sick
• Set an alarm and act like you’re going to work
• Create a workspace and manage distractions
• Be creative in developing new routines and activities, especially for your kids at home for when you have meetings

Working from home can also get lonely and sometimes affect your mental health. Take a moment for yourself and go for a quick walk, listen to a podcast or take an online course.This stress relief guide, published by the California Surgeon General, includes things you can do every day to support your mental and physical health. Check-in by calling friends or family on the phone or video chatting with them weekly.

We have made substantial progress in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus and it is critical that we continue our progress.  Together we can get through this crisis by focusing on work-life balance as well as our physical and mental well-being.