Working from home offers flexibility and has its benefits. It reduces dreadful commutes ridden with delays and jams. It also empowers us to design our schedules and define productivity according to who we and how we operate. Working remotely also requires self-discipline, the ability to internalize structure to complete tasks on hand, and to hold ourselves accountable and not cheat or shortchange ourselves. For many people with or without disabilities the ability to create and stick to a schedule is a challenge. How many times have we heard of individuals who required support around time management, or who lack executive functioning skills? Managing time is an art which many can accomplish. Here are some suggestions…
Create lists. Break them down into 3 categories: (Below are just examples).
- Things that must get done: School work, job search, prep meals
- Things I’d like to get done: Workout, household chores
- Things to do during break: Call/text friends and family, email, social media (FB, Instagram), Watch TV
Ask yourself the following questions: (everyone is different) Am I a morning person, a night owl, somewhere in between, or really don’t know?What kind of day do I want. 9-5? 10-6? If I absolutely need help from others, what time of the day can I reach them? What distracts me – phone, notifications, certain people?
Create your schedule by filling in the blanks: (again these are just hypotheticals)
6:00 am Wake up and have coffee
7:00 am Crossword puzzle, workout
8:00 am Get ready for work
9:00 am Schoolwork – reading, homework
10:00 am Schoolwork – study for exams
11:00 am mid-morning break
12:00 pm Job search – update resume
1:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Job search – research websites
3:00 pm Job search – draft cover letters
4:00 pm mid-afternoon break
5:00 pm Review day’s work and create To Do list for tomorrow
Tackle the list by turning off or silencing your phone. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications. If certain people have the habit of distracting you, have a chat with them beforehand show them your schedule and ask them politely to hold off till your break. If you work in a separate room, put up a “Do not disturb” or “Concentrating right now” sign and on the sign indicate your break time.
Keep track of what you’ve accomplished. Tasks that you weren’t able to complete or get to should go to the top of your following day’s “To Do” list.
Again, these are only suggestions. Just like our fingerprints, we are all wonderfully unique. What works for one person, may not work for the other. Embrace this time to discover how you like to work independently and what works best for you.
Best, Mariko