Opinion: Tips for working-from-home

June 8, 2020

By Rhonda Couchie

  1. To ensure important e-mail does not get lost, try pinning it to top of the page. It will be in a section all by itself and you can easily find it.
  2. Start each working day as you would have prior to the stay-at-home mandate. Get up, have a shower, get dressed, have your breakfast and start your workday. This will help you to get ready for anything. It will give you a routine and help motivate you.
  3. Smile when you look in the mirror at the start of the day to set off some endorphins and positive vibes for the day.
  4. As Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit Nmishomis Gordon Waindubence advises: say “Miigwetch” for the day; place tobacco down. We have to be thankful for every day we are given.
  5. Do a daily online crossword puzzle as quickly as you can to help with writer’s block. You will find by doing this practice, that your writing will flow and ideas will come quickly.  You can also write a page or two each night and you will work with speed the next day.
  6. Read or write a “to-do” list to identify priorities for the day, week or month.
  7. At the end of each day, e-mail yourself a “to-do” list for the next day to give your mind some rest. Maybe even include a positive note to yourself.
  8. This COVID-19 pandemic can be viewed as the worst of times, but think of this as a blessing that we get to spend more time with our families. This is not only teaching each of us about this life, but it is a gift in more ways than expected. We are a kinder, more helpful and understanding world, and we as an organization, are doing great work to support our family, friends, co-workers and the Anishinabek Nation. We are all in this together.
  9. When you are down and worried, get busy. That will keep your mind off of things.
  10. Plan on doing something at the end of each day as a reward whether it be a walk, preparing someone’s favourite meal or just stepping outside to get vitamin D.
  11. Life is speaking to us all so step outside – listen to the quiet world around and take in the fresh air and thank yourself for all that you do. Pat yourself on the back because each and every one of you makes it all work and all are important to our Anishinabek Nation Family.
  12. So, hang in there and just reach out when you need to.