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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Paige Holland

Coronavirus: Experts give their tips on how to successfully work from home

As coronavirus continues to spread, a number of businesses have sent employees to work from home to reduce the risk of infection.

The number of confirmed cases in the UK has increased by 54, bringing the current total to 373, with a sixth person dying from the virus.

The UK government's chief medical adviser has said that people who show "even minor" signs of the virus - difficulty breathing, fever and a dry cough - should self-isolate for 14 days.

In a bid to help employees adapt to working at home, author, speaker and scientist Emily Lakdawalla asked those who are experienced at working at home to share their tips - and they didn't disappoint.

A number of companies have sent employees to work from home to reduce the spread of the virus (Getty Images)

She said: "Friends, there are going to be a lot of people newly working from home starting this week, and it will be a difficult transition for some."

And it didn't take long for people to share their tips and ideas - all of which will be very helpful if you've had an email saying you're now allowed in the office.

Many stressed how important it is to avoid working from your bed, regardless of how tempting it may be.

Laying or even sitting on your bed tricks your mind into thinking it's nap time, no matter how productive you're feeling - it'll also wreck your posture too.

Instead, sit at a table in another room - but if that's not possible, try to make your bedroom as light, bright and airy as possible.

Act as if it is a normal work day - don't just pour a cup of coffee and sit in your pyjamas all day. Prepare for the day as you would any other.

You'll feel less lethargic, your brain will be more active and there's less chance that you'll procrastinate. 

One person said: "I think the best tip I can offer is get up and get dress as if you were going to follow your regular schedule (maybe a bit more comfy if need be)."

And, don't feel guilty for taking a short break when you feel you need it.

Get up, shower, get dressed and follow the same routine you usually would for work (Getty Images/Onoky)

We're not saying watch an entire episode of your latest Netflix binge, but do take a short walk, have a shower, read a book, anything except scrolling on your phone.

But, some experts have highlighted the importance of having a routine, with person saying: "That marks the end of the working day to replace your commute. You need and deserve to 'switch off' again."

Another person said: "This is a very important consideration. It can be hard to decompress at end of day when WFH (working from home). Recommend having a set stop time, then a walk, workout, or errands."

Go for a walk before you start work, or even throughout the day to refresh your mind (Getty Images)

A third also suggested: "Go for a 1/2 mile walk before you sit down to start, and if possible, come in by the backdoor.

"That way it feels like you're going to work, not your house (pattern behavior, a trick I used to use when I freelanced).

"Also turn social media off for 2 hours at a time."

And, for those with children, one mum said: "It is crucial that both you AND ESPECIALLY your spouse/partner understand that though you are working from home, you are "at work" and can not be expected to do household chores, pick up after kids, etc."

The Department of Health has however said that there is no need to close work places or send any members of staff home unless they have symptoms of the virus.

Ministers and experts decided that the UK would remain in the contain stage of the virus, in an emergency Cobra meeting this afternoon.

An additional meeting is set to take place Wednesday 11 March, as the number of infections continue to rise.

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