Maintain separate work environment & schedule
If space is limited, keep it simple, but do set space aside for work. Maintain your normal work schedule. When things do get better, and they will, you will want to be ready to hit the ground running. If you are unemployed, now is a great time to enhance your skills and build up your resume. Many online educators are offering free or reduced price education. Tap into the wealth of resources available.
Limit news consumption
It is so easy to find ourselves glued to our favorite news channel during a crisis; however, too much can cause unnecessary worry. Set aside a certain time of day to watch the news, like first thing in the morning or directly after dinner. Knowledge is power, so don't avoid the news altogether; just keep it balanced. Try thirty (30) minutes a day of national news and thirty (30) minutes a day of local news.
You will also want to make sure that you the news you do hear is reliable. Try to look beyond the rhetoric and politics (for now) and focus on the facts. Changing your news source regularly is a good way to ensure a balanced approach. For example, Fox News on Monday, CNN on Tuesday, MSNBC on Wednesday and so on. To ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding COVID-19, subscribe to the CDC's service here CDC Email Subscription . The subscriptions vary and you have total control over what you receive.
Get an emotional support system in place
If you can, setup a support group online. Lots of video service providers are offering video chat functionality during the crisis. Don't know how, most have videos that teach you how to use their system. This is a valuable skill and a productive use of time. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has an extensive list of online support groups and other mental health services. Check those out at the NAMI Resource Library
NAMI also has a free and confidential telephone service providing emotional support. It's not a hotline for immediate crisis, but a warplane for emotional support. Read this news article for more information.
For more information:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide @ www.nami.org/covid-19