This informal CPD article on Investing in Yourself as You Work from Home was provided by Vohra Wound Physicians, the largest group of wound physicians in the United States, with more than 20 years of clinical experience providing wound care services.
Over the past couple of years, many organizations around the world have transitioned to remote operations. Employees have set up home offices, meetings have switched to video chat, and coworker conversations have become instant messages. Although working from home may lead to social isolation and professional frustration, it also presents a unique opportunity to reflect and consider your future.
Whether you have kept the same job, started a new job, or lost your job recently, now is a great time to focus on yourself and think about next steps. If you are unsure about how to use this time productively, here are some suggestions for ways to optimize working from home.
Prioritize your Health
Spending more time at home is the perfect opportunity to develop new healthy habits. This may involve trying new recipes or workouts, finally finishing that book on your nightstand, or making time for a passion project. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may want to consider starting your day off with a morning walk. With fewer social events throughout the week, in the evenings you can relax and focus on getting adequate sleep, as it can improve your mood, your focus, and your immune system. With less time spent dining out or grabbing fast food between meetings, working from home also provides the opportunity to improve your eating habits and explore new recipes. For example, you might consider meal prepping or trying a fun, healthy meal service like Hello Fresh.
While you prioritize your physical health, you can’t forget about your mental health. Make time each day to do something that makes you calm, whether that be cleaning, reading, or simply being still. Remember: even though your office is now at home, it doesn’t mean your home always needs to be an office.
Reconsider your Priorities
With many aspects of daily life on pause – workout classes, movie theaters, large gatherings – now is a great time to step back and think about what makes you happy. As you spend more time out of the office, are you still loving your job? What parts of your day feel most exciting and energizing? As you spend more time near your home, do you still love your city, your neighborhood, and your living space? Consider if you’d ever want to live elsewhere. If you’ve taken time this year to pursue hobbies or other interests, think about how they have impacted your life. Do you want to find ways to incorporate them into your daily life once we’ve returned to business as usual?
Consider Further Learning
Spending more time at home is also a wonderful opportunity to pursue continued learning, whether that be in your field or outside of it. Education is an investment in yourself, and taking an online course or earning a certification can help propel your career. New knowledge can also provide helpful insight if you are considering a professional change. If you are interested in continuing education, there are many online certifications and courses to consider.
Interested in earning a graduate certificate or degree? Try Harvard Extension School. Seeking professional development education? General Assembly may be for you. Interested in software development? Consider Bloc. Ready to jumpstart your healthcare career? Learn about Vohra Wound Physicians’ Wound Care Certification course. Is tech business your area of focus? Try Product School. With new certifications or coursework under your belt, you will be poised to take charge in your career or hit the ground running in a new position.
Working (on yourself) from Home
Although much of the country is on hold right now, there are still many opportunities available to you. As you work from home, take the time to look inward and consider the future. Focus on your health, reassess your priorities, and consider gaining further knowledge in relevant industries. There’s no better time than the present to invest in your future.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Vohra Wound Physicians, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively please visit the CPD Industry Hubs for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
