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Original poster

Bad WFH habits

361 replies

Coffee4Queen · 08/10/2020 20:50

The past few months I have been napping during my lunch break. Every day for about 45 minutes. Once when I first started napping I overslept so now I set an alarm Blush

Twice a week I get an almond croissant from the coffee shop for breakfast.

I’ve gone from washing my hair 4 times a week to every 10 days.

What bad habits have you picked up?

OP posts:
GeorgeDavidson · 09/10/2020 09:33

None of those are bad OP!
I'm a big fan of the daytime nap - if you're tired, then nap - you'll be far. more productive afterwards.
Getting out to break up the day is good for you even if it's for a croissant...
your hair will be thanking you for not washing it so much.

twinklynightlights · 09/10/2020 09:33

@Chickenwing - My laptop logs off after 5 mins and shows me as "away" on teams. Ive tried to set to last longer but it doesnt work.... does anyone have tricks?

Seconding a mouse jiggler - they are a real game-changer. You simply slot it into your USB port and it magically jiggles the curser every few minutes (got mine for a tenner on eBay). It keeps me 'Active' all day every day Grin.

Also highly recommend getting a little webcam sliding cover (a couple of quid on ebay).

Toothsil · 09/10/2020 09:38

Not leaving the house enough - I have completely lost the ability to walk in heels....and I mean totally, I just physically can't do it now 😩 Last week I had to go into work for a meeting and wasn't told it was a formal one with an external lawyer. I wore a smart top half but jeans so I could wear flat shoes (my work trousers are too long and need heels and it was a last minute meeting so I had no time to do anything about it!) I knew I'd be behind a desk the whole time and arriving before any of the other attendees which is why I decided to risk jeans, but when I got in and found everyone looking on tenterhooks and them saying it was a big meeting and a lawyer was coming in I did panic a bit!! Thankfully I didn't need the toilet or anything during any breaks that were had, and stayed safely behind the desk!! I'll have to sort out my wardrobe or get practising in heels. I've been doing a LOT of walking in trainers over the last 7 months so I think that's done something to my leg muscles or something 😂

IntermittentParps · 09/10/2020 09:40

I need something that's neither jeans (too heavy) or leggings/joggers (have to do the school run, and looks too scruffy, given I'm clearly not going to the gym).

One word: harems. Comfortable but stylish.

shinynewapple2020 · 09/10/2020 09:48

@Dawnlassie

Basically most of the countries productivity has gone down the shitter.

Don't under estimate the time saved from long commutes and colleagues' disruption in the office

QueenCranberry · 09/10/2020 09:55

@Chickenwing

Ive became a fat smelly soap dodger in yesterdays clothes.

Can I ask all the skivers for advice..
My laptop logs off after 5 mins and shows me as "away" on teams. Ive tried to set to last longer but it doesnt work.... does anyone have tricks?

I have it on good authority that an orange on your mouse pad is just the right weight and movement to fool the computer into thinking that it is hand movement which prevents the log off.

This certainly works for Skype

shinynewapple2020 · 09/10/2020 10:06

@Sickofcovidnow

Would I know if I had teams? Blush

It's an alternative to zoom for online meetings , you can also use it for messaging and phone calls . I would think you would know if your workplace used it .

shinynewapple2020 · 09/10/2020 10:15

Like a lot of people , getting up 15 mins before I need to start work, quick wash, hoody over my pyjamas , cup of tea and log on.

I eat toast all day. Used to have overnight oats for breakfast , salad for lunch , fruit as a snack . Now it's toast and marmite, toast and peanut butter , toast and jam etc

I am really envious of people who are able to do other activities in boring meetings , I have to take notes in ours so need to concentrate . Like the idea of recording them though .

Like another poster said , I've got a better suntan this year in spite of no holiday abroad as so much more time to sit in the garden .

I'm sympathetic to those who are struggling, but for me, I love it .

paap1975 · 09/10/2020 10:22

Am up, washed and dressed every day before my "morning commute" down the stairs but:

I am getting up 30 mins before work
I am washing my hair less often
I am not wearing makeup unless I leave the house (sometimes several days)
I am wearing joggers, a t-shirt and a fleece/hoodie, unless I leave the house
Most of my work shoes hurt like hell, because I've worn nothing but slippers and trainers since March
I've done lots more online shopping than I usually would because I'm here for deliveries

I am getting a lot of work done, because there are fewer interruptions
I am eating too much beause I am working in the kitchen and DH is greedy so is often on the hunt for food (if he eats, I eat)
I have discovered our "quiet" neighbourhood is not really that quiet and am, as a result, really in love with my noise cancelling headphones
I am barely getting any exercise - partly because my back is in a right state will all the WFH
I have discovered Netflix
The birds in our garden are thriving. We have provided food, they have provided entertainment

shinynewapple2020 · 09/10/2020 10:27

@BookSkark

If it's a no cameras meeting, I crochet my way through it. In my defence, that means I actually listen, whereas otherwise I try and do work at the same time and realise I've missed something at IU can't concentrate on both.

Still haven't worked it the ideal WFH outfit though. I need something that's neither jeans (too heavy) or leggings/joggers (have to do the school run, and looks too scruffy, given I'm clearly not going to the gym). Am seriously considering wearing work clothes just to mix it up!

Tesco were selling something called 'smart joggers' so a material that looked like a wool trouser but was jersey with elastic waist.

NancyBotwinBloom · 09/10/2020 10:28

@QueenCranberry

Thank you that's something I have being trying to do also!!

Not that I'm lying on my bed watching reality tv at all. Or doing housework. Or nipping the Asda. Not at all Grin.

Babyboomtastic · 09/10/2020 10:29

I was so proud of myself this morning. I brushed my teeth before logging in to work 😂

And I have a dress on. With PJ's underneath, but we've got a plumber over so I felt like I needed to make and effort.

Original poster
Coffee4Queen · 09/10/2020 10:34

@Giggorata please tell me more about this hot chocolate and fake Bailey’s!

OP posts:
Dawnlassie · 09/10/2020 10:36

Can I ask all the skivers for advice..
My laptop logs off after 5 mins and shows me as "away" on teams. Ive tried to set to last longer but it doesnt work.... does anyone have tricks?

Not much you can do about this. Pop back ever few minutes and give the mouse a wiggle.

Dillydallyingthrough · 09/10/2020 10:38

Me and DP send each other meeting requests with an official sounding subject to block our calendars for sex Blush

HariboLectar · 09/10/2020 10:39

*If you have an analog watch and a laser mouse you can easily keep your computer "active" by setting the mouse on top of the watch, no software or computer tweaking necessary.

Whatever compels you to keep your computer active—watching a video and want the screensaver to stay off, don't want the terminal to lock itself while you're working on some paper notes, etc.—this terribly clever hack can help. Simply place your laser mouse on top of an analog watch. The movement of the second hand will activate the mouse and move the cursor a tiny amount. When we tested the trick the mouse moved a few pixels every 30 seconds or so as the second hand swept around the watch face. Check out the video above to see it in action.*

For those that don't want to buy a jiggler Wink

Thorgod · 09/10/2020 10:39

@temproasted

My worst habit (and I'm ashamed to admit this) (and also gutted that no-one else has said it yet) is getting out of bed so late that I think 'right get logged on then back up for shower, clean teeth etc' and then getting breakfast and stuck into work and then realising at lunchtime Blush that the teeth didn't get cleaned. Surely it can't just be me... can it?
It's not just you- Grin
MakeAPeaCry · 09/10/2020 10:40

@Dawnlassie

*Can I ask all the skivers for advice.. My laptop logs off after 5 mins and shows me as "away" on teams. Ive tried to set to last longer but it doesnt work.... does anyone have tricks?*

Not much you can do about this. Pop back ever few minutes and give the mouse a wiggle.

Leave your mouse on top of the washing machine. Put your washing on for a long cycle. Grin
Figmentofimagination · 09/10/2020 10:44

Talking about the fireplace on Netflix. I think Disney plus has an Arendelle (Frozen) fireplace stream.

Keratinsmooth · 09/10/2020 10:52

I’ve gone from eating all the time to forgetting to eat. I’ve just had breakfast but started work at 8

Keratinsmooth · 09/10/2020 10:54

For the skiver question just invite yourself to a webex/teams/zoom etc meeting and then join it and present or screen share. It shows as busy time and do not disturb

SpikeyBaby · 09/10/2020 11:12

@Keratinsmooth

For the skiver question just invite yourself to a webex/teams/zoom etc meeting and then join it and present or screen share. It shows as busy time and do not disturb
That is amazing, going to try it now.

In my defence, this is the first break I've had since 7.30am and I am fully dressed, showered, hair washed and teeth brushed. I even have lipstick and perfume on. I feel as if I'm truly winning at this work thing Grin

Next week I do have to travel into London for a work thing for the first time since March. I feel quite irritated that we can't just have a Teams meeting instead tbh. It's just to be on an interview panel so I really don't see why it needs to be F2F. I am not looking forward to having to wear proper shoes.

PullAPi · 09/10/2020 13:42

@Keratinsmooth

Honestly, a lot of flicking the bean. It’s become as regular as making coffee.
I'll admit to attempting this a couple of times 😂 but I just can't get into it whilst my phone is pinging with emails from my devout Catholic boss.
temproasted · 09/10/2020 14:17

Just off to clean my teeth actually HmmBlush

sapnupuas · 09/10/2020 14:19

@MythicalBiologicalFennel

Sex with DH at lunchtime. We have more time for it and are both less tired than at night time. It's great - so much so that a few weeks ago we got so carried away I was late for a meeting Blush

That and snacking too much Grin

Thanks for the idea 😉