Last week was tough. Maybe you can relate. With COVID-19 still ransacking every part of life, life is changing. Most jobs are having to be done virtually (if possible) and to be blunt...it's hard.

It is hard to get into a routine. 

It is hard not being around your normal peeps. 

It's just plain hard. 

With that in mind, while not exactly faith specific, I thought I would share a few ways we can all embrace being home and lead better no matter our circumstances. Your mileage might vary here, but these are a few things that have been working for my wife Kyla and me since both of us are working virtually now. 

1. Establish a bedtime

This is the toughest for me. I am a night owl. It is embarrassing how many of my best ideas were formulated between 12:00 and 2:00 am. HOWEVER, establishing a bedtime forces some structure in what would be an otherwise chaotic time of life.

The temptation is to stay up late, watch TV, play Nintendo Switch, or some other shenanigans. Don't do it. To be effective, continue with normal routines. In the morning, set your alarm and get up at the same time you always do for work. It will help you get in a "work" mindset. 

2. Get out of your PJs

Even if your job doesn't require you to see anyone, change out of your PJs. Now, I'm not saying you should wear formal business attire, but that change of clothing signals to your brain that it's time for work.

3. Set three goals each day.

Name the top three priorities for today and focus on them. Do them first. Start the day with a sense of accomplishment. You will be more productive for the rest of the day.

If you're among the group that has less to do right now—perhaps your work is dependent on you being in the office, or your skills aren't needed right now; continue to stretch your mind. Read a book, listen to a new podcast, or try something new. This will help you stay mentally active, and when things return to normal, you are ready to go. 

4. Designate a workspace.

I can speak from real experience here. Working on the couch or in bed sounds great until you get nothing done. Maybe there is some unicorn of a person out there that can lay in bed and be mega productive...that person isn't me. 

You don't have to have a home office. Designate a counter, table, whatever you want as "work-only space." That way, you know when you are at your designated space, it's work time. 

5. Incorporate prayer

This is simple but easy to overlook. While all of us want to be productive, we want to lead effectively. None of that can be done if Christ isn't at the center of things. Start your day with prayer. It sounds simple, but you would be stunned by how powerful just asking God to bless your day is. 

It puts you in a great frame of mind remembering that God woke you up for another day. Don't waste it. Give him the glory and go lead, even if it is just from home.