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4 - Secure your network Most network routers provided by major ISPs have secure connections. To double check, open your AirPort menu and look for the lock icon next to the network name. If your router isn't password protected, you'll need to look up the manufacturer information and figure out how to create a secure login. And remember that if you password protect your WiFi, you'll then need to reconfigure any connected devices on the network (smart TVs, security cameras, and so on). How to live the dream Working from home isn't always easy. And if you've never done it before — or if you haven't done it for a long time — you may find yourself dealing with frustration and discouragement at the outset. Here are some suggestions to help you cope with the challenges, based on the experience of two hosts who have spent years working at home: 1 - Take a breath Realize that it's going to take time to adjust to a completely different way of working, and that this is perfectly OK. There may be times when you feel you're not accomplishing enough, or that the distractions are overwhelming. Just be aware that this is completely normal, be patient, and try to give yourself a break! And if it helps, bear in mind that everyone is dealing with this right now, so you're not alone. 2 - Compartmentalize If you can, create a dedicated workspace for yourself in your home. A separate room with a door that closes (or, better yet, closes and locks) is ideal. Try to separate your work life from your family life if possible, especially if you have small children at home. And don't hesitate to get yourself some noise-cancelling headphones if the little ones are making too much of a ruckus. 3 - Take breaks Every hour or so, stop working, walk around, rest your eyes, and clear your head. At the office, you have meetings to go to, clients to meet, lunches with colleagues, and the like — things that get you away from your desk and moving. At home, you don't really have any of these things — so you'll have to make a point of getting up to stretch your legs from time to time. 4 - Stay professional If you're going to be using video conferencing software, remember your mic and cameras are going to be picking up your surroundings. Try to ensure a quiet environment during calls and virtual meetings, and take a moment to tidy up in the background so that you project professionalism in your video feed. 5 - Download, don't stream As more and more people start working online in the next few weeks, network speeds may begin to slow down. And if people on your home network are trying to stream video or music, it's only going to add to the load, potentially leading to annoying lags while you're trying to do your job. It may be a good idea to download some entertainment for the rest of the household ahead of time, so that they can play locally stored content instead of competing with you for bandwidth while you work. Preparing for the worst It's a somber topic, but at this particular moment, it's an important one to discuss. If you're incapacitated due to illness, you want to make sure that the right people have access to your data.