In response to the coronavirus pandemic, organizations across the world have shifted to a work from home model. In the beginning the uncertainty of the “new normal” was mixed with excitement about a shake-up of the “everyday routine”. There was a surplus of articles and blogs sharing “tips and tricks” on how to adapt, and even improve productivity while working from home. Now, over a month in, the novelty has started to wear off, the “new normal” is becoming the everyday, regular Routine, and some of us are finding ourselves in a WFH rut.

At this point, most of us don’t need any more tips and tricks. We’re over a month in, and we’ve pretty much figured out how to effectively work from home. What’s missing from our WFH routines are more opportunities to challenge ourselves and experience personal and professional growth.

Below are a few ways to take advantage of this unique time and break out of our WFH rut.

1. Find a mentor/become a mentor: Using resources like networking connections, previous colleagues, sites like leanin.org, or dusting off some of those LinkedIn Groups, can be great ways to engage with new connections, find a mentor, or even become a mentor. Many of us are facing similar challenges – both at work and personally. New connections can offer a fresh perspective, be a sound board for new ideas, and help to spark a new source of creativity.
2. Attend conferences – virtually, of course: Spring conferences are either being reschedule or moving to a virtual format. In doing so, they are being offered for free or at a super reduced cost. These virtual conferences are great professional development opportunities that might not have previously been an option. Take a look at what’s up and coming, highlight sessions and key learning objectives you are interested in hearing more about, and ask your manager if you can block off time to attend. Afterwards host a lunch-and-learn with your team to share what you learned.
   • Here are a few suggestions:
     • Think 2020 – May 5-6
     • Social Media Week – May 5-28th (not a typo – it’s a 4-week virtual conference)
3. Block of time for Innovation or a project from your backlog: We all have a list of ideas that we would like to do, but often the daily tasks and responsibilities of your role takes up most of your time. Take a page from the tech dev world and consider doing an Innovation Week (or Day). Everyone can clear the schedules and spend time on those pet projects that have been bouncing around in the back of your mind. The team can then share what they have worked on, ask for feedback, or think about next steps for how their idea can be utilized.
4. Do the unthinkable and blur the boundaries: Establishing a routine to help keep yourself on track and sane during this crazy time in the world is definitely needed but being overly strict on your structure can also lead to a “Ground Hog Day” feeling where life starts to feel like it is on repeat. Take a trip across the room and sit on the couch during business hours…we dare you! Schedule a virtual happy hour with colleagues, bake a batch of cookies during lunch, draft a blog post over the weekend.

How are you breaking out of your work from home rut? If you are thinking about using this time to improve your creative workflow processes, check out inMotion ignite.

Molly is the Director of Marketing at inMotionNow. With over 10 years of marketing experience, Molly has focused her career on marketing operations, branding, and cross departmental collaboration. Even though she sits on the marketing side of the house, Molly loves working with creative teams.