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Tips for Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the stay-at-home and social distancing orders, many of us have found ourselves working from home. Working from home can take a lot of discipline and self-motivation as every day is riddled with distractions, from the TV to the sink full of dishes. It’s especially hard if you’ve sharing your space with others who are also working from home or with children for whom school has been cancelled. Navigating this new normal is challenging, so here are some tips to make working from home more productive and efficient. 1. Get Dressed for the Day Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash It’s enticing to stay in your pajamas all day when you don’t have to go to a physical office. But your brain associates pajamas with sleeping and relaxation, making it tougher for you to get in the right head space for work. Get out of your pajamas, have a shower and get ready as if you are going to the office. This tip is especially important if you might be asked to show up for a impromptu video chat. 2. Put the Phone Away Photo by William Iven on Unsplash We live in an era where breaking news is constantly at our fingertips. With continuous coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to both our productivity and our mental health that we unplug every once in a while. And while we might think we can pop onto social media for just a few minutes of distraction, social media is designed to be addictive . What could start out as 5 minutes on YouTube could easily turn into an hourlong rabbit hole of DIY videos. If you need to have your phone by your side in case of family emergencies and such, try using an app that allows you to block certain websites while you work. 3. Stick with a Routine Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash Sticking to a structured schedule not only makes your telecommuting more productive, but it also keeps your work/life balance healthy because it establishes a definite start and end to your day. Experiment with your schedule to see what works best for you . Getting started on work before sunrise might be completely doable for some, while others might find it very hard to focus or perform their best if its too early in the day. 4. Set Up a Dedicated Work Space Photo by Grovemade on Unsplash This can be tricky to maneuver, especially if you live in a studio apartment. Just like getting out of your pajamas helps get you in the right state of mind for work, so does working in the right environment . Chances are, if you work from your couch or dining room table, you will find yourself to be more prone to distractions and accomplish less because of it. If you don't have enough space for a separate office, even just a corner in your house where you can set up a small dedicated work desk will do the trick. Make sure you have everything you will need during a normal workday before you get started – laptop, charger cable, monitor, pens, printer, etc. Once you have chosen your designated work space, make sure you set up boundaries with others so they know they are not to disturb you or your space while you are working. 5. Step Outside Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash Whenever you take breaks, step away from the glowing computer screen and use that time to reconnect with Mother Nature. Stepping outdoors boasts numerous benefits including increased function and stress reduction, making it a perfect way to refresh and recharge. Just make sure you are following the CDC’s guidelines for social distancing and following guidance from local authorities. 6. Ask for What You Need Photo by Berkeley Communications on Unsplash If you’re employed by a company or organization that supports your work-from-home setup, request the equipment you need as soon as you realize you need something new. It’s extremely important to set precedents early that you will ask for what you need to get your job done comfortably, including the right monitor , keyboard , mouse , printer , software , and so forth. 7. Take it Easy On Yourself Photo by Victor Garcia on Unsplash Be realistic with yourself and your employer. These are not normal circumstances and you likely won’t be able to perform every task the same as you had when you were working from an office. This is especially true if you suddenly find yourself also homeschooling children on top of doing your own work. Make sure you proactively communicate with your employer that you’ve got kids at home and that you can’t guarantee every conversation will be interruption-free. With any luck, you can work flexibly so you can help your kids when they need it and work when they’re occupied. Above all else, figure out what works best for you. These are new and unusual circumstances to which it will take some trial and error to adjust. If you have found something that makes your work-from-home experience more productive, please share with us in the comments! The information presented on or through this Website is made available solely for general information purposes. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by you or any other visitor to this Website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. This Website may include content provided by third parties. All statements and/or opinions expressed in these materials, and all articles and responses to questions and other content, other than the content provided by WPM Real Estate Management, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials. 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What to Do During a Weekend at Home

The novel coronavirus pandemic is upending our way of life. To prevent its spread, social distancing has become essential. That means limiting our interaction with people and avoiding groups. But social distancing doesn't mean our weekends are doomed. Here are seven ideas of how to still make the most of your weekends: Get takeout . A lot of independent restaurants are hurting right now. Many vendors at Cross Street Market are offering delivery options . Just make sure you follow the CDC’s guidelines for protecting yourself by limiting your contact with the delivery driver (though be polite) and washing your hands. Make that Pinterest recipe! We know you have a board titled “Recipes to try”. Why not give one a go now!? You have all weekend to master and devour it. Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash Video chat with friends and family. One of the hardest things about social distancing is that it does just that – it distances us from the people we love the most. Just because you can’t be together in person, doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch. Video chatting is a great way to lessen some of the isolation you might feel right now. Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash Meditate. Spending even just a few minutes in a meditative state can restore your inner calm and peace. Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash Bring out the board games. What better time to get stuck in a never-ending game of Monopoly? Break out some of the other classics – like The Game of Life, Clue, Scrabble, Yahtzee or Checkers. Or maybe even a learn a new card game! Ever play Spoons? Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash File your taxes! If you've been putting off your taxes, do it now and get it over with. Tax Day will be here before you know it and you’ll feel relieved having something checked off your to-do list. Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash Teach Yourself a New Language – Besides keeping your mind and body occupied during a weekend at home teaching yourself a new language has lots of other benefits ! It improves memory, enhances decision making skills and provides better career choices! Teaching yourself a new language can be tricky, but it’s possible and can be fun, too.

How to Make Your Overnight Guests Feel at Home!

Hosting friends or loved ones overnight? A little hospitality can go a long way and may be easier and more rewarding than you anticipated. Let your guests know them know they are welcome from the moment they arrive. Here are some tips on being a thoughtful host and making your guests feel like your home is their home! Before your visitors arrive, write down your Wi-Fi log-in information so you have it handy when they ask for it (and they will ask for it!). Have plenty of breakfast options ready in the morning - especially the coffee! You’ll want to inquire about any special dietary restrictions ahead of time. Show them where to get water or soft drinks while staying with you and make sure they know they’re welcome to help themselves! That way they don’t feel like they must ask you every time they need a drink. Make sure the toilet paper is in plain sight to re-stock. Nothing is more uncomfortable to a guest than having to root around your bathroom for a fresh roll. Make sure you have a clean hand-towel out for drying their hands after washing them as well! While we’re on the subject of the bathroom, make sure you have additional toiletries such as extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, razors, tissues and feminine products. Though your guests are likely bringing their own, have them on-hand just in case! Set out the hair dryer for them, too! Show them how to work your television and set the remote in front of it so they don’t have to go hunting for it. There you have it! Six helpful tips for being a thoughtful host to your overnight guests. As soon as your guests arrive, let them know what you've prepared for them and you'll make them feel right at home the minute they walk through the door. Do you have any quick tips on making your guests feel at home? Let us know in the comments!

Perks of Having a Fitness Center in Your Apartment Community

Having a fitness center at your apartment community is a must that comes with a number of advantages! Here are a few perks you will get from your fitness center at The Fox Building in Hampden! You will actually go – One of the main reasons people skip their workout is that they just want to get home after a long day at work. If your apartment has a fitness center, you will no longer be able to use that as an excuse to skip your workout! Fitness Center at The Fox Building You will save money – Having a fitness center included in your rent means that you’ll be able to cancel your gym membership, which will save you money every month! Not to mention the money you’ll save in gas getting to and from! Fitness Center at The Fox Building You will save time – Getting to and from the gym can take up a decent amount of your time. That time also makes for a great excuse for not going. When your fitness center is at home, there goes another excuse to skip your workout! Fitness Center at The Fox Builing You might make new friends – Apartment Fitness Centers tend to be more intimate than larger, mainstream gyms. Which means you are likely to find yourself working out with other residents who keep your workout schedule. Not only could this lead to new friendships, but your newfound workout buddy may also hold you more accountable when it comes to showing up for your workout sessions. Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash It’s less intimidating – Another perk to a more intimate workout environment is the lack of gym-timidation. When the only other people sharing the fitness center with you are your friendly neighbors, you’ll be less self-conscious and more willing to go, regardless of your level of fitness or knowledge of the machines. Photo by Danielle Cerullo on Unsplash What’s another reason you love having a fitness center at The Fox Building? Let us know in the comments!

Baltimore is a Foodie City

Baltimore is a food mecca! Our city boasts an abundance of foods and drinks that can’t be found anywhere else - made up of both old school establishments and some of the most new and noteworthy names in the culinary world. The sheer quantity of good eats in Baltimore is seemingly never-ending. Here are just a few of our favorites! LP Steamers Photo Credit: @charmcitycook on Instagram What would this list be without featuring our state crustacean – the Maryland blue crab!? For the best crabs in Baltimore year round, head over to L.P. Steamers in Baltimore’s Locus Point. With other items like oysters, scallops and clams on the menu, it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true. Mount Vernon Marketplace Photo Credit: @mountvernonmarketplace on Instagram Mount Vernon Marketplace offers the finest, freshly prepared artisanal foods. With 16 vendors serving up items like artisan sandwiches & charcuterie, fresh local oysters & seafood , noodles & dumplings, Mexican inspired dishes, Korean style bibimbap, New York deli-style sandwiches and artisanal burgers, there is something here to satisfy every palate. Lexington Market Photo Credit: @baltohoff on Instagram Founded in 1782, Baltimore’s Lexington Market is the oldest market in America. There is perhaps no better spot in Baltimore for a unique combination of history, atmosphere, and flavor. Its 67 vendors like Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, Angie’s Barbeque and Blue Island Malaysian have something for everyone. Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Photo Credit: @jimmysseafood on Instagram Serving the community since 1974, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has become a national destination for those seeking a true taste of Charm City. Jimmy’s has been featured on the Food Network and Travel channel for its impressive menu, which includes the 7-pound Seafood UFO . Served on homemade Greek bread, this sandwich is made up of crab cake, fried shrimp, fried oysters and shrimp salad and Chesapeake mustard. Chaps Pit Beef Photo Credit: @charmcityfoodadventures on Instagram For the best sandwich in Maryland , visit Chaps Pit Beef. It’s “Meat paired with meat with a side of meat” at this no-frills pit beef stand. Papermoon Diner Photo Credit: @bmorecraves on Instagram The Papermoon Diner offers an eccentric, eclectic, technicolor dining experience. This quirky Baltimore staple boasts being vegetarian and raging-carnivore friendly, with a jam-packed menu featuring everything from vegan nachos to shrimp and grits. Paper Moon is also the place to go if you ever wanted to try a bacon milkshake! Gertrude’s Photo Credit: @andrew_cosentino on Instagram Located in the Baltimore Museum of Art, Gertrude's has been a neighborhood staple for 20 years. Gertrude’s serves locally sourced farm-fresh food that preserves Chesapeake culinary traditions. Gertrude’s is the place to go for a sophisticated menu with a view! The main dining room overlooks a sculpture garden featuring works by Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi, and Auguste Rodin. One of your favorites not featured on our list!? Let us know in the comments!

Surviving Winter Storms

While they may be beautiful, winter storms can also be dangerous. They create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Use these tips to keep you, your family and your pets safe during winter storms. Before the storm… Sign up for local alerts and warnings. Be prepared for a power outage by having emergency supplies like flashlight, portable radio and three days' supply of food. Ask yourself what you, your family, or pets would need if you did not have access to a grocery store or pharmacy for at least three days. Create an emergency car kit containing items such as jumper cables, ice scrapers, blankets, cat litter and water. Make sure your vehicle is winterized with a full tank of gas, good winter tires, new wiper blades and winter formula washer fluid. During the storm… Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outdoors, dress warmly and wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Wear a scarf over your mouth to protect your lungs. Watch for signs of hypothermia , including uncontrollable shivering, weak pulse, disorientation, incoherence and/or drowsiness, and frostbite including gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness and waxy feeling skin. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow to reduce the risk of heart attack. To prevent frozen pipes, let your hot and cold faucets drip and open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks on exterior walls. Never attempt to charge or jump-start a car battery that is frozen, as it may rupture or explode. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Keep your pets inside. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang on the hood of your car before starting the engine to give them a chance to escape. The ASPCA suggests wiping your dog's legs and stomach down when they come in from snowy or icy conditions. Dogs can ingest salt, anti-freeze and other chemicals when licking their paws. Do you have any tips we forgot to mention? Leave them in the comments.