So many of us are trying to navigate working from home and going to school remotely due to Covid-19. Cut yourself some slack. Working and getting an education from home can be a big transition. You might feel any combination of lonely, isolated, stressed, frustrated, anxious, unmotivated, or -- on the other hand -- relieved, relaxed, energized, or productive. It's all OK and normal. Any transition takes time to get used to, so try to be easy on yourself. That said, there are a lot of ways to make the situation more comfortable, and bearable.

First and foremost, if you are experiencing a change to your normal routine, try to stay calm and keep as much to your regular routine as possible. This means:

• Get up and dressed at the same time each day.
• Have the same types of food (breakfast /lunch) you normally would.
• Take the same breaks you are used to in a day (remember, at school you get an exercise break between each subject as you change classes).

Implementing these routines is certainly a lot easier said than done, but if you at least try to keep up a “normal” routine it may help this crazy world be more calm.

On top of sticking to a routine, there are other ways to make your work and school space more comfortable. First, better illuminate your space. Home offices are usually the smallest room in the house, lacking large windows to let the sun stream in, so they tend not to get an abundance of natural light. There are many ways to add more light to your space, such as adding traditional lighting to more unique illumination. An electric fireplace is a unique way to add more light to your work space. For instance, e-Flame USA’s Livingston flat screen electric fireplace provides light in nine different colors, and also makes your space more cozy. Plus, this unit is wall mounted, so precious space in your office is wasted. The winter months are just around the corner, and a lighting source that also provides comforting heat, may be the perfect solution for you.

Perhaps you don’t have a room that can be used for work and school, or you’d rather not share your work space with those doing school from home. You can turn an awkward alcove or even a little-used closet into a homework hideout. “Take those winter coats out of the closet, put them in a clear box under the bed, add a little desk, and—whammo!—you have a great study spot. Another option is to mount a few floating shelves: one as a work surface and the others for storage. A great way to make this space less sterile and unfamiliar is to add a freestanding electric fireplace. Not only will these units add light and warmth, they can be easily moved from room-to-room.

Another way to add comfort is to green your workspace. One simple thing to do to make your workspace more joyful is to add greenery. Plants that might struggle in the dim light of an office can thrive in your home, and you gain the extra benefit of getting to enjoy them when you’re not working as well. A great way to showcase this greenery is with an electric fireplace with a mantle. The Kodiak provides a handsome focal point for any home office. This unit provides lighting, adjustable heat settings, and a space to house all your plants.

Working and going to school online can be a challenge. Some days you may think that you just aren’t cut out for the stress of it all. Implementing some simple changes to your space may just be the solutions that make all the difference.