How to Have a Productive Sick Day

Waking up and feeling under the weather can seem like the worst thing in the world when workplace deadlines are looming and causing you to mutter, “Now is not a good time to be sick.” One might argue there’s never a great time to be sick, but at least there are things you can do to make the most of your time at home, in hopes of not falling behind as much as you’d initially feared. Keep reading to learn more.

Make a Bulleted List of Things You Need Other People to Handle

As soon as it becomes clear you won’t be going into work for at least a day, avoid fiascoes by asking yourself if there are things you need other people to take care of for you. Make a list of such obligations, and use bullet points and short sentences to keep track of everything. If there are people in your department you’ll be depending on to get through the list, contact those individuals as soon as possible, so everyone will know what’s going on.

Rely on Cloud Computing

If you’re under doctor’s orders to rest, by all means do so. However, if it’s a case where you mostly feel well physically, but cannot go to the office because of something like a sprained ankle, consider tackling some workplace responsibilities by using cloud apps and software. This way, your documents and similar items are just as easy to access regardless of if you are at home or work. Google Drive is a great example of a multipurpose, cloud-based site, because you can use it to read and edit documents from a tablet device or a traditional computer. Everything will synch up smoothly no matter how many gadgets you switch between.

Use Remote Desktop Apps

Apps like LogMeIn are ideal if you need to access more than just certain files, and want to be able to get to things that are only on your workplace computer. This app even lets you run programs on your workplace computer while lying in bed at home.

Set Up Your Email to Alert People of Your Absence

There’s nothing more stressful than coming back into work after being sick and seeing an inbox full of messages from clients who are wondering why it’s taking you so long to reply to them. To avoid this, use a remote desktop application to login to your work email from home and set up a very basic email auto responder message that tells people you are out sick and will reply as soon as it’s feasible.

Alternatively, be proactive and set something up before you take a sick day. You can ask someone you trust to go into your email settings and turn the responder message on, especially if using a remote desktop app isn’t an option for you.

Use the Time to Catch Up on Industry News

Maybe you’re too sick to be very productive with workplace things, but are starting to feel bored out of your mind. That scenario is a great reason to use apps like Zinio or Newsstand and buy a couple of issues of industry trade publications. No matter if that means reading Adweek, Billboard or The Wall Street Journal, you can still absorb information when battling sickness.

Keep all your essential items nearby as much as possible so you don’t waste time and energy trying to find your smartphone or tablet. Even more importantly, don’t overdo it. You may have the best intentions when it comes to getting things done despite sickness, but if your body starts telling you to slow down, listen to it.