With the spread of the coronavirus pandemic worldwide, many organisations have implemented safety measures and encouraged their employees to work virtually to stay connected to customers and colleagues while keeping up social distancing. Whether you have worked from home before or you are new to working remotely 100 per cent of the time, this could be a significant adjustment. So, it's worth knowing that during intense situations each Zodiac sign has the capacity to perform well under pressure, even if we all work differently, including in the ways we work and function from home. This article will look particularly at fire and water signs. Passionate fire signs include Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, and they will likely struggle to adapt to this period of self-isolation and must channel their leadership skills through social media and video meetings. Practical and grounded earth signs like Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are perhaps better suited to working from home, but they need to remember to take breaks and not to be too hard on themselves or others. The emotional and intuitive water signs like Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces need to find a way to channel their creative energy so they don't spiral off into thoughts of doom and gloom. Meanwhile, the intellectual air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius must continue to connect with their community so they feel supported during this challenging time. So, in addition to all the regular measures that can make working from home less stressful and more productive, here are some ways in which your Zodiac sign can emphasise your strengths so you can show up professionally during lockdown time. 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Aries (21 March-19 April): Aries is a passionate, motivated, bold, ambitious, charming and natural-born leader. Because Aries is ruled by the warrior planet Mars, you are typically good in emergencies and often feel ready to meet the challenge at hand and may adapt faster than other signs to the lifestyle changes required to work from home. Yet, Aries is also an impatient sign that requires lots of attention, and self-isolation can get you down. So, try to channel your energy through social media and video-chatting to feel connected with co-workers and friends.
Leo (23 July-22 August): Working from home can be hard for a Leo. The passionate and theatrical Leo is ruled by the sun, and working from home will benefit from you keeping up with your morning routine. Get dressed and come up with creative techniques to feel productive. Find ways to stay connected and keep your active mind and majestic style in full force.
Sagittarius (22 November-21 December): As with all fire signs, working from home can be tricky for Sagittarius. Keep on working as much as you can. You're a social sign, so go for video meetings over phone calls whenever you can. Ruled by Jupiter, you are a natural optimist and leader. Others will be looking to you for signs of what to do. Keep looking for silver linings. Be sympathetic to the suffering of others, keep supporting those who need your listening ear, and remember that, eventually, this time shall pass. Because as Sagittarius, you need to feel that you are living life to the fullest, find creative ways to adapt to the new schedule, and your enthusiasm will spill into your professional sphere.
Cancer (21 June-10 July): Cancer is a nurturing, highly intuitive and sensitive sign. With snacks nearby and activities for downtime, a Cancer person is likely doing alright by staying at home. Yet, focusing on work may be more of a challenge. In stressful times, a Cancer wants to take care of loved ones and may dislike being asked to work under such circumstances. Luckily, working from home could enable you to work and create while also taking care of those you love.
Scorpio (23 October-21 November): Scorpio is a water sign that derives its strength from the psychic, emotional realm; therefore, your emotions run deep. Practise lots of self-care as you may be extra sensitive to criticism during this time. Work at your own pace and take breaks as needed. Meditate to ground your emotions and channel your intensity into work. Try doing something physical to keep up your mood. You do well pushing up against limits, so set deadlines for yourself.
Pisces (19 February-20 March): Pisces can adapt well to working at home, but you need to set a schedule to stay on task. Artistic, compassionate and wise, Pisces is a rare gem. Find the balance between taking breaks and showing up for those who depend on you. A calming atmosphere will help you, especially one that evokes waves. Take breaks and switch up your tasks. Keep your home office clean, well-lit, with luxuries such as aromatherapy or a sound machine.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 14 May, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
