Working from home has become the norm these days in amidst the rise and fall of covid19. Employers have found that for many types of jobs, people can easily work from home using the technology and apps that are now available. This has meant that people can achieve a better work/life balance. But working from home can also have its pitfalls, here are some tips for working from home.
Set boundaries with family and friends
Let them know when you are working and when you are not. It can be easy to get distracted if people are constantly coming in and out of your home or asking you questions while you are trying to focus on work.
Invest in some good technology
make sure that you have a good internet connection, noise-canceling headphones, and a comfortable chair. These tools will help make yours at safer and more ergonomic.
Set and stick to a routine
Without steady schedules, the lines between work and personal time can get blurred and be stressful to get right. Follow your normal sleep and work patterns if you can, and stay consistent. Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pyjamas. Try scheduling in your "commute time" and spend it exercising, reading or listening to music before logging in.
Most importantly, when your workday stops, stop working. Shut down, stop checking emails and focus on your home life. And at the end of the day, try to get to bed at your usual time.
Make a dedicated workspace
If you can, find a quiet space away from people and distractions like the TV (or the kitchen, when you feel snacky).
Creating a designated workspace in your home can be as simple as setting up a desk in a corner of the living room or investing in an office chair and table. Having a specific space for work will help to mentally separate your work life from your personal life.
Get everything you need in one place, before you start work – chargers, pens, paper and anything else – and shut the door if you can. Even in a small or shared space, try to designate an area for work.
Give yourself a break
Making time for breaks is important to help manage feelings of stress.
Try to take lunch and regular screen breaks, and give yourself time to concentrate on something else so you feel more focused when you return. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity too.
If possible, spend time outdoors when you can. Regular time in green space is great for your mental health.
Set a time to go for a walk, run or bike ride for some fresh air, or a coffee.
Stay connected to others
Maintaining healthy relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. You might not think it at the time but talking to other people is a human need that we all should try to do regularly!
Think about ways to stay in touch with friends and family – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.
Maintain regular hours
Set a schedule and try to stick to it, it doesn't need to be 9-5 but whatever works for you. Try to have a set starting and importantly a set end time to you day, this will help you to maintain a good work-life balance. It could be that you take a long break in the middle of the day, whatever it is, consistency is key to sanity.
Keep a morning routine
In the morning i drop my son to school, and then i have been going straight to the gym. Having a morning routine to replace the traditional commute to work will give you day some well needed structure. Even having a cup of tea at around the same time each day will give you small things to look forward to during the day or work which can sometimes become monotonous.
In summary
1. Set boundaries
2. Invest in the right technology
3. Stick to a routine
4. Made a dedicated workspace
5. Have regular breaks
6. Stay connected to others
7. Maintain regular hours
8. Keep a morning routine