Companies have changed the way they operate. Social distancing measures put into place have forced millions of people to change their life and begin working remotely. The situation may feel impossible when both partners are working from home – and it gets exponentially harder when children are home, a parent is working outside the home, and potential job-loss is involved. It is vital to practice self-care and ensure a productive, positive work environment during this time.
Whether you’re new to working from home or just looking to maintain balance, the following tips can help you adapt to this new lifestyle and stay productive.
Changing your morning routine can lead to a more productive day. When you are no longer commuting to the office, starting your day on an energetic note is a great way to pull away from lazy behavior that you may fall into while spending time at home. Utilize the time you save on your commute in ways that can be beneficial to your health and well-being.
A long walk or run (provided you are not quarantined), yoga class streamed to your TV, or home workout class are all great ways to get the blood flowing and kick off the morning strong. There are endless premium and free workout apps just a tap away on your phone. Streaming a yoga or exercise class straight to your TV from Youtube is an equally effective opportunity as well.
A cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast, as well as making sure you begin the day stress-free, are other great habits to maintain.
One of the biggest perks when you’re working from home is the ability to wear what you want when you want. Keeping a sense of routine is important when it comes to productivity and mental preparedness. Get up, shower, and get changed as if it were a normal day and you were heading into the office.
This may sound obvious, but you don’t have to put on your most expensive outfit and best shoes. A comfortable shirt and jeans, instead of a robe and slippers, may give you a better sense of work vs relaxation. If you’re feeling sick or the weather is nasty outside, you can throw on sweats and hunker down on work from the couch. Flipping the switch to become a functioning adult is what’s most important.
If you want to preserve your sanity and be more productive, you need to take breaks when working from home – actual breaks where you get up from your computer and away from your work. Go on a walk, cook something, or leave your computer.
In a traditional office, when the time comes that you need a break, you may grab coffee or swing by a co-worker’s desk to chat. Consider allocating the same time away from your desk when you are home.
Make sure to take an extended break at the end of the day. Making yourself available 24/7 is unhealthy. There is a major difference between being available to help with a project and being valuable to a project. When you are done with work for the day, sign off and be rested for the next morning.
You may also need a break from others. In an office, you may have the ability to shut the door or put headphones in – physical signs to not interrupt at that current moment. As a remote worker, you need to digital signal to your colleagues that you need a moment to focus your attention on your project. Try an away message or status change to let your team know that you need space.
If you are no longer commuting to the office, being home adds valuable time back into your day. You can use that time to catch up on sleep, cook breakfast or dinner, or learn a new skill.
There are a number of online classes on websites such YouTube, Skillshare, edX, or Lynda. Use the newly attained time in your day to enhance your toolkit.
A work area should be a place that makes you feel productive and peaceful. There are two key areas to focus on: your work station and your work atmosphere.
A dedicated space helps keep work and life separate, which allows you to focus on projects during your business hours. Wherever this space is, make sure it is set up for maximum comfort. A desk chair shouldn’t kill your back or shoulders from slouching. You don’t want to be in physical pain when you’re on the clock. Your office should also have minimal distractions to keep you focused. If you tend to keep looking at the TV or out the window, consider changing positions.
Your work atmosphere is generally anything that will keep you at ease. Brew some tea, light a candle, and put on a playlist or podcast. Make the space feel comfortable and cozy.