Amy Pugsley Working from home is a dream for some and a nightmare for others. There are a lot of articles circulating around on the internet about the best ways to work from home that allow you to boost productivity, create a work-life balance, and to be the best version of you. The advice is plentiful but you need to find what works for you. More people than ever are working from home and it is a serious learning curve. Here are 5 simple tips for transitioning a lot easier.
Jazz-Up Your Workspace
People often forget about the actual works space when it comes to working from home. Your bed seems like the best option, but comfort doesn’t always equate to productivity. Working from home can mean very different things depending on your job but you need to make it your own. Giving your workspace a little pizzazz can go a long way. A cute work-hours-only coffee mug, a family picture, or a sparkly notebook can make all the difference. No matter what your job is, you will be spending a lot of time in your workspace so it has to be comfortable, fun and productive!
Enforce a Work-life Balance
Yes, it is tempting to over-do it when working from home. Just one more call or email seems harmless but the reality is that you need to be extra careful to carve out a semblance of order when you work from home. Taking your work emails off of your phone is a start because the lines can easily be blurred when your home and office are one. Stopping work for the day and knowing when “call it” when the day is over will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Take Breaks
Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you should skip breaks. Giving yourself a “brain break” to make a cup of tea, have lunch, grab a snack, go to the bathroom, take a walk around the block, or do some yoga is the best way to stay sane. Don’t give up these bits of normalcy just because you are at home. Keep a routine for breaks or set a timer to remind yourself that this is time to take time for yourself.
Routine with a Capital R
One of the best parts about working from home is eliminating the commute and giving yourself the freedom to dress comfortably. Adopting a routine that works for you is the key to a successful day but this routine can be personalized to fit your job, lifestyle, and interests. If you love having a cup of coffee and reading a magazine in the morning, then go for it! As long as a routine is established, your day will be easier.
Your Work—Your Rules
A common issue with working from home is either too much contact with others—pesky family members that can’t seem to understand that you are working or the opposite where you lack social interaction and start to feel loopy. Either way, you need to set some ground rules to make your space and time sacred. If you are lacking interaction and are feeling like your social isolation is taking a toll on your mental health, then set up a FaceTime a friend or family member to catch up.
