A few simple changes can make all the difference, especially in your stress level.
The pandemic has definitely changed a lot for us. For many, the biggest change was not going to the office to work. It was an uncomfortable and challenging change that may still cause you problems. If you’ve not returned to the physical office, you may need a refresher on how best to work in your remote setup. Or maybe you’ve just been told that your home office will be your permanent office from now on.
Working from home can be an adjustment and it can be lonely, but there are things you can do to make the experience better for everyone. I’ve worked from home before and it hasn’t always been easy. However, being at home also has great advantages.
1. Set working hours
The most important thing is to make sure that your time in the office is your time in the office. If you usually work between nine and five, keep those hours at home. If you have routinely taken breaks during your normal work day, schedule them while you are at home. This will help your mind turn on when it needs to and turn off when it is not needed. It is also extremely important that you adhere to it when you finish time. It can be tempting to read an email or work on a project for a few minutes after dinner or before bed, but it will hurt you in the long run.
2. Create an office space
Perhaps you worked where it was comfortable during the pandemic because it was a temporary thing. However, if you want to be at home permanently, you need good office space. This room should have a table or desk, a comfortable chair, and preferably a door. Their mind and body get into a rhythm and they like routine. If you can give yourself a space to “go to the office,” your brain and body will remind itself that it is work time. This also makes it easier for your brain to switch off when the work day is over. The door is also important to keep out noise and distractions. Also, try not to use this area for anything other than work. Keep it sacred and you will be more productive.
3. Take a lunch break
Just like in the office, it’s good to take a break in the middle of the day. Use this time to get away from your desk and away from your email. Eat a good meal that isn’t too heavy, and maybe go for a walk or stretch. I think taking care of your body is important during the day. It can be tempting to just crouch down and do all of your chores, but getting some fresh air and getting your blood pumping will do wonders for your energy, focus, and creativity. And don’t forget to stay hydrated.
4. Stay away from household chores
Running the dishwasher or throwing in a load of laundry while you work may sound like a great idea, but this type of multitasking can really stop you from doing your best job. One of the reasons you are so successful in the office is because this is where you can get your job done and not be doing tasks at the same time. The more you can treat your office hours as your office hours, the better you will work. Buckling up and going to work can potentially leave you out of the office early. One of the benefits of working from home is the limited office / staff distraction and flexibility in terms of time.
5. Get out and social
When you live and work under the same roof it is really easy to stay in your own little den. For those who are extremely extroverted, it is easy to meet up with friends for happy hour or have a coffee with a coworker, but others may need an extra boost. If you are naturally introverted, it can be weeks before you remember that you should probably be taking in a new landscape or seeing new faces. Make arrangements to go out a few times a week. Since the social aspect and daily commute don’t matter, your remote setup can get a little lonely. If possible, perhaps on your lighter work days, grab your laptop and go to work at your favorite coffee shop or go to the library. Leaving the house is not going to drive you crazy.