Working from home? Here are 10 Tips You Should Know
With so many Americans and people all over the world being affected by COVID-19, a lot of new people are transition from their 9-5 work job, to a work from home (remote) job. That transition is substantial is that it’s definitely an adjustment. Working from home, in theory, may sound almost luxurious. You get to work from you robe! Although, there are parts of working form home that are beneficial, the reality is, working from home comes with it’s challenges. I have been working from home since 2018, and with so many people transition to work from home (for who knows how long), I wanted to provide you with these best tips.
Find a Dedicated Work Area
Now that you work from home (long term or temporary), it’s so important to create a workspace where you will dedicate your time to work. Find a space in your room, in a separate room, the hallway… anywhere that is comfortable and sets you away from distractions. This will also help you mentally know that this space means work time.
Schedule (maintain) your Work Day
Treat your dedicated space and your day (typically Monday-Friday) as a regular work day. Try to fill your day with your work tasks and things you need to get done. I personally have a planner in which I write down the things I need to get done for the week or at minimum the next few days. I like to use this as a list where I check mark the tasks as I get through them.
Dress Up
Although you can get away with a few days in your Pjs and robe, eventually you will work in the manner that you look. What I mean is, if you are cozy in your Pjs and comfortable, it can sometimes be mentally hard to get out of your comfy relaxed zone. I usually just put on jeans, a tshirt, my sandals, wash my face and put some light makeup. It really makes a difference and switches my mind to “go to work” mode.
Set your Rules with others
A lot of families are having to stay home with during this pandemic. That means, parents are staying home with their kids. It can be a tough work setting with having little ones around the house and both parents still needing to do some work. Try to set your ground rules, especially with your partner or the person that will be helping you with the kids. What hours will you be working? When will you give yourself a break? When should you not be disturbed? etc. Make sure everyone in the house understands the rules.
Go out for a Walk
This is one of my favorite parts of working from home. I spend more time with my pets, but I enjoy early morning walks or even mid afternoon walks. I love being able to get some air, and clear my head. This is also a great way to get some light exercise during the day.
Incorporate a Morning and Evening Routine
Set your alarms at the time you would normally wake up for work. Although there is no commute, replace your commute with yoga, writing in a journal, meditation, reading a book, enjoy your morning cup of coffee.. whatever it is that makes you happy and at ease… do that before you get started with your work day. Same way that you create a morning routine, generate an evening routine to wine down. Perhaps, end work at 5pm, prepare dinner with your family, etc. You know what types of routine/s will work best for you.
Socialize
You got to talk to someone! I often call my mom or my sister during the day to just talk. Working from home, especially if you are alone at home or during the day, can sometimes feel isolating. Make sure you incorporate time in your day/week to call up a friend or family member (if it’s not one of your colleagues).
Take advantage of the benefits
Working from home, for me personally, has had great benefits. Soak in this time to spend time with your pets, family, or self care. Take advantage that you have the time to cook up your lunch meals and eat healthy. Look at the benefits of being able to work from home.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
When you work from home, sometimes there are days when you are very distracted and the work that you wanted to get done for the day, doesn’t get done. Try not to be too hard on yourself. There will be times where you don’t nail your morning routine. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Working from home, especially with what we are going through now, is an adjustment. Be patient.
Overall, Do what works best for you
You should know what will work best for you, and what will not. Figure it out, set a schedule, work on your tasks, create a routine that will work for you and you will see how productive you can really be working from home.
What other tips for working from home can you suggest?
