Many of us are working from home – some for the first time and others since the start of their careers. Regardless of your solo-work experience, there are some key ways to stay productive, rested, and accountable when working from home.
1. Create a distraction-free environment that works best for you
Depending on your circumstances, this might not be a private room where you can close the door behind you for a few hours. Many of us are sharing space with family, pets, friends, kids, etc. While space may be limited, distractions can still be controlled with some discipline and clearer boundaries.
- Setting a work timer so you can get things done in spurts (if you have little ones that can establish work time vs playtime/”brain breaks” where you can stretch or play together).
- Turning off electronics that are not actively being used for work. This can look like Do Not Disturb phone features, no TV, music, or podcasts, etc.
- Be as well-fed/hydrated as you can. Making sure you eat distraction free (here’s looking at you work-through-lunch-ers) can be more satisfying and you’ll actually remember you ate/look forward to meals.
2. Get Comfortable
You’re going to be in this work space throughout the day, so make sure you are comfortable. For some people, that’s temperature, lighting, seating, etc.
- If you’re in a chair of any kind, make sure you can be as comfortable as possible. This includes cushions, lumbar support, blankets for lap coverage, etc.
- If you’re working with a laptop or screened device, have a place for it to rest comfortably and level with you. Maybe invest in a nice desk, lap table, stand, etc.
- Remember to be able to reposition yourself. Whether you can rotate around the room, your seating position/arrangement (from desk to sofa, indoor to outdoor), it’s important to shake things up (sometimes literally). Being still for long periods of time isn’t great for mind or body.
3. Take Breaks!
It’s important to note that you should take breaks at home or in an office. It is not necessary to work 7-8+ hours straight. Your body and mind deserves a pause. Different ways to take a break:
- Get outside if you can or at least look out the window.
- Shut your laptop + your phone!
- Eat a snack + drink water.
- Give cuddles to your fur babies.
4. Make a Schedule.
This works in tandem with number 3. Making a schedule for yourself (whether it’s down to the minute or broader goals, helps you to add structure and discipline to your day. This is so important for working from home in order to help you keep boundaries with work and yourself.
- Add you lunch breaks to your calendar.
- Set and work within designated work hours.
- Schedule breaks for yourself, families, fur babies, etc.
- You can block your personal appointments on shared work calendars so folks will not schedule meetings with you. Label them simply as “private,” “busy,” or “unavailable.”
- Schedule your work tasks/goals into your calendar, even small things like “check email” or “research for project b” so you can see and check off your list and keep track of the time needed to complete tasks.
5. Create a general routine.
Much like scheduling, you should have a full scope of your work time and needs. Not only do you need to keep a calendar, but you need to keep a routine that benefits you personally and professionally. This means building a sleep/waking schedule that you stick to throughout the week.
- This builds a relationship with your body, mind, and emotional self so you feel more prepared and aligned with your day.
- Routine can also help you work smarter rather than harder. Instead of always having to figure out daily behaviors/schedules for your team, clients, and self, you can build expectations about your availability and needs. If you have children or furry friends, this is helpful for them to learn boundaries and know when and how to anticipate you.
- Maybe your pup barks and disturbs you for playtime or walks because you switch the times you take breaks every day. Developing a walk routine will lower anxiety for both of you and you can enjoy walks knowing you have them scheduled and blocked in.
- Maybe having lunch with your kiddos means they understand that pre/post-lunch is a quieter time for work, but lunchtime is when they can connect with you over food and much more noise.
Working alone can feel uncomfortable due to the lack of structure or “enforcement” but working with these guides can help you establish a more fruitful and productive day, help you build boundaries, and allow you to better connect with yourself. Found these tips fun or interesting? Share this with your friends and colleagues!
