While remote work may look like a dream come true, it is a dream that must be maintained. Anyone who has attempted to work with the TV on in the background “simply for noise” knows that being left to your own sluggish devices may be a productivity killer. Working from home demands a lot of effort and the development of a lot of healthy habits for the majority of us in order to balance work and home life.
In this article, we’ll look at ways to stay healthy when working from home.
Just because you work from home does not mean you should stay in bed until 8.55 a.m. and then show up at work in your jammies, having cleaned your teeth with a cup of tea.
Work hard and your efforts will be rewarded. Experiment and find a routine that works for your specific circumstances. A routine is essentially something you perform repeatedly to signal to your brain that it is time to enter ‘work mode.’ A good morning routine could be a good start to a great productive day.
Working from home makes it much easier to stay connected until the wee hours of the morning. When we don’t have a physical workplace, it might be tough to set limits on how many hours we work each day. Working much too many hours and not understanding when to disengage is an unhealthy habit that is widespread while working from home.
It’s critical to keep track of your hours and take breaks away from your computer screen at least once a day to eat lunch, go for a walk, or even take a coffee break. Although you won’t be able to depart a physical building at the conclusion of your shift, create a ritual to symbolize the end of your workday.
Whether at work, at home, or at the office, you need some time to get into the zone. “In the zone” denotes your most creative and productive mood. Your job is progressing, and your thoughts are flowing like the Mississippi. It might be less thrilling undertakings such as participating in a conference call.
When you’re continuously distracted, it’s nearly hard to become, let alone say, “in the zone.” As a result, you must establish certain ground rules. Explain to your family or housemates that a closed-door means that there will be no disruptions. Put a do not disturb sign on the doors. This is quite useful for conference calls.
When working from home, taking breaks is critical if you want to maintain high productivity, avoid losing concentration, and enhance creativity. Stretch your legs, drink some tea or coffee, get some fresh air, take a power nap, or listen to your favorite podcast to distract yourself from work. This ensures that you return to your workplace rejuvenated and ready to go.
Prioritize social engagement throughout your lunch break. If working from home is making you feel isolated, check-in with others. This is especially vital if you live alone or run your own business. Consider interacting in person or over the phone.
Whether you like it or not, social media is an essential part of our everyday lives, especially whether you’re starting a side hustle or a company. However, social networking may be a time-consuming distraction for some. Turn off your notifications or move your phone to another room.
Set a timer if it is not feasible to do so. Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and check your phone only when it rings. These distractions aren’t going away anytime soon, but you can learn to set limits and focus your efforts on your job.
There’s a reason it’s called a “home office.” Sure, you could work from your couch or even your bed. However, if you have a dedicated work desk or home office, simply sitting in that environment will change your mind into work mode.
Make a dedicated working place. It doesn’t have to be a complete room, but it should be a distraction-free environment that isn’t utilized for anything else. Arriving in your chosen “home office” will set the tone for the rest of the day’s devotion and attention to work.
When you work remotely, you are expected to remain available throughout the day, regardless of your location. While establishing no disturb rules is a good start, it may not work with a friend who calls, messages, or visits during your working hours. Better yet, mark important personal events on your calendar.
Decide what is more essential to you; getting ahead is what is most important. For example, if a customer requests a meeting during your child’s soccer game, you must plan it at a later day and time. Schedule birthdays and other important family gatherings in advance.
If your work hours are flexible, make weekly or daily timetables and stick to routines to keep organized and on track. Even if your company does not demand time monitoring, recording your time can help you with proactive reporting and allow you to review your time allocation.
Another strategy to keep accountable is to share with your supervisor and coworkers an agreed-upon level of openness. Make a public calendar and to-do list, and provide regular project updates. Digital reminders and timers are ideal for micro-time management. Suggesting monthly phone conversations or Skype chats can help keep company culture and expectations current.
When you perform an excellent job, you should be rewarded and the same goes even if you are working alone at home. Make yourself a new cup of coffee after overcoming a huge challenge, or take a long rest after completing that time-consuming activity. Rewarding oneself correctly throughout the day provides good feedback for your achievements and keeps things fresh.
Your home setting provides much more options for relaxation and enjoyment than your working one, so make use of them by pursuing them after you’ve done something deserving of praise.