10 Tips on Working From Home
Even for the most dedicated remote worker, the novelty wears off after a couple of days/ weeks/months. Our colleague Susan has created a list of helpful tips to stay focused and lift your mood.
(1) Create a Workspace: If space allows, set up a dedicated work from home space. At a minimum you will need a comfortable chair and a table-like surface. Treat this space as your workplace so it is separate to areas in your home that you use to relax or socialise. This means that you can leave your work space for breaks.
(2) Morning Routine: Wake up at your usual time, get washed and dressed and think of ways to fill the gap of time spent commuting or getting ready for the office. Perhaps drink your morning coffee on a walk, cook a healthy breakfast, go for a cycle or do a home workout. These activities will help your body to release feel- good hormones to get you motivated.
(3) Stay Connected: Working from home can feel a little isolating. It’s important to stay in touch with your colleagues. Schedule a team call each morning to catch up, discuss work and share thoughts. Having some structure will keep you motivated and engaged in your work. Create a to do list for each day and make it your goal to complete it.
(4) Regular Breaks: Take regular breaks to make coffee, have a snack or even put on a wash. Have virtual coffee breaks via video call with your colleagues where you can chat about things other than work for a few minutes. Breaks are important for your mental health and will help with your work too.
(5) Lunch: Eat your lunch away from your work space and make sure that you are away from your computer. It’s also hugely important to get outside for some air on your lunch break. Whether it’s for a walk with the dog, a jog or run, or even a trip to the supermarket for supplies, getting out in the fresh air is crucial for your mental health and job performance.
(6) Normal Working Hours: Sticking to a time schedule can be difficult when working from home. However, having set times and tasks will give your day structure. Avoid waking up late, taking longer lunches or putting off tasks that will need to be completed later in the day and end up spilling over into your free time.
(7) The Long Finger: We’re all guilty of it, dismissing reminders to complete tasks we don’t like, or putting off plans to re-evaluate work goals. If you have some extra time to spare, begin working on your development plan with opportunities and goals. Break each one into steps and add these steps to your calendar and work on them bit by bit.
(8) Limit Social Media: The temptation can be much stronger when you’re working from home but try to avoid being on your personal social media to check your notifications or messages. Switch your phone on to “do not disturb” mode and check it when you are taking a break.
(9) Make Plans: It’s easy to get fed-up when there’s so little going on. So take this time to start cook/bake new things, discover new music, watch movie classics, dive into a good book, declutter your home, play a new game with the kids, get out the old family photos or maybe even complete a fitness challenge!! Try to include at least one activity into your evenings.
(10) Finish on Time: Switch off the computer and switch off your mind. Move away from your work space give yourself a few moments to adjust - your work day is over, time is your own. If you have any tips that work for you share those too… and remember to look after yourself and your mental health while working at home.
