Practical Tips for Working from Home
Photo by Jessica Arends on Unsplash
The coronavirus outbreak has closed businesses, schools and leisure venues and many people have suddenly found themselves working from home. Working from home can be quite the adjustment, so we thought we’d share some tips to help you stay positive and productive in this difficult time.
Create a separate work space
Carve out a small space in your home to turn into an office. It doesn’t have to be a whole room (we don’t all have that luxury), but do try and keep it separate from your relaxation areas. This will allow you to mentally and physically step away from work at the end of the day. The lines between personal life and work life can become very blurred when you work from home but a defined space will help clarify those boundaries.
Stick to your usual schedule
If you’re only going to be working from home temporarily, stick to your usual work schedule as much as possible. This will help retain a sense of normalcy and will keep you productive. Wake up at your usual time, stick to your normal working hours and take your regular breaks. It can help to write your routine down, for easy reference.
Stay connected
It can get pretty lonely working from home so having someone on the end of the phone, email or messenger can really brighten your day. Stay in touch with your work colleagues and allow time for some positive and uplifting non-work chat. Just be sure to disconnect at the end of the day.
Remove distractions
Television, chores, endless Facebook scrolling... there are many distractions to be found whilst working from home. The key is to remove as many as possible so you can stay on task. Be as ruthless as you need to be; keep the TV off, put your phone in a drawer, disconnect the internet for an hour or block social media sites. As for chores and errands, complete them before you start work so you can’t ‘productively procrastinate’ during the day.
Get outdoors
While it’s very important that we all practice social distancing right now, it is still safe to go outside (if you are well). Get some fresh air and natural sunlight every day. Even if you only sit in the garden or on your balcony for 10 minutes at a time, it will benefit your physical and mental health and make you more productive. Currently, you can go outside for one form of exercise a day, but you must do this alone or with members of your household.
Enjoy it!
Working from home can be a challenge but there are lots of benefits too. Find joy in the little things and enjoy your extra time at home.