We know that working from home can be a challenge. Managing a work/life balance is difficult at the best of times, and now that we have to stay home, our sense of well-being and productivity are being tested. Mental health rates within Australia have greatly increased since the onset of COVID-19, and so keeping an eye on our personal well-being is vital at this point in time.
To support you on your quest for maintaining high-levels of productivity and well-being during this difficult time, we have compiled a list of things that you can do to make working from home just that little bit easier.
Establish A Routine
Whether you are going into the office or working from home like the majority of us, you need to be organised and be ready to start on time. Although your morning routine may change slightly, stick to doing those things that help you to feel prepared for the day. Wake up at the same time every day, drink 500ml of water when you wake up, exercise, meditate, eat a nourishing breakfast, and give yourself time to switch-on and get ready for the day ahead.
The need for routine doesn't end once your morning routine is complete. Develop a complete workday routine - have lunch at the same time each day, take your morning and afternoon tea break at the same time, and clock-off when you normally do. Establishing a routine gets your body working like a clock. Routine gives your body the ability to anticipate what is coming next. Develop a routine and stick to it, you will feel grounded and mentally clear because of it.
Boundaries
It is really, really important that we establish clear boundaries when working from home. This means that when you are working, you are working and when you are relaxing, you are relaxing - there is no in-between. Making sure the people that you live with are on board with your workday routine is important. Let them know that for the next 4 hours until lunchtime, you are working, so they won't expect to have your attention until you sit down for lunch.
Establishing boundaries is a great way to upkeep work productivity but it is also a great way of nurturing the relationships you have with the people that you love most. When you are in relax-mode, be present with the people in your life, give them your full attention, and don't be looking at your phone, or typing an email while you are in conversation with them. Do one thing at a time. It is easy to become all-consumed by work when working from home when your home is usually the place that you relax and spend time with those that you love. Taking care of your relationships is just as important as taking care of your work productivity.
Set And Setting
It is important that you set up a space where you work, a space that is only for work. Some are lucky enough to have a study or office, and others are not. If you don't have a study, set up a space on one end of your dining room table, or in another area of your home that is just for work. What this does is let your body and mind know that when you sit down in that space, you are working. If you wear glasses for reading, pop your glasses on when you sit down for work, and take them off when you are having your lunch break and clocking-off for the day. When your day 'in the office' is done, tidy up your working space to make it inviting for tomorrow's day of work. Similarly, when you are switching over into relax-mode, take a shower, get changed into your comfy clothes, soften the lighting in the house, throw your slippers on and totally switch-off from work for the day. This will notify your body and mind that work is over and it's time to relax.
Change Your Environment
Although we are limited with reasons as to why we can leave the house, changing up your environment by getting outside will do wonders for your sense of well-being and for your ability to maintain productivity. Whether it's going for a walk, a run, or a ride or going to the grocery store, the market, or the park, getting out of the house once a day will help you to reset and it will make your home more inviting to return to.
Times are tough right now, but let's remember that this could be worse. Having a daily rhythm provides you with the conditions to feel your best and to do your best. If we fail to take care of ourselves, it's our health and our ability to do good work that is compromised. Let's see this situation we are in from a glass-half full perspective, let's embrace the cards that we have been dealt and come out the other side feeling stronger than we ever have. Each day offers us the chance to uplift and improve our lives, and just because we are stuck at home doesn't mean that has to change.
https://www.pgaadvisory.com.au/ “Working From Home” / Written by Carly Tomadin – PGA Advisory