Given the ongoing situation, a lot of people are working from home for the first time. Some workers thrive under this conditions, while for others it may be difficult to adapt to such a radical change.
These tips will help you make the most out of your time working from home, so you can stay productive while maintaining your emotional balance.
Get Dressed
Getting dressed for work is an apparently mundane action that can make a big difference when you work from home. Even if it’s tempting, avoid working in your pajamas. Wear shoes and try to dress like you would if you were leaving for work as usual. This trick can help you mark a psychological division between your professional and your personal life. Dress professionally to start working, focus on your work, and once the day is over, change into comfortable clothes and allow yourself to rest both mentally and physically.
Make a Schedule and Stick to It
Having a schedule is a basic guideline to maintain balance in your life when you work from home. A routine will get you on track, but at the same time it will allow you to plan your day and make sure you don’t neglect yourself. Set hours for lunch and for breaks while you work, and when you “clock out” don’t forget to schedule time for self-care and fun activities.
Have Fun When Possible
As mentioned above, fun is important, but you don’t always have to schedule it. After all, spontaneous fun is the best fun. Take advantage of every chance to have fun if it’s appropriate. Humor is an amazing coping mechanism, and it creates a strong bond between coworkers, even when they interact remotely. Work hard, and have as much fun as you can while you do it. Make others laugh, but also open yourself to humor even if you find it difficult to do.
Acknowledge Your Unmet Needs
Odds are that working from home is a new situation for you. If that’s the case, you may feel disoriented at times. That’s OK. Acknowledge those feelings and tell to yourself that they’re completely normal. Our job is an important part of our personality, and any alteration to our daily routine can have a ripple effect on other areas of our lives. Not going out, not meeting with your colleagues, and the lack of physical interaction can be frustrating. Acknowledge those unmet needs and treat yourself with compassion.
Schedule No-news Time
These days more than ever it’s important to stay up to date with recent developments in the news. However, this can also take a toll on your mental stability. In order to avoid overstressing, schedule an hour free of news every day. Relax, engage in an activity you enjoy, or interact with your loved ones. Probably you have been focused almost exclusively on external events, but you also need time to look inward and take care of yourself.
