Life is short, work somewhere awesome. For many, that place is home. For those of us fortunate enough to work in fields where this is an option, staying home is now the best way to keep ourselves and our communities safe. Whether this is your first time away from the office, or you work remotely on a regular basis, there are certain habits you can adopt to stay sane and productive.
Set a Designated Workspace
It is important to separate work, sleep and play. I am lucky enough to have a designated home office. Even when I lived in a one-bedroom apartment, I had a corner I used specifically for work. If you don’t have a desk, a small tray table works well. Just make sure whatever surface you choose, it is comfortable on your neck and back. If your shoulders are too high or your computer is too far away, you will feel it later! While working in bed sounds awesome, I’ve found it doesn’t work long term. There’s too much temptation to fall back asleep. I also avoid working in front of the television while I am at home. At one of my old television stations, I had an actual TV on my desk at all times. In that role I was monitoring our station and competition, it was part of the job. At home however, it’s too easy to get distracted. I’d rather save my viewing time for when I can fully relax and immerse myself in a good show.
Get Dressed
Staying in your pajamas all day sounds like a dream, but it gets old…fast! For me, changing my clothes sets the right intention for the work day. I’m not saying you should be uncomfortable. Changing into a different pair of sweatpants, pajama bottoms or leggings actually makes a huge difference. To put on make-up or not to put on make-up is another decision. Normally when I work from home I don’t like to waste the time or products. However, some powder or a good lip gloss can give me a boost when I’m feeling a little down or tired.
Eat
I love food! I’m lovingly known for my big appetite and I’m always the first in the office to snag free food. I even have “sources” (a.k.a colleagues) in the office who give me a heads up before the “free cake” email even goes out to staff. Unfortunately, when I am at home, I often forget to eat! I get so wrapped up in my work, I lose track of time and space. Just because you are at home, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve your regular lunch break. If you need to, set a timer. Be mindful of what you put into your body as well. When I’m in a regular office setting, I usually pack my lunch the night before. Set a new routine for yourself at home and plan for a delicious lunch in advance.
Get Outside
Luckily my two adorable at-home colleagues (Griffin and Mamba) make me go outside. It’s how they take care of their own business. It’s easy and comfortable to stay inside our own homes, but this isn’t good for our mental or physical health. Go for a stroll or a run around your neighborhood. I also like to crack open a window (even in the dead of winter) to let some fresh air in while I’m working. I’ve worked in very few offices with actual windows, so when I’m at home I take advantage of this amenity.
Set a Schedule
While working from home, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of always being “on.” When I’m remote I feel the need to respond to every email right away and fix every problem as soon as possible. A part of me always feels guilty when I’m away, like I am somehow contributing less. This is something I need to get over! It’s ok to focus my time on certain projects. It is also ok to sign-off for the day. Every company culture is different, but you need to disconnect at some point to avoid burnout. I also like to set a schedule outside of working hours. When I used to have an hour plus commute, I would call my mom every night on the way home. When I work from home, I make sure to still call or FaceTime with her. It helps me decompress after a long day. It also gives me some much needed social interaction after spending the day alone.
Got any more tips? I’d love to hear them! Hang in there everyone!