Currently working from home but dreaming about the days when I could go around without any worries. So uploading those pictures of happier times.
I didn’t realise how much of a social creature I was until I was forced to stay at home. I always thought that I’d be comfortable with it and love it. But, I actually miss going to work!! Who would have thought that working from home would be such a struggle?!! It makes me feel so isolated even though I live with my family. I get a stir crazy need to see other people. There’s absolutely no perfect balance when it comes to working from home but here are some things, I’ve learned that are working for me. Some of these may seem a bit obvious but they need to be said! There are some tips here that may seem contradictory, you can always pick what works the best for you and go from there.
Have a start and finishing time and stick to it – I feel starting early is better. I feel good when I end earlier and get a little me time
Know your most productive times – We all have our most productive times of the day, and often they aren’t 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. So, pay attention to the times when you’re really in the zone and then structure your day accordingly.Personally , sticking to a start and finish time works for me. But some people I have spoken to say this works for them so do what works for you.
Make a to do list – This always help me prioritise better and stress less. Putting those tick marks against completed tasks gives me a feeling of accomplishment.
Do the most painful tasks first – When you have done these, tackling the rest of the day will be so much easier.
Always get dressed, do some light makeup — Never work in your pajamas, this is a slippery slope to feeling terrible. You’ll feel so much better and in turn be more productive. Psychologically, what you see in the mirror matters – a well dressed self inspires productivity.This helps some people have a mindset shift too.
Create a designated work space – Carve out a space in your home that’s entirely dedicated to working. You need a place where you can work, take phone calls, and feel professional on a daily basis.
Switch up your work environment — Whenever you’re feeling like you’re suffering from lack of motivation, switch up your environment! Also, maybe it just means switching up your “home office view” from day to day (if you have the space). Moving from the desk to a table near a window etc. Not the bed!
Take breaks but keep them timed – Coffee breaks, lunch breaks can go on and on if you let it.
Notice your distraction and keep them at bay – If you’re tempted by WhatsApp, the continuous stream of forwards then, keep your phone away or on silent mode. Stay away from the bedroom or you might be tempted to take a nap.
Talk to people – If you feel like you need company, you can talk to a like minded colleague or friend for a bit.
Commit to shutting off at the end of the day – The one downside to working from home? It’s hard to know when to shut off, it becomes a blurry line of when to stop. Sometimes it’s necessary to shut down the computer and be present. The work will always be there tomorrow. Scratch down a few notes if you’re in the middle of an idea, take care of any pressing deadlines, and then close the laptop.
Lastly, Take advantage of being home – Yes, there are some perks. We save the commute time, spend more time with family, workout. I like to cook, but after coming home from a long day at work cooking is the last thing that I want to do. I take some time out to cook during the day or after I switch off in the evening and it feels so good.
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