5 practical ways to be career happy whilst working from home??
Working from home could be a reality and the new normal for many people. I know from talking to many people they are finding it hard.
Some of these women really enjoy their job but being a mum or having other responsibilities can make working from home tiresome. Not to mention a lot of people are suffering from online meeting fatigue.
There are ways you can be happy whilst working from home though.
1. Right equipment – this may include having an extra screen, proper chair, ergonomic desk or keyboard etc. All these things will make working from home not just more comfortable but more easier. If your workplace isn’t supporting you with this, ask what is available? It’s more then acceptable for you to have the best sort of equipment so you can do you role justice. Plus a little thing like this will help you feel more productive and less likely to strain your eyes and posture.
2. Exercise – This could include a 20-30 minute workout of your choice in the morning and a walk through out the day. Remember doing this is really essential because without the commute to walk you are likely to be walking less. Unless you are making it habit to work in your your lunch hour. So it’s important rather than being sedentary all day you exercise for at least 30-45 minutes a day. Not only will you feel more energetic but exercise improves out mood. This is especially important as the weather get colder.
3. Tech free evenings – As amazing as technology is in our work we need to switch off from it. Make sure you keep your phone in another room or draw whilst having your dinner. Or if possible turn it after 7pm. You may be tempted after a long day at work to then scroll on your phone for another 2 hours. Try and use technology within your working hours only. When you commuted on the way back home on the train you may of listened to music, podcast or watched your favourite tv show on the train back. The likelihood is if you aren’t travelling anymore this habit may seep into your home life. Try and separate the two. If you do want to watch TV do so but don’t mix work emails at the dinner table with this. This way you can switch off more and separate between work and home life. If you live with family, or flatmates see the evening as social time not work time.
Even if you live on your own see if you can speak to a friend on the phone instead of video call them. Or watch your favourite tv show or read a book. This is will help you feel more positive like your work isn’t taking over your life. Plus it’s important to take breaks and switch off.
4. Plan your days and be organised – Scheduling is proven to help ease stress and anxiety. When we know what’s in our diaries we feel more at ease and in control of our day. If you know you need to write a report or do some work set aside some time in your calendar to concentrate on this. Perhaps use a Sunday evening before you go to bed to plan your week ahead and take only 25 minutes to do this and set a timer so you can see how long it takes to plan. I do this for my week ahead and it normally takes me a maximum of 30 minutes. Time can be a big thing for many of us but if you plan this time you can adapt it to your work patterns and home life.
5. Take regular breaks – Where possible take breaks throughout the day. Make sure you have a timer on your break and don’t use the break to watch TV or listen to something that will distract you. I tend to have 3 bigger breaks in the day a 35 minute coffee break, 45 minute-1 hour lunch break and 35 minute afternoon break. Throughout the day I use the Pomodoro technique. If you have a lot of calls throughout the day this may not be realistic so include these breaks when you schedule your day. I do get up from the computer every 25 minutes but take mini 5-10 breaks where I can.
Advantages of working from home
There are a some advantages to working from home though and it’s about reframing this so if you are working from home you can make the most of this. You can be in your own space Look at this way being in your own space can also be a good thing. I know for me personally as an introvert and homebody I love the convenience of working from home. You have created your own space and feel comfortable in it. Plus you don’t have to commute and can still get your work done. Also by working from home you are in charge of making your lunch and are saving money on outside lunches.
Home and work boundaries
Work and home life may blend together so it’s important you have boundaries in place. You can only do this if you have a set start time and end time each day. Also it’s important you aren’t easily distracted and that’s why scheduled and regular breaks will help you stay focused and disciplined.
Final thoughts
Whatever your current work situation is right now working from home may seem challenging. The reality is it’s about how you approach it. If you are working on your dining room table with clothes everywhere and your dog on your lap then it won’t be easy!! However it’s important you put tools, systems and a structure in place. If you work in an apartment and share a desk with a partner who may also work from home figure out a system where if you are in the same room you aren’t disturbing them. Discipline and practice are key here and experiment with what works for you when it comes to breaks.
If you liked this blog post please share it on social media or comment below and let us know what you think about. How have you adapted to hybrid working or have you returned to the office fulltime?