Tips For Managing Work-Life Balance While Working From Home
Fostering a healthy work-life balance was challenging enough before many of us started working remotely. Some families have also been managing remote schooling for their kids while trying to maintain a home, personal life, and social network. Effectively working remotely relies on a thriving work-life structure, which can be difficult to master. However, with a few tips, one can implement a routine that creates space for both work and play to exist. Here are some helpful ideas.
Create An Office Space
Designate an area of your home to be used strictly for work activities. Keep all items related to your job – laptop, office supply products, calendar, desk, etc. – in this space. Drawing a line between your working area and relaxing area can set firm and tangible boundaries. It’s easy to hop online to tackle one more assignment or send one more email, but this detracts from time spent with ourselves or our loved ones and doesn’t allow full attention to be dedicated to either task at hand.
Keep A Schedule
Much like we would when reporting to an office five days a week, keeping a schedule with set business hours is crucial. If you enjoy a typical workday that starts at 8am and ends at 5pm, don’t allow yourself to work past that, unless you need to tackle a specific project. Instead, devote your full attention to the task at hand during operating hours, being mindful of unplugging during a break and/or the lunch hour. It may seem easy to continue checking items off a list by getting online before the phone starts ringing and emails start rolling in, but having a rested mind and attitude can be an even bigger leg up when trying to be productive.
Make Plans After Work
Happy hours, spin classes, and other activities took a hard hit when social distancing measures were enacted. However, as restaurants, event centers, gyms, and parks begin to open up, we have more options for socializing and getting outside. Invest once again in your community and friendships to add the balance back to your work-life structure. If you feel uncomfortable engaging in person, set up a video call weekly with a friend, co-worker, or family member. Having somewhere to go or an activity to participate in after work can prevent you from overworking or feeling stuck in a rut.
Use A Transitionary Activity To Start And Stop Your Day
A morning commute helps jumpstart the workday by providing a transition from home life to a work environment. Without this, it can be challenging to slip out of bed and into business hours. Consider the things you most enjoyed about your commute. Perhaps it was time alone in the morning before the household woke up, or indulging in a cup of coffee from the corner shop on your walk in. Whatever it might have been, try to recreate that ritual to help prep your mind for the day ahead.
Additionally, create an activity or ritual you participate in before and after each work day. Perhaps it’s starting the next day’s to-do list, jotting down the goals you achieved that day, or powering down your monitors and shutting the door. It could even be going for a walk to soak up the day’s last bit of light. Whatever transitionary activity you choose, try to make a habit of it.
A work-life balance is important regardless of where you work. Effectively working remotely requires one to participate fully in their job, then log off and participate fully in their home life. EON Office understands that in order to perform your job to the best of your ability, you need high-quality office supplies with fast delivery. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
