I’ve worked from home for quite a few years now. While it definitely has benefits and sure beats the 20-years of shift work I did, it’s not the #laptoplifestyle many think it is.
The most difficult aspects I’ve found are learning how to create a distinction between work and home, and having a routine that enhances productivity.
Here are 10 things I’ve found help me minimize stress and stay productive.
- Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning.
- Have a morning routine. Mine used to involve a swim at the local pool, a sauna + breath work and a coffee while I journaled and read. Now it’s a beach swim, meditation, read and journal over coffee. Similar but different. If the rules change, or I deem it no longer safe to head to the beach, it will change again.
- Shower and get dressed – business casual is fine. Pajamas are not. Pants off Friday is a thing.
- Set and stick to regular work hours.
- Set up a dedicated workspace (if possible)
- Use a timer. I use the free version of an App on my laptop called Be Focused. I have it set for 25-min work periods with 5-min breaks. After every 4th work period is a longer, 15-min break. During your break, move. Get outside if possible. Get some sun. A 5-min movement flow is perfect, or go for a walk if that’s an option. We are nature. We need nature. We need movement.
- Keep your usual meal times.
- Break for lunch and eat it away from the dedicated workspace you’ve set up.
- Stay hydrated.
- Experiment with different exercise times. Find what works best for you. You may have been a before work exerciser, but now you have some flexibility, you may find mid-morning works best for you. N=1. Be the experiment.