Guest post When the Coronavirus pandemic hit, millions of people around the world were introduced to working from home for the first time. F...
Guest post
When the Coronavirus pandemic hit, millions of people around the world were introduced to working from home for the first time. For many, it was a welcome change. Loungewear became the new uniform of choice as we said goodbye to the stressful morning commute, and discovered a whole new world of Zoom meetings.
However, if you’re struggling to balance your personal life and working from home, you may be clamouring to get back to the office. Here are 3 top tips to structure your routine and improve your work-life balance.
Have a designated workspace
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is finding somewhere to do it. For most long term office based workers, having a home office or desk setup wasn’t high on the pre-pandemic priority list. The pandemic escalated so rapidly that most people had to simply work wherever they could, whether that be from their bedroom or kitchen table.
If you haven’t already, after over a year of remote working, it’s time to find a designated workspace. To ensure best productivity, set up your remote working station in an area of the house where you are least likely to be disturbed. A spare room is ideal, offering both privacy and separation from other living areas. Declutter, add a plant and some family photos to create an attractive, organised space that you enjoy.
If possible, you should always distance your workspace from your bedroom or lounge area. You want to associate these rooms with rest and relaxation, not the stress of your working day.
Plan out your day
Compared to the flexibility of working from home, office life was incredibly structured, with morning meetings, 12 o’clock lunch hours and afternoon coffee breaks. In our ever changing world, it’s normal to crave the routine of office working. Apply your own structure to your day to support your work-life balance.
Depending on how you work best, you might choose to plan for the week ahead or take it day by day. Set yourself a lunch time and stick to it. Make a point of spending this time away from your desk. One of the many benefits of working from home is having the freedom to use your lunch break to do an activity that you enjoy. Go for a walk, watch your favourite TV show, or eat outdoors for some fresh air and alfresco dining.
Remember, you are not chained to your desk. As you would in the office, take regular water, tea and coffee breaks. Keeping hydrated is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day will help you to focus and reduce brain fatigue.
Shut down, step away, and unwind
When working from home, the lines between your working day and evening relaxation can easily become blurred. When it’s time to clock off, leave work at your desk and shut down your computer. Leave your workspace behind, just as you would leave the office.
One of the many benefits of home working is having a little extra free time without the homeward commute. Put this to good use by planning to do something for you. Plan a dinner with friends, or indulge in some selfcare; run a hot bath and slip into your most comfortable loungewear, with a pair of fluffy socks for the ultimate cosy evening.
Or, if keeping active is more up your street, a brisk walk or run is just as effective, and will surely clear your mind after a stressful day.
No comments