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The work-from-home life is something that thousands of people have adopted since the onset of the pandemic – and we have to admit it’s working great. We’re wasting far less time on commuting and pointless face-to-face meetings, and many of us can work in a much more comfortable and stress-free environment.
However, working from home has its challenges and some people are still struggling to find their groove. When you work and rest in the same place, it’s tough to make sure you’re taking care of your work obligations as well as your obligations to yourself.
When you work from home, there are a few important habits you need to implement for the sake of self-care. Here are some tips for managing your work-life balance when the lines are blurred.
Focus on Back Health
In a real office location, we’re far more inclined to get up and walk around, talk to co-workers, grab a cup of coffee, and generally move more. When we’re at home, it’s easy to get stuck in the zone and barely move for 5 hours at a go.
This is detrimental to the health of our backs and necks. You can counter this by taking forced breaks to move around and changing your desk setup to be better for your spine.
You might implement a morning or evening stretching routine or even try out desk yoga – just make sure you’re prioritising your muscular health.
When you work from home, there are a few important habits you need to implement for the sake of self-care. Here are some tips for managing your work-life balance when the lines are blurred.Click To TweetPrioritise Your Physical Environment
Working in an ugly, boring office is just part of the trade when you work a desk job. However, when your office is in your home, you have the freedom to dress up your space however you want to. Working in an environment that you find relaxing and tranquil, or one that sparks inspiration and creativity can do wonders for boosting your
Look for office interior design ideas online, pick a look that really speaks to you and truly
Implement a Morning Routine
When working from home, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of rolling out of bed and plopping down at your desk without any semblance of a morning routine. However, skipping these “non-essential” steps can be detrimental to your work and mental health.
To start your day off right, it’s important to implement a morning routine. This should include activities like taking a shower, making a nutritious breakfast, making your bed, and getting ready. You may also want to incorporate some personal time in the mornings for reflection, reading, mindfulness, or other practices that will help you prepare for the workday.
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By taking the time to establish a morning routine, you’ll set yourself up for success and ensure that you’re in the right headspace to tackle the day’s tasks. Remember, starting your day off right is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance when working from home.
Get Dressed
No, not in yoga pants and not in a fresh pair of pajamas. Getting dressed and making an effort with our appearances can truly help us to feel put-together, ready, and positive about the day ahead.
There’s nothing wrong with embracing the work-from-home life and skipping the pencil skirt and heels, but opting for a comfortable yet professional looking outfit is going to help you avoid the burning desire to curl up on the couch.
It’s been proven that getting ready for the day boosts
Remove Distractions
One of the more difficult aspects of working from home is the endless distractions we’re surrounded by each day. Social media notifications, needy kids, chatty spouses, dirty dishes, and that bottle of wine and new episodes of your favourite show calling your name. Fighting distractions all day makes it harder for you to work effectively and can leave you feeling unaccomplished and frustrated.
Remember to treat your workday as a workday and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Keep your office door closed and make it clear to friends and family members that you’re not available for random distractions during work hours.
Remember Your Lunch Break
Shovelling your sandwich into your mouth with one hand still on your keypad isn’t a good example of mindful eating. Forgetting to eat lunch altogether is an even worse idea. We all need to eat and we all need a break at some point in the day – this is why you’re typically allocated an hour’s lunch break in your employment contract.
Just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean that this rule is void. Make the effort to take your lunch break. Step away from the office and mindfully eat a balanced and nutritious lunch away from your desk – even if it’s in front of the TV.
The energy boost from the food and rest will only benefit you in the second half of the workday.
Snack Mindfully
Constantly being within walking distance of your fridge can make it easy to snack all day every day (often replacing that crucial lunch break). However, this is not a healthy or beneficial way to eat and you might find that the calories add up significantly!
Listen to your hunger cues and snack when your body is really asking for it. When you do feel a craving, satisfy it with ready-made and pre-portioned healthy snacks, instead of simply grabbing a bag of chips. Being prepared is the key to good nutrition.
Set a Switch-Off Time
When you’re missing the cue of everyone else packing up and leaving the office, it’s so easy to forget the time and keep working late into the evening. Setting yourself a cut-off time when you switch off your computer and close the office door is important in order to find rest and spend time with the people that matter. Set an alarm if you have to!
Working from Home: Making the New Normal Work for You provides readers with a detailed strategy on how to turn working from home into a powerful career choice.
