7 tips for working from home

By Kris Pronstroller
By Kris Pronstroller

Senior Project Coordinator

7 tips for working from home

By Kris Pronstroller
By Kris Pronstroller

Senior Project Coordinator

7 tips for working from home

By Kris Pronstroller
By Kris Pronstroller

Senior Project Coordinator

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has meant big life changes for all of us, including adjusting to new ways of working. Some of us have returned to working in the office…

 

Below are some simple tips that can help you feel more productive and motivated, and most importantly take care of your mental health while working from home.

1. Stick to a routine

Sounds simple right? Without a routine schedule, work and personal time can get blurred and be stressful to get right.
You should follow your normal sleep and work patterns if you can, and stay consistent.

 

  • Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pjs.
  • Try scheduling in your “commute time” before and after work. You can spend it exercising, meditating, reading or listening to music. This allows you to move from “home” to “work” with ease.

  • Most importantly, when your workday stops and you log off, stop working. Shut down your computer, stop checking emails and focus on your home life.

  • At the end of the day, try to get to bed at your usual time.

2. Make a dedicated workspace

If you can, find a quiet space away from people and distractions (like the TV or the kitchen). If you can, a closed off space is best.

Get everything you need in one place, before you start work – chargers, pens, paper and anything else you may need and shut the door if you can. Even in a small or shared space, try to designate an area specific for work.

 

Lastly, get comfortable. While it might be tempting to sit on the couch, it’s much better to sit at a desk or table. If you do not have desk or office furniture like an adjustable chair, try using things like cushions to support you in your chair, or even a box as a footrest.

Make the space for you – you aren’t in an office environment, so if you want to have music playing or a candle lit, do it!

3. Give yourself a break

Making time for a break is important to help manage feelings of stress.

 

Try to take lunch and regular breaks, and give yourself time to concentrate on something else so you feel more focused when you return. Even if it is just for 5 or 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity too.

 

If possible, spend some time outdoors when you can. Regular time in green space is great for your mental health.

 

Set a time to go for a walk, run or bike ride for some fresh air, or a coffee in the sun.

4. Stay connected

While working from home you may feel more isolated, but there are lots of ways to stay in touch with people. You will also be boosting their mental wellbeing as well as your own.

 

At Restive, human interaction matters, so we schedule Zoom calls and pick up the phone instead of emailing. If we are struggling with working at home we speak to each other openly and honestly. Our leaders are always approachable to discussing our concerns and work closely with us to provide solutions.

 

Always remember, your colleagues probably feel the same as you. Ask how they’re doing and whether there are ways you can support each other.

 

Make time to socialise virtually – schedule in a digital coffee break or Friday online get-together.

 

Most importantly, make time to reset and recharge on your days off.

5. Set some boundaries

Setting some boundaries with other members of your household is key to mental health while working at home.

 

You can be a bit more flexible when working from home, so enjoy it, but it can also be difficult if there are other distractions to deal with, like children at home, who may think you are on holiday and want to spend time with you.

 

Have a discussion about your needs, especially with family. Remind them that you still have work to do and need quiet time to do it, and share your schedule.

 

Similarly, set boundaries with work. It’s easier to stay logged on when your home is your office, but try to switch off when the work day is over, and enjoy time with family at home.

6. Think long term

You may be continuing to work from home regularly, so think about the ways that you could improve how you work, while at home.

 

If you have a room that’s warmer or has a window that lets in a lot of light, could you work there instead?

 

Try to explore how you work with others. Are there different ways to talk online or new software you could use?
Do you need to upgrade your chair or desk to avoid a sore back?

7. Be kind to yourself

Remember, things may not feel normal straight away. Change is always hard at first.

 

So be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you might feel like you are not as productive as you usually would be. Be realistic about what you can achieve given that this is a new way of working and relax when your work is done.