Top tips for working from home
With level 5 restrictions in place, many of us once again find ourselves working from home. You may have just gotten accustomed to your normal routine, such as returning to commuting or working in an office setting. Heading back to remote working comes at a difficult but necessary time and may throw your routine into disarray, so it’s important to get some sort of system going again – and just because we’re apart, doesn’t mean we can’t work together.
Here’s our tips to help you succeed while supporting your mental wellbeing, in the weeks to come.
Set up a dedicated work area
If you have the space, pick an area in your home that will be exclusively used for working. Try to choose somewhere that is away from distractions and treat it as your workplace, separate from your home areas that are used for relaxing. This way, you can ‘leave your workplace’ to gather your thoughts or for some lunch. Try to ensure your workstation ticks all these boxes:
Suitable desk and comfortable chair (with back support if possible).
Adequate lighting and temperature.
Strong enough Wi-Fi connection and power sources for charging.
Wake up early and ‘transition’ into work
We know the temptation is strong to add that half hour you would normally use for commuting to your sleep schedule. But that time spent travelling from one location to another gives your brain a chance to mentally prepare for work. Do whatever works for you – be it an early coffee and breakfast or reading the news. Maybe you’ll take time to exercise, or spend some time catching up with a family member.
When you finish off your workday, your evening ‘commute’ can do the reverse, and wind you down for the evening. If you try to jump straight into chores or cooking a dinner, your brain doesn’t have a chance to even think about resting. Take a few minutes after work to give yourself time to relax – that way you can be fully ready to have an enjoyable evening. Pick something that can serve as a ritual to signify the end of the workday, and that you will not be returning to the workstation.
Maintain defined working hours
As we just mentioned, it’s important to try and stick to a strict ‘no more working’ rule. When remote working, business and your personal time can easily blend into each other if you’re not careful. Just as you have set out a physical space for work, you should also try to follow your normal working schedule. You have to recognise when ‘enough is enough’, just as your manager might in a normal work environment. This way, you give yourself time to recharge your mental batteries and get your best work done each day.
If you live with others, tell them you want to establish boundaries and cut down on distractions during the workday. Disconnect from them if possible, and that way you can clearly separate your time working and socialising.
Follow your normal office routine
If you take regular breaks for coffee or tea in the office, why not do the same at home? Maybe you can have a virtual coffee break with a co-worker that you would normally chat to. Even just go for a walk around the house to gather yourself. It’s important to get up from the computer and take regular breaks for your mental health. And if you have the chance to chat about non work-related things for just a few minutes with a colleague, it could help you stay connected and indirectly improve your working relationship.
Get outside
For many, the only time we spend outside is on our commute or lunch hour during the workday. These get mixed in with your time at home when remote working, and there’s a chance the only light of day you see is through a window. Take some time to get out for some fresh air and sunlight – even if its chilly! Fresh air and outdoors can be highly beneficial to your mental health and wellbeing. Be it a brisk walk during your lunch hour, or after work to clear your head – try and build a routine of it.
