Working from home? A growing number of people are ditching the traditional office in favour of flexible and remote working, but it can be difficult to maintain a healthy work/life balance when you’re surrounded by chores and don’t have a real incentive to get out of your pyjamas.
Here are a few helpful things you can do to work from home efficiently and keep your mental health in tip top shape.
Location, Location, Location
Unless you work from home quite regularly, you don’t necessarily need a home office to help you get in the zone. Whether you opt for the breakfast bar, a particular seat at the dining table or a certain cosy armchair, try to make sure you only use that environment whilst working. If you really want to go the extra mile, it might be worth having a ‘work’ mug, notepad and pen – things you will only use during your working hours.
Dress the part
While putting on a full suit just to work in your living room may be a little extreme, it’s still important to dress like you are going to work so you can change into comfortable clothing when you’re relaxing around your home – plus, you’ll always be dressed for an impromptu video call!
What does your home workspace look like? Take a picture and tag #TheErrisLife on Instagram to show us!
Working 9 til 5?
For many, the most difficult aspect of working from home is trying not to be distracted by chores. Whatever your routine, make sure you set clear start, break and finish times for tasks and stick to those hours. However, it’s important not to let yourself burn out during this time – make a brew or have a browse of the news (not social media – that’s a slippery slope!) if you feel like you need a break.
Communication
It can get extremely lonely working from home, so it’s worth having a plan in place for how you’re going to socialise throughout the day. If you can, try and schedule calls with colleagues to check how they’re doing or pop out to a nearby shop on your break. If those aren’t possible, even just having the radio on can make you feel less alone.
Get active
Being sat down and cooped inside all day can take its toll, especially if you’re working alone. If you have scheduled in time for a break, why not go for a quick jog around the neighbourhood or, failing that, a 15-minute yoga session in the back garden? This will help break up the day and also keep an eye on your physical health.
Do you work from home? We want to see your set-up! Take a picture and tag #TheErrisLife on Instagram, and we might share your post on our feed!