With the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have have been faced with a new reality: working from home. It’s an easier transition for some, especially if you are lucky enough to have a dedicated office space in your home. Whether or not that’s the case, it’s still possible to create a workspace in your home that inspires productivity and helps you feel normal. Here are our top 5 tips for making the most of working from home.
Keep the same routine.
The first tip is to try and keep your day as close to a normal workday as possible. Wake up at your normal time, get dressed for the day, and perhaps go for a quick walk before starting work to start your day like a commute. Have a lunch break at your regular time, and keep your normal hours. Things might feel like they’ve been turned upside-down right now, so keeping a sense of normalcy through a routine is helpful.
Set up your desk by a window with a view.
If you were stuck in a cubicle at your office, there’s no need to stare at a wall at home! If possible, set up your work station near a window so that you can take full advantage of a view outdoors and natural light.
Less is more.
Keep your main work area tidy and uncluttered. This will help you stay focused and minimize distractions at home. Staying away from noise as much as possible is also important. If there is a lot of noise in your home with kids being home, TVs being on, etc, try plugging in headphones with some calming music to distance yourself.
Move around.
Your whole home can technically be your office now, so don’t be afraid to use it! If you find your typical workspace gets stale throughout the day, try moving around to other areas of your home. Take your afternoon Zoom meeting from the couch, or sit outside on your deck or patio in the sun if you can.
Surround yourself with what makes you happy.
Lastly, take this opportunity to create the dream working area that may not have been approved at your regular office or workplace. Light a candle, invite your cat onto your lap, or have a vase of flowers or inspiring books/magazines to look at and enjoy. If one day you feel like rolling out of bed at your start time and wearing sweatpants, do it! Working at home might seem strange, but it can have its perks, too.
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Featured photo by Dillon Shook on Unsplash