Working remotely is something that resonates differently with everyone. It can be an excellent way for some people to manage their lives, whereas others crave the structure and social element of working in a shared space. Whether you’re flourishing in your home office or need some guidance on how best to structure your day, there are tips for everyone to consider.
Your home office
If you can have a separate room for your office in your home, make sure this is a relaxing space. Make sure you have access to plenty of drinks and healthy snacks. If you have room for a fruit bowl, this is a great way to be able to snack while you work. Having healthy snacks available is an excellent way to avoid getting up from your desk and risk getting distracted from your work.
Having plenty of light is great if possible, and even if you only have a small window, make sure it’s unobstructed and let in as much natural light as possible.
Having plants around you is also a great way to create a calm space.
Decorating is an excellent way of finding a positive and encouraging space for your productivity instead of a neutral, boring shared office. While you may want to spend as little time in your home office as possible, maybe dedicate one day to decorate this room to be somewhere you want to be. You have complete control of how you like this to look, so find something that works for you.
If your office is in the corner of your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, then try to separate this space. Room dividers are a great option if you have space and can be a great storage place, too, with some room dividers providing drawers and bookshelves. You can also get foldable wood or wicker room dividers that you can quickly put up and collapse into a corner when necessary.
Whether you have a separate office room or a corner of your house, try to make sure you can step away from your desk and have the rest of your home have a very different feel to it. You need to set clear boundaries between your work and leisure time to be stress-free and enjoy your life.
Routine
Having a routine is excellent for everyone, even if your company allows for fully flexible working. It’s an excellent idea for many aspects of your life to wake up at a set time every day, spend some time on your hygiene and appearance, and have a mindful breakfast. Invest in items for your home that can make your mornings and breaks more enjoyable, such as a fully automatic coffee machine and a range of herbal teas, and make sure you always have easy to make breakfast and lunch options. If you have time, the morning is a great time to take some gentle exercise, whether a 10-20 minute yoga video online or a walk around your local area. You might have to take some time to establish a routine that works for you and is enjoyable to stick to it. While it can be tempting to roll out of bed at the latest time and go straight to your desk, having time to wake up and consider your to-dos makes for a much more productive day. If this is something you don’t think is manageable for you, you may need to consider your general sleeping habits and find ways to make the most of your energy and day.
Socialising
Working remotely may mean that we feel disconnected from our colleagues. Even if you are someone with a limited social battery, having frequent conversations with the people we work with is a great way to make sure you feel comfortable with your work. It can also allow you to help someone out or ask for help yourself. Your relationships with your colleagues are still meaningful even if you’re not physically seeing them, so regularly check in with them, even if it’s just a quick online message.
Screen breaks
Make sure you are taking regular screen breaks in a way that will not be distracting to you. You may want to reward your productivity with a quick browse through social media; however, this can lead to a rabbit hole of online activity that impacts the rest of your day. Most phones now have settings to limit your phone screen time or have focus modes that can block certain apps within specific periods of the day. When taking a break from your work, try to step outside for a quick walk or take your lunch break in a different area. Having fresh air is vital for your energy levels and your mental health. Try to regularly look away from your screen and focus on a point in the distance for you to reduce your risk of eye health issues.
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