Almost 90% of the US population is now under orders to stay at home, pushing many of us to make the switch to work-from-home with little to no preparation. Adjusting to this new way of life brings new freedoms and new challenges. Here are a few tips to help boost wellness and productivity while working from home.
The most important of which is sticking to a regular schedule. Wake up at the same time every day and create a morning routine that includes exercise and mindfulness. Follow that with a healthy breakfast - go easy on the caffeine, it can increase anxiety, especially if you're already feeling more stressed and overwhelmed than usual.
In addition to your morning routine, here are 5 essential tasks that should be pre-scheduled into your day.
Your first digital interaction. Avoid using your phone or checking your emails until it's time to work. This allows you time for your morning routine.
Breaks. Take a 5 - 15-minute break every 90 minutes. Stand up to stretch, go outside for some sunlight if it's available to you, take a short walk, refill your water bottle, etc.
Lunch time. Take at least 30 minutes for a meal and eat your lunch away from your workspace. Odds are you are moving less than usual, so choose a lower carb lunch packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats if possible. This will also help you sleep better.
End of day. Decide what time you will stop working and leave some time to unwind in the evening.
Lights out. Commit to a bedtime during the week so you are well rested for your next workday. Try to finish your dinner and turn off all electronics at least 1 hour before bed for a more restful sleep.
In addition to your schedule, your workspace is also important. Work in an area that is separate from your regular living space or bedroom if possible. This helps you create better professional boundaries, limits distractions and helps you avoid the temptation to multi-task.
Socialization and community are also important, yet often overlooked aspects of our work-life. Choose a Biz-Buddy, an accountability partner that you can check in with daily, preferably in the morning to keep each other accountable for daily or weekly deliverables.
You can be productive working from home if you hold firm on your professional boundaries. Cultivate a workspace that sets you up for success and commit to sticking to a schedule. Be realistic with your goals and most importantly learn to have compassion for yourself on the days when things don’t go as planned.