Many of us have reconsidered our working lives and adapted to the work from home era. However, with our homes now taking the dual responsibility of being workplaces, balancing personal life with professional demands has become a primary concern. Let’s arm you with smart strategies to divide and conquer, thereby investing in your all-around wellbeing in the midst of a WFH lifestyle.
Firstly, establish boundaries. This starts with siphoning off physical spaces exclusive for work, irrespective of how big or small your living space is. It could be a study table in your living room or a separate home office. The primary aim is to trick your mind into entering ‘work-mode’ whenever you are seated within this workspace. Consequently, it will improve your focus and limit the possibility of distractions due to household chores or mundane activities.
Creating a solid schedule is another gamechanger. Segregate your day into work blocks, breaks, and personal times. Define these schedules and try to stick to them, understanding that not all days are going to be identical. Lee Iacocca, the legendary business executive, once said, “If you want to make good use of your time, you’ve got to know what’s most important and then give it all you’ve got.” Therefore, prioritize tasks keeping in mind their importance and the concentration they demand. It will allow you to manage your professional duties while not compromising on personal or family time.
Never underestimate the power of exercising and taking breaks. Building an exercise routine, no matter how compact, works wonders for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, enhancing your productivity as a remote worker. Take frequent breaks, even if it’s just to drink water or make a quick salad. It plays an essential role in reducing screen fatigue and promoting creativity.
Do not let work communication invade your off hours. Set clear communication expectations with your colleagues. Make use of the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature on your phone and computer during non-working hours to avoid work-related notifications. Discuss your preferred communication hours with your team and manager to avoid any assumptions or misconceptions.
Lastly, practise self-care. Although it’s a term easily tossed around in recent times, the connotation behind it holds tremendous value. Schedule time for relaxation – read a book, meditate, take a walk, learn a new skill, or indulge in your hobbies. In essence, do what brings you joy and inspires wellbeing.
Remember, as with any change or transition, it’s okay to stumble, make mistakes, and adjust on the fly. As the lines between home and work blur, it’s essential to recognize that balancing work-from-home and personal life isn’t a destination, but a journey of learning, adjusting, and improving. Navigating these waters might seem challenging, but with these tips and a positive mindset, rest assured, thriving in the work-from-home lifestyle will hopefully become second nature to you.