With millions of people potentially having to swap their office desks for the kitchen table in the coming weeks, these useful tips will stop you tearing your hair out or reaching for the biscuit tin!
As someone who has run their Wellbeing and PR business from home for the last 6 years, Tara Mestre, knows too well the pitfalls and dangers of working from home. Lack of interaction with colleagues, no structured breaks and the distractions of being on your home turf can quickly turn your working from home dream into a nightmare.
These useful approaches will help you develop an effective working from home strategy maintaining peace and balance in the home!
Stick to your routine: When your desk is in the same building as your bed it’s easy to become a little complacent and shun the alarm. This leads to oversleeping and does not set you up for a productive day. Stick to your routine, set your alarm as if you are going to work (which you are!) and try to do everything you normally do on a normal working day. Have a shower, eat your breakfast, put on your work clothes and approach the day like any other. Once you are dressed, your mental state shifts into work mode!.
Avoid distractions: Stay away from social media and Netflix! Without your boss looking over your shoulder, the temptation is there to slack off a little and spend more time on social media. To tackle this try one of the many apps that snooze your access to distractions.
Entertain your kids: With many kids staying from home school and childcare facilities closing their doors, you may find yourself at home with the entire family making work a little challenging. Audiobooks, educational cartoons, documentaries, arts, and crafts are a great way to keep kids occupied for a short period of time so that you can get some work done.
Be flexible: Your working day may look a little different from what you are used to especially if you have a family at home. Be flexible with your working hours and start to see your day outside of the normal 9-5 routine. Lots of people who work from home, start their days a lot earlier or work late into the night!
Get physical: Use this time at home, to increase your physical movement. Go for walks ( if you can!) or make the most of the 1000’s of free yoga and exercise resources online. If your local gym or yoga studio is closing ask the teachers if they are willing to do online classes helping to financially support them also in this difficult time.
Stay connected: If you are feeling lonely due to lack of interaction with colleagues, schedule online meetings or catch up group calls using platforms like Zoom, Skype or FB messenger. Don’t cut yourself off from social interaction just because you are having to work from your own home! Staying connected is key to avoiding bouts of loneliness, anxiety and stress.
Create a nice atmosphere: Working from home means you get to control your environment. Burn some sweet-smelling candles, use an oil diffuser, turn the radio on or your favorite playlist and turn your home into an idyllic work environment. Stock up on some nice teas and healthy snacks and enjoy being in the comfort of your own home!
About Tara:
Tara Mestre is a health and wellbeing specialist and runs her own successful PR company for the wellness industry from home. With a wealth of experience in yoga, meditation and essential oils she offers a holistic approach to businesses wishing to raise their online profiles and increase awareness of their brand.