Working from home is a challenge, there’s no question about it. So many of us are accustomed to the socializing that occurs in the work place, the breaks at local coffee shops, lunchtime exercise sessions, and most importantly, a different environment that compartmentalizes our working hours.
I’m not pretending to be an expert, but as someone who works from home regularly, I have learned a thing or two that might help your day run a little smoother with the current adjustment we are all experiencing. Hopefully you will find something in here that enhances your productivity and enjoyment of working from home on a daily basis. Here are some of the strategies that I have implemented over the years:
Start Your Morning Right
Whether or not you are required to start your day at a certain time, the beginning of your day is crucial to being at your best. If there is anything that I emphasize most, it is being consistent with your wake up times and your morning routine. Get up, brush your teeth, and then do whatever it is you do for breakfast. For some, that’s a morning coffee and catching up on the news, while others dine out after forty five minutes of exercise. Whatever the early hours look like for you, stick to them at the same time each day. This will help train your body and mind to prepare itself and know when the work day has started and when it is time to focus.
Bonus tip: change your clothes! Fine, spend the first little bit of the day in your pyjamas. After all, working from home has to have some comfort benefit. But once it’s time to buckle up and begin the workday, put on something different. I’m not saying to wear your best suit as if you are heading into a meeting with your CEO. Just wear something that isn’t what you slept in.
Create an “Office”
I’ve lived in condominiums and houses ranging from 550 square feet to 3,000 square feet. Of course, all of the Instagram dream homes have a professionally designed workspace, but for most of us, that just isn’t in the cards. That shouldn’t stop you from designating a workspace though. As tempting as it is to prop up a pillow and whip out the laptop from your bedside, resist this! I find it incredibly useful to have a separate ‘office’. Even if you’re living in a small space, you can carve out a place in your home. Use a seat at your dining table that you do not normally eat at if you have to, or position a small laptop table and chair in front of a window. Giving yourself a specific space for work will assist you in zoning in when you’re there and relaxing when you’re not.
Bring the Outside In
Greenery, airflow, and light are powerful. I’d be lying if I said I could keep a houseplant alive, but even keeping a few succulents or air-plants around add a touch of freshness to a home. I also realize it is still cold outside on some days, but that shouldn’t stop you from opening a window even for a few minutes a day to let in a little bit of fresh air. The 7:00PM cheer for our healthcare heroes is a great opportunity to pop open a window and applaud while also refreshing the air in your home. Lastly, light makes a significant difference to any workspace. For those of you who don’t have a desk at your office that is located near natural light, take advantage of your windows at home! If you' find yourself working into the evening, a desk lamp can go a long way to preventing eye-strain.
Less is More
De-clutter and tidy up. Nothing is more distracting than a work-space that requires you to constantly put away yesterday’s items (e.g., dishes, remotes, books, etc.) to find that important document you need to work on. A messy environment creates stress and can be disruptive throughout the day. When creating your home office, set it up in a clear and neat space and make sure it stays that way at the end of each day.
‘Less is more’ applies to how you use your time as well. One of the hardest things about working from home is having the discipline to avoid turning on screens or finding ways to distract yourself. Unlike your work space, you don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder or co-workers who are working equally as hard. You’ll find that in order to complete your tasks, you have to be much more accountable to yourself with your time. If you have the level of discipline to stick to blocked off times for breaks, that’s ideal. If not, use the technological features in your devices to set limits on when you can access certain apps. If you’re living with someone else, keep each other honest and get them to help with ensuring you stay on track with no unscheduled Netflix binges.
And Finally…Enjoy It!
Being home saves you time in your day. You have all of a sudden gained an extra hour or more with not having to commute to work, and for many, you now have far fewer superfluous meetings. Take advantage of that extra time by spending a little more time on personal growth and fun. Pick up a book that you’ve been meaning to read, tack on an extra thirty minutes of exercise in your day, meditate, finish a colouring book, or watch educational content on YouTube. Do something you can’t do at your office during your workday - try a home dance party to get your blood flowing, try new homemade snacks, or even enjoy the occasional nap.
Times are Different
During these…unprecedented times (did you really think the buzz word of 2020 was not going to be featured in this blog?), we are all stepping outside of our comfort zones indoors. For a lot of us, working from home isn’t ideal, but for those who can, it is important to remember to be grateful for it. Not all jobs have been maintained, and the riskiness of working has increased dramatically for many who are needed to help our cities function.
I hope you’ve picked up something in here that you can use to improve your work environment at home. If you have any questions about how the home market is doing in this work from home lifestyle, please email me at adil@adilkhimani.com.
Thank you for reading. Stay safe and stay healthy.
Adil