With more people working from home than ever before, it’s important to form good habits around our work lives. While working from home initially sounds like the dream, those who have been working from home for years know that it isn’t always as stress-free as it sounds. Thankfully, efficiency is portable and developing a few key habits can ensure a smooth and productive workflow.
First, it helps to have a designated workspace. If this isn’t possible, you can establish the same environment, such as a notebook or a photo, in each location every day. Having the same setup lets your brain know that it’s time to focus and work.
It’s also important to get rid of low-value activities that drain your time and get in the way of the meaningful aspects of your work. This includes things like emails, paperwork and meetings.
Taking breaks is crucial. If timed breaks don’t fit into your workflow, you can take the more intuitive approach of paying attention to your internal cues and resting when it feels best for you.
Finally, it’s a good idea to create a clocking-out ritual. This can be done by placing all of your work-related items inside a drawer and then closing it. This compartmentalizes the workday and keeps it separate from the rest of your life.
Like anything else, working from home has its specific set of pros and cons. Doing it successfully means finding a balance between enjoying the autonomy and freedom it allows while accepting the social limitations.
