Now that many of us are working from home, remember the following tips and hints to stay healthy and be productive:
- Maintain regular working hours. Have clearly defined work hours, and avoid “work creep” into your non-working hours to help maintain a healthy work-life balance. Stick to a regular schedule.
- Have dedicated office space. Work in a specific area of your home where you can concentrate and your work doesn’t interfere with other household members.
- Create a morning routine. Follow your normal morning routine, as the psychology of the work mindset, is important.
- Find your most productive time. Discover when you are most productive and build your work schedule around your peak productivity periods, whether it’s the morning, after lunch or the end of the workday.
- Schedule breaks and take them. Not only does this keep you on a regular “work” schedule, but your brain needs the rest and distraction that getting a snack or taking a short walk provides.
- Block distracting noises with noise-canceling headphones or earbuds.
- Discourage personal intrusions. Let others in your household, whether other adults or children, know that only an emergency is grounds for disruption while you’re working.
- Employ video communications. Make sure your company’s telecommuting devices are ready to go so you can stay connected with team members or co-workers, and you’re available for video calls and teleconferencing.
- After work, put away your electronic devices and work tools.
- Break up parenting time and tasks. Have a clear plan in place with your significant other, and let children know what is expected of them and what working from home means to you.
- Socialize with colleagues. Make sure to attend virtual “meetings” and interact with your co-workers using apps designed to keep people in touch.
- Leave the house. Get out of the house as much as possible, while still maintaining social distancing guidelines. Take a walk around the block, walk the dog or do some gardening.
