How to Work From Home Without Losing Your Mind
Workers across the country are being told they have to work from home, but how long can you do that without getting stir crazy? My average morning involves a couple times getting up to get coffee, which turns into me talking with the people around the office.
At first, it sounds awesome. You can sleep in an hour later because you don't have to get up and get ready, you don't have to drive anywhere, hell, you don't even have to have clothes on. But eventually, you start to realize you're alone. The trick is keeping yourself balanced and grounded, so you don't end up sitting in a robe at your kitchen table with the kid's dolls having your 11am meeting. Here's a few ways to do that.
Take A Break
We all know that we don't work all 8 hours we're at work, between coffee breaks, meetings that could've been an email, and talking with everyone around the office. Just because you're at home doesn't mean you have to work all 8 hours either.
You'll feel some pressure to work harder because you don't want the boss to think you're slacking just because you're not at the office.
Taking a short break here or there will help your productivity. Don't worry about closing the laptop and taking a minute to watch an episode of The Office, or Better Call Saul or whatever you're watching now.
Get Structured, but Not TOO Structured
Be thoughtful of where you're working in your house, and don't be afraid to bounce around. Make calls in the kitchen, check emails on the porch, finish your project in the La-Z-Boy.
But, be sure to preserve space in your home that you never do work in, like the bedroom, bathroom, etc. After about the third night going to your living room will be seen as the commute, and you'll dread it as much as driving across the I-74 bridge.
Repurpose Your Commute
Use what would've been your commute to do something productive. Do some yoga, spend time with the family, go for a walk. It's all up to you.
Set Very Clear Boundaries
Just because you're at home doesn't mean you have to work more hours. Have the conversation with your boss that you're off at the time you always get off.
Make sure that the ones in your household looking for your attention understand that you have to work.
Show Your Face
Continue meetings by using video conference calls rather than a phone call, so that you have more interaction. Don't worry, you can still sit in your underwear, just throw on the dress shirt and tie.
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