Working from home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But it can also make keeping a home and work balance a bit more difficult when you’re doing it all in the same space. Setting boundaries is important and so is designating work hours. Read on to see how you can stay focused and productive.
Working from Home: Achieving a Balance
Schedule your time: Treat your schedule the same as if you were in an office. You can start and end at your own preferred time, but be sure to block out sections of time when you will be doing nothing but work (no errands, cleaning, cooking, etc.). And also take into consideration the time and availability of any clients you are working with. Just because you’re a night owl doesn’t mean they are.
Take breaks: It’s easy to get wrapped up once you get a work flow going. But be sure to take a break and get away from your computer or tablet for a while. This will give you a fresh perspective.
Get out: Getting out for a walk and some fresh air will do wonders. Take lunch outside or try working in a different location to avoid cabin fever. Working and living in the same space can become a little consuming.
Keep healthy snacks available: With the kitchen area so easily accessible, it’s easy to spend all day munching and snacking without realizing just how much you’re putting into your mouth. Get some healthy snacks and keep them accessible during work hours just as you would in a conventional office.
Designate a separate work area: If you have the possibility of designating a room in your home as the office area, it’s much easier to separate yourself from work. But if you’re confronted with limited space, you can still set boundaries. Even if it’s a small corner near a home printer or at your kitchen table, make sure to clearly define where you work and put away the tools when your “shift” is done. It’s important to keep a balance and if you never step away from the “office” that will be much harder to do. Keeping a balance is important to your success.
