Stuck in a slump? Proactive rules for working from home
Caoimhe Mahon shares her tips for getting out of a working from home slump.
These days, working from home is a fairly standard practice for many of us, and one that we have probably become accustomed to.
For some people, including myself, this hybrid working model is a welcome change, allowing more of a work-life balance and cutting down on long commutes.
For others, though, working from home has become a never-ending pit of distraction and an isolating environment, leaving workers far removed from the conventions of a ‘traditional’ office.
If you are such a person, don't despair, I have some great tips for you to implement so you can feel more empowered when working from home.
1. Don't snooze your alarm
Your morning routine starts the night before, so, if you find yourself doom scrolling to all hours, heading to bed with absolutely no idea where you have left your laptop, or setting an alarm that gives you just about enough time to roll out of bed for your first morning meeting, then you probably are not setting yourself up for a great day at work.
This does not mean that you cannot enjoy the perks of a WFH (work from home) morning. You can enjoy a few extra moments in bed, skip the bumper-to-bumper traffic, and enjoy a mug of coffee from the comfort of your home.
However, failing to implement a proper sleep schedule and regular morning wake-up call ultimately throws your standard working routine off track.
I find that by setting an alarm and having a ‘start time’ to my day, I set off on the right foot by shifting my mindset from a day off to a working day.
By getting up on time, I can enjoy a peaceful coffee or even squeeze in a walk with the dog or a quick gym session before work, increasing my productivity and finding some balance.
2. Create a morning routine
For most of us, a set routine is key to a good day. Whatever your morning routine looks like - whether it's getting the kids fed and out the door, heading to the gym, or sitting down to an extravagant breakfast - you should try and find something sustainable and that works for you.
As well as getting organised, find the little wins in your week. For example, for me, having a day or two per week where my skin can breathe, and I can go make-up free, feels like a little weekly WFH win.
You do not have to overthink your routine. Simply getting up, enjoying a good breakfast, doing your skincare, and tying up your hair all help generate a shift towards productivity and a working mindset rather than simply moving from bed to desk.
3. Ditch the pyjamas
When it comes to my days in the office, I love dressing up, experimenting with outfits and donning my corporate attire, but when it comes to working from home, especially days when I have no meetings scheduled, I love to be comfy. However, being comfortable does not mean staying in my PJs.
I find it difficult to start my day right when I am in my cosiest of clothes – it feels as though I am bound by home comforts and merges the two domains of home and work too closely together. This means that when evening does come and it is time to unwind, my brain is not associating pyjamas with relaxation and sleep but rather with work.
Don’t get me wrong, a fluffy fleece or stretchy leggings can always be partnered with a slipper or fluffy sock for extra comfort – you are at home after all. Maybe ditch the onesie for a day at work? Believe me, it will make all the difference to your mindset.
4. Implement structure
I love a good to-do list. My first point of call each working day is to make a list of what I need to do, for both that day and the coming week. Not only does this provide structure to my workload, ensuring tasks get done and I remain on schedule, hitting targets and meeting deadlines, but this also provides direction.
Some people thrive when working from home because, in some cases, it promotes a more independent and autonomous work style, but for others, the lack of supervision or team guidance can seem overwhelming – this is where structure is key.
Perhaps chat with your manager or supervisor when in the office and decide which tasks may benefit from some attention at home. Consider where you may need help and where you thrive independently, then map out your tasks.
This will prevent you from jumping from one thing to another aimlessly and will instil a sense of accomplishment upon completion – ensuring that your productivity transcends from the office to your home setting.
5. Environment is key
At home, I have an office working space where my time during my WFH days is concentrated. Here, I have my monitors and devices set up, I can file everything knowing it will not get mixed in with home documents, and most importantly, at the end of a working day, I can close the office door, stepping away from ‘work’ and into the comfort of the rest of my home.
If you do not have a set, separate working space, then it may become difficult to compartmentalise the various sections of your life. If possible, try to clear away your laptops and notebooks after your WFH days.
In either instance, make the space your own, whether this is achieved by adding a scented candle, some flowers, photos, or even just some nice stationary. In a professional world where ‘hot desking’ is growing in popularity, see your WFH space as a perk, an opportunity to create a productive, clean and inspiring work space.
6. Set boundaries
Sometimes I find myself on a roll and encouraged by the extra time gifted to me in the absence of a commute, and so, due to the option for flexi-time, I will stay a little longer at the desk or start a bit earlier.Do not mistake this for the dilution of boundaries, which, particularly when at home, need to be maintained.
It is easy to fall into the habit of skipping breaks when working from home, but this is when boundaries are required. Pausing for your coffee, to refill your water and fuel at lunch are all basic requirements, so remember to take care of yourself when working from home and do not burn out by failing to implement boundaries.
