How Transition To The Work-From-Home Life Like A Champ
With the recent shut down of business offices across our nation, I know many of you have found yourselves trying to find a “new normal” when it comes to working remote. Coming from someone who has worked from home for over the past 3 years, I thought it would be helpful to share my go to tips in hopes it makes your transition period a bit easier.
THE LEARNING CURVE
Before we jump the gun let’s call a spade, a spade. The initial transition of working at home can feel like a whole new awkward world. Even though you are in a space that is your own, it can feel like new territory to dive into your inbox while under your own roof. Sound familiar? If so, you aren’t alone. The learning curve is just that, a learning curve. Show yourself grace and patience while finding a new routine that works well for you.
HOW TO THRIVE WHILE WORKING FROM HOME:
Creating a schedule is key. Set an alarm and get up at the same time Monday - Friday just as if you were heading into the office. Create or fine tune your morning routine and stick to it. EXAMPLE: make your coffee, get a sweat in, get dressed for the day, open laptop by a set time and start cranking out your to do list. For tips on how to work smarter check out this post.
Getting outside for a walk around the block or mid afternoon stretch session will make the worlds of a difference.
Defining a work space will make or break you. Designate your work space within your living space and set it up just like you would your desk at work. Something that helps me is I always have my materials (IE: a notebook, pen + chargers) at my fingertips.
If you live with a roommate or spouse who is also working from home - setting boundaries will be optimal for success. Review your schedules with each other ahead of time so can ensure your day runs as smooth as possible.
Don’t eat everything in the cabinet. Seriously, don’t.
Keep your phone in another room at the least put it on silence. Aimlessly scrolling for hours will not only compromise your to do list but it will turn your brain into mush.
Speaking of screen time, working from home does not give you a free pass to watch TV or continue binging a Netflix show. Make it a point that your TV doesn’t go on until the sun sets or until you’ve completed your work for the day.
Once our #SocialDistancing days are behind us, I suggest finding a coffeeshop or two that you can work into your weekly schedule a couple days a week. It will help with human interaction plus a change of scenery won’t hurt.
Don’t forget to schedule your workouts. Color code your workouts into your schedule and view them as an important meeting that you wouldn’t miss.
The real question here is real clothes or pajamas? In the beginning, staying in your PJs until 5PM may be the greatest thing under the sun but I promise that novelty will wear off. I’ve found that “getting dressed” makes a huge difference in your attitude + motivation for the day. Even if you trade your PJ bottoms for a pair of leggings and throw on mascara with a dab of blush, I promise you’ll feel more prepared to take on the work day ahead.
Take a lunch break. Your location may have changed but that doesn’t mean your entire schedule needs to. Close your laptop and take your lunch break, ok?
Pencil in human interaction. I know how silly that may sound but working from home can be isolating and lonely. Whether it’s a FaceTime or ZOOM session, find a friend that is in the same boat as you and schedule a time to chat just as co-workers would.
How are you adjusting to a new work environment?
What other information will help with a smooth transition?
In case no one has told you lately, you’re doing the best you can and I’m proud of you!
