At the start of the Summer, I took a promotion within my team at work. I have been with my current company for a total of 7 years and have been working from home for the past 4. To say I have some experience with working from home would be an understatement- especially for someone at my age. Each week, I share my 5 favorite items I have been using that week and this week, I am switching things up: the 5 work from home habits that have been helping me the most lately.
For more work from home must have items- check this post.
for recent items I purchased to freshen up my work space- check this post.
A Work Only To-Do List
This might sound pretty silly to most but when it comes to to-do lists, I use them constantly in my personal life but rarely ever in my professional life. Each week, I start by creating a list of things that must get done before the week closes. I give each task a day and length of time to complete it. I like to start with Monday morning but I imagine Friday afternoons would work well too. Start or end the week with non-negotiable things that must get done and I promise you- the list will cross itself off.
Time Blocking
I love the idea of systems and organization. I say that because internally, I crave structure but like in a collective chaos state almost all the time. Like the to-do list above, setting time in my week to do the things that need to get done has proven to be so helpful. I give each task a time and day to be done and then take it a step further- I update my outlook to match my plan. This has been a game changer.
Get Away From Your Desk
I am absolutely serious. The easiest thing you can do if glue yourself to your screens and forget to get up and move.
Get Yourself Ready For The Day
Tidy you space and always tidy yourself. If you neglect to get ready for the day, the day will start regardless of whether you are ready or not. Be sure to get up, get ready and have a good breakfast too- my current favorite was smoothie bowls.
Make Firm Log Off Times
It is very easy to let the day get away from you. If you aren’t careful, you can let your work life overlap or take over your own life. Setting hard stops in my work is critical for your work life balance. This also includes coworkers who like to text or call outside of work hours. Unless they are in grave danger or you enjoy being friends outside of work- do not pick up the phone.
Some of the listed items may seem obvious and one a little cold (sorry Sally, I can’t be bothered with your non life threatening crisis past 4:30pm). Working from home definitely has its perks- I have never been more tidy or caught up on things in my personal life- ever. Being home to grab lunch and do laundry is a major plus but it take discipline and brings it’s own challenges. Give yourself grace when the day goes a bit sideways. Allow yourself to wear the leggings because guess what- no one is going to see you from the waist down anyways. If you are intentional with the time you might find that it is the best work life balance you’ve ever experienced.
Until then,
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