Working from home gained a lot of traction during the pandemic, and the trend has certainly stuck around in the years since. There are a lot of associated benefits, and people are finding it easier than ever to balance downtime with professional obligations. Yet, there is still a need to ensure you have an environment conducive to productivity, especially if you live with other people. So, how can this be done? Here’s some advice you need to know about how to do working from home the right way.
Pick Your Desk and Chair Wisely
The biggest decision of all will be which desk you pick and which chair accompanies it. Get this right, and your whole day will be smooth sailing.
Decorate Your Area
House plants, mirrors, quirky pictures, photos of your loved ones, and more all have a part to play in making a home office a place you want to be in. If it is decorated with things you adore and visual stimulation that activates your happy chemicals, you are more likely to be productive and engaged with your work tasks.
Don’t Neglect Your Internet Connection
The things you need most from the internet for working from home are speed, reliability, and capacity. It is all but impossible to appear professional in your job if you can’t stay for longer than ten seconds in a meeting without freezing or losing the connection, after all. So, this should be a top priority, and thankfully there are great options available in every local area.
Dedicate Time to Taking a Break
Remember, just because you are working at home doesn’t mean you can’t take a break. There is, of course, a balance to be struck. It is important to stick to a schedule as much as possible, and not take too many breaks. However, to be truly productive, you must create space for switching off throughout the day.
Meal Prep
Meal prepping is one of the easiest ways to lend yourself a helping hand throughout the working week, especially if you are at home and have open access to the snack cupboard. Don’t fall into unhealthy habits for your body, because it will affect how you are able to function during professional hours as well. Get your lunches stocked and ready the night before and think about setting healthy snacks up for the day ahead too. This will help you stay on track and focus on positive habits too.
Set Boundaries with Housemates
This point is about having crystal clear expectations and boundaries with anybody who also lives in your house. Housemates, partners, children, dogs, and temporary lodgers all need accounting if you have any hope of a productive day at work in your home office setup. Tell them when you will be working and ask them not to disturb you unless it’s a coffee break.
Working from home is a popular way to pass the workday, but it has to be a well-considered act. Establish a supportive routine that leaves work at work and has plenty of space for downtime. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with the people you live with and remember that a great internet connection is the ultimate goal.