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I like to think at the very start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people who were forced to begin working from home felt excited and happy about the change. No more commuting, being closer to family, pets, and remaining in the comfort of your own home every day sounded like a dream. But after 3-4 weeks of this, the true colors of the “work from home” model began to show. These colors consisted of constant distractions, lack of face-to-face interaction, and decreased productivity all-around. Not to mention the critical line that once separated your personal and professional life slowly beginning to fade. It became a job in and of itself to remain as focused as we once were in the office and not allow ourselves to go completely stir-crazy. 

In March, it will have been two years since the initial closure of the world. In that time, businesses and offices have closed their doors and reopened them too many times to count. While it’s been quite some time since the work from home model became the norm, techniques on fighting the WFH blues remain prevalent. In this blog, I’ll be sharing the best tips on making the most out of this work model so that our bosses stay happy and we remain sane.  

Create a routine and STICK TO IT. 

Consistency is vital to stay motivated. Set a start time, schedule when to take breaks, and put an end time to give your days structure. Following a routine throughout the week helps train your mind to differentiate between work time and play time.  

Create a space dedicated to work in your home.  

It’s easy to stay in bed or lounge on the couch while you work, but this can weaken the line between leisure time and work time. Put effort into creating a comfortable workspace in your home used for work only. Even if it’s simply designating a seat at your dining room table, this specification will help remind you when you’re on and off the clock.  

 Leave home when you can. 

Taking quick walks and getting fresh air is excellent for the mind. When you’re able to, change up your surroundings by heading outdoors. The fresh air should help ease any feelings of restlessness.  

Communicate and set ground rules for people in your space.  

If you share your space with children or roommates, establish rules not to disrupt each other. Have an open conversation about your needs to stay focused and happy for everyone in the environment. 

Stay in touch with your coworkers. 

Engagement with coworkers provides a sense of togetherness and keeps morale high. You’re all enduring the work-from-home life together, so why not keep spirits high by maintaining and building relationships! Avoid loneliness, disconnection, and isolation by socializing with colleagues. 

Take care of yourself. 

Be kind to yourself during your transition to working from home. Take care of yourself by listening to what your body and mind need. This self-care could include small things like sitting in a comfortable chair, adding plants to your workspace, or stretching every 30 minutes. Allow yourself to take breaks and rest your mind when needed. 

Working from home can be difficult, so we must make the best out of it. Creating boundaries between your work and home life provides a healthy balance between the two and ultimately helps us stay motivated. Set yourself up for success by following these tips for the best work from home experience!