Strategies for Working From Home
If you have been working for home over the past several weeks and have had some difficulty “getting in the swing of things”, just know it takes time to adjust to a new reality or routine. Working from home can be a great way to maintain social distancing while also being able to work. However, working for home is not without its challenges. Here are some strategies for working from home that may help you during this transition.
Take Time to Exercise
In times of increased stress, it’s important to give your body opportunities to release tension. One way of doing this is by exercise. Just taking a walk outside or doing something to get your body moving can go a long way in helping to manage stress and anxiety when working for home. Be intentional about scheduling yourself time to do this. Whether it be a 30-minute break or time set aside at the beginning or end of each day, setting aside time to take care of yourself can go a long in supporting your mental health and productivity at this time.
Continue Your Morning Routine
Our brains are hardwired with tons of automatic responses we aren’t even aware of. Certain behaviors or patterns of behavior sends signals to our brain of what is to come. If your normal morning routine when you are not working from home includes habits such as showering and changing clothes, then continuing to do those habits can send the signal to your brain that it is “ready to work mode”. Make sure you are creating a morning routine that sets you up for your day.
It is also important to establish a routine for your day as well. This could include how long you will work and for how long. Allow yourself breaks and limits. When working for home, it can be easy to feel like you need to work until you complete a task or objective. While it is important to stay task oriented don’t forget that if you were in your regular job there may be things that carry over into the next day. Creating a clear plan or when you will work and when you will be “at home” will help you sustain your energy and focus during this time.
Take a Lunch Break
When working from home, it can be easy to work for hours on end without taking breaks or allowing yourself some downtime. It is important to support your body and mind by continuing healthy eating habits. If you are used to taking a lunch break, make sure you allow yourself time to do that. Sure, you may not be able to go out to your favorite lunch spot, but take a moment to give your body and mind a break by giving it time to refuel and recharge. Leave wherever your main work space is and have lunch in a different room of your house or outside. Changing where you are will give your mind a much needed mental break.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries during this time is essential. And, it’s as beneficial for you as it is for the other people in your life. One way to set boundaries is by communicating to those closest to you that during a certain time of day you will be working and may not be able to respond to their texts or calls. Let them know they can leave a message or text and you will respond to them when you are able. Give yourself permission to not respond.
For your new coworkers (partner, children, or animals) at home, establish some ground rules. For example, right now at my house my 11 year old knows when mom is “going into the hole” (aka home office) then I am not to be disturbed unless I open my door or if there is an emergency. Once I am done with a meeting that doesn’t require privacy, I will open the door which signals to her that it is okay for her to come in when she needs to.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Give yourself compassion and grace to figure it out. If you’ve never worked from home, it can seem hard to find a routine that works or a new way of doing things. And right now with everything going on, it can be hard to focus. Allow yourself the ability to take things a moment and day at a time. Ask for help when you need and don’t be afraid to pivot if something is not working. If you can’t focus, allow yourself to take a break to do something you enjoy. A little downtime may be the thing you need to re-energize and refocus to get back at it.
Christy Pennison, LPC-S, is a board-certified professional counselor in Alexandria, LA. She owns Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting whose mission is to inspire hope for change. As a speaker and advocate for mental health awareness and self-care, she is passionate about helping individuals move forward and live fully.
