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We’re almost nine months into this pandemic. We’ve almost carried this baby to term. What does that mean?
For most of us, it means we’ve been working from home for over half the year. Some of our kids’ schools are either fully virtual or part-time virtual. Regardless of where we’re at, changes had to be made. And they weren’t easy.
You've tried everything to make working from home a smooth transition. But there's days you think you haven't done enough. Let me assure you, you have! This pandemic kicked all our plans and schedules out the door. But I’m here to offer some help.
Let’s take a look at my key tips to make working from home successful.
1. Create a morning routine
Many of us got too relaxed with being at home. We overlooked the importance of a morning routine. Of getting dressed and brushing our teeth.
Did you know your work productivity is directly linked to the way you feel? Think about it. If you feel amazing, you’re going to produce more efficient work. But if you feel frumpy in your oversized pajama pants, your mood and productivity feel the same.
It’s important to maintain as normal a routine as possible. If this used to mean picking out your clothes the night before for both you and the kids, go back to doing that. If this meant writing down your to-do while having your morning coffee, keep it up.
Creating a morning routine will not only set the tone for the day. It’ll impact your productivity and your child’s productivity.
2. Set up a designated workspace
Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash
We’ve learned a great deal about our homes since being stuck in them. We found what we like and what we don’t like. For those of us working remotely, we also learned the importance of a dedicated workspace.
It may not be possible to add an extra room for a home office, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. A designated workspace can be anyplace in the home you find you’re most productive. Best to choose an area with good lighting, free of chaos, and quiet.
Maybe it’s your kitchen table. Or maybe your vanity. If you have the means and space to set up a desk, do so, and designate it as your workspace. Don’t do anything else there except work-related stuff.
Invest in a rolling cart. They’re a great way to stay organized and have all the items you need within easy reach. Having everything you need at your fingertips also saves a lot of time.
3. Declutter
The last thing you want to look at while working is a mess. A pile of bills, laundry, toys is not conducive to a productive working environment.
It was easier to overlook clutter when you’re at the office. But now it’s awfully hard to avoid it when you’re surrounded by it on a daily basis.
Spending a few minutes each day to declutter an area of your house will improve your focus. It’s especially important to keep the area near your workspace clutter-free. Why? You’ll be less tempted to stop work for an hour and clean if it’s already taken care of.
4. Create systems
The number one thing that's made working from home difficult is the distractions. The couch, TV, and fridge are no longer a twenty-minute drive away. They’re twenty feet away. The last thing you want is to keep leaving work to get a snack or check the news. Next thing you know, two hours have passed.
This is where systems come in handy. If you know you get a little craving for a snack around 11:00, keep a granola bar by your workspace. Tell yourself you’re only going to refill your coffee cup when you get up to use the restroom.
Reorganize your pantry so all snacks are within easy reach for your kids. This way all they have to do is open the door, grab what they want, and head back to school. They don’t have to bother you to reach the fruit snacks you put on the top shelf.
Do your best to bring enough food and drinks with you when you sit down to work. This will reduce the number of times you have to get up.
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5. Time block
Time blocking your day is one of the best productivity methods.
Creating a detailed schedule will not only keep you on track, it’ll make sure you shut down at the end of the day. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to be working all the time.
To create a schedule that benefits your day, match it with your kid’s schedule. Have lunch at the same time. This way, when it’s time to go back to work, you hold each other accountable.
Children and adults thrive off of routines. It’s what keeps the day moving smoothly. I’m gonna be honest here, not every day will flow with the routine you created. That’s okay. If one day is a little off, do your best to make tomorrow better.
We can’t always control what’ll happen. This pandemic proved that. But if you time block your day, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to manage.
6. Self-Care
I mentioned before that too many of us are working longer hours because we feel we have to. Working from home doesn’t mean you should turn into a workaholic.
Add time to give back to yourself. Include in your time blocked schedule time for self-care. Take a walk outside. Do a quick workout. Take a shower. Whatever you normally do to relax and unwind is what you should do.
Read a book. Watch a sitcom. Whatever you choose, it’s important to set aside time for yourself. It’s cliche, but it’s true that in order to take care of others, we need to take care of ourselves.
There’s no right or wrong way to work through this pandemic. All of us have been rocked by this unforeseen virus. Adapting is tricky. It’s not always an easy ride, but it can be figured out.
It’s important to note that all these tips can be used for your kids as well. Each of them can make virtual learning just as successful as working from home.
Photo by Madison Inouye from Pexels
Remember, kids are resilient. They can transition faster than adults. As parents, you can help guide them by creating routines and systems you can both use.
And of course, I’m here to be an extra guide. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks to make working from home successful, schedule a consultation with me.