In an effort to practice social distancing during these uncertain and challenging times, many of us have found ourselves working from home almost exclusively. Maintaining a successful work-life balance is tricky enough under normal circumstances, but maintaining this balance can be even more difficult to navigate while working from home.
It would be virtually impossible to separate your work life from your home life completely, nor should you. However, creating boundaries for yourself will help you successfully manage both your work obligations and your personal responsibilities. Below are some of the most helpful tips that have helped me find balance in my work and home lives while exclusively working from home:
- Create a dedicated workspace in your home
It’s important to carve out a spot in your home to use as your workspace and only as your workspace. This, in a way, mimics going to the office and helps you keep a routine. Creating a dedicated workspace in your home will help you stay focused on your work activities while you’re “at the office.” Avoid the temptation to work on the couch or in your bed. Being too comfortable can lead to decreased productivity, and it’s best to leave these spaces for your after-work relaxation time.
- Don’t multitask
Don’t try to do housework while you’re working. Give your full attention to work when you are working and give your full attention to home life when you’re not working. It’s okay to take breaks to put in a load of laundry or unload the dishwasher but try to wait until there is a natural pause in your work activities, that way you can give each of your tasks your full attention.
- Set working hours
It’s easy to be tempted to leave your laptop open and monitor your email throughout the evening. Setting a schedule for yourself and opening or closing your laptop at the same time every day will help you avoid having your work bleed into your much-deserved personal time. Use your off-hours to recharge. This will allow you to enjoy your time “away from the office” as well as allow you to feel revitalized when you do “return to the office.”
These tips have helped guide me to success, and I hope they do the same for you. But most importantly, you have to find a balance that works for you, your team, and your family. As we continue working remotely, share your successful work-life balance strategies with your team, and encourage them to share their strategies as well. It’s important, now more than ever, to work as a team and lean on each other for support. Stay safe!
