Create Structure and Balance for Successful Home Working
“The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings”
Kakuzo Okakaura
It is hard to believe that it is already October! Who could have imagined that 6 months after we first went into lockdown we continue to adjust to living under constantly changing circumstances? With the ‘work from home, if you can’ message announced recently, I know many of you are working from home and for some, it feels challenging at times. There can be a feeling of loss of freedom and spontaneity. As the above quote says the art of life is a constant readjustment. It is now more important than ever that we find ways to accept and adapt the way we live and work, create a routine in our lives, find ways to stay balanced through good nutrition, right exercise, sleep, self-care activities and connecting with others.
We have been blessed with some lovely, warm and sunny days these last few months. I have to say that teaching yoga either socially distanced 1:1s or live streams in my lush green, tropical garden and in the sunshine, has been a constant source of real joy this summer and I shall really miss it.
If you are having to continue working from home, here are a few tips to help you create some structure to your day helping you achieve balance, both at getting your work done and at maintaining your mental wellbeing.
Create a designated workspace
Set up an area of your home to use as a workspace. Sitting down in this space sends a clear signal to your brain that it is time to focus. Stay away from your designated workspace when you are not working. Entering your workspace will help you switch work mode on at the beginning of the day and leaving your workspace will help you turn off at the end of the day.
Get ready for the day
Take the time to keep to your normal morning routine, take a shower, get dressed for the day, have breakfast, and exercise if you normally go to the gym in the morning.
Build in a fake commute
Your morning commute is not only about getting you from home to work, but also gives your brain time to prepare for work. Create an equivalent routine to help you ease into your working day by building in a fake commute to your day. Take a walk in the morning before starting work. This can serve as a transition between work and home. You can also go for a walk in the evening once you have finished work, faking a commute home and when you return home you will switch into home mode.
Take a Lunch Break
Make sure you schedule a lunch break every day, to eat, take a break from your screen, get a breath of fresh air and help break up the day. It can be easy to forget to stop for lunch especially without having colleagues around you taking breaks.
Have clearly defined working hours
Define your working hours so that you are clear about when you are working and when you are not. This makes it easier to communicate with your colleagues too during the day and is also helpful in recognising when you should finish work for the day.