Working from home has become a part of everyday life for many post-COVID, offering flexibility and freedom like never before. However, it also comes with challenges, from maintaining focus to balancing work-life boundaries.
Adopting the proper habits can make all the difference if you’re new to remote work or looking to enhance your routine. In this blog, we’ll explore four habits that can help you stay productive, healthy, and balanced while working from home.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Habit #1 — Have a Morning Routine
Your morning routine sets the tone for the entire day, so you must establish habits that energise and help you focus within the day.
Here’s what we recommend. First, wake up at the same time each morning to create consistency, and do light exercises like stretching or a brisk walk to shake off sleepiness and boost your mood. Pair this with a healthy breakfast or a calming ritual, like journaling or making a cup of coffee, to ease into the day with clarity and intention.
Taking time for yourself before starting work helps you transition into “work mode” more seamlessly. This deliberate start helps you feel grounded and prepared rather than rushed or scattered. A thoughtful morning routine can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as an hour—it depends on your needs and goals.
Habit #2 — Always Dress Appropriately
It’s tempting to stay in your pajamas when working from home, but research shows what you wear significantly impacts your mindset.
It’s crucial to dress as if you’re heading to the office, as this signals to your brain that it’s time to focus and be productive. This doesn’t mean you must wear a suit or formal attire—comfortable yet presentable clothing will suffice.
Beyond boosting your productivity, dressing well also increases your confidence and improves your interactions with colleagues, even virtually. When you feel put together, you’re more likely to engage positively in meetings or tackle tasks with energy. It’s a simple habit that enhances your work ethic and contributes to a sense of normalcy and professionalism in your daily routine.
Habit #3 — Set Daily Goals
This habit should be part of your morning routine. At the start of each workday, take a few moments to identify 2-3 key tasks you want to accomplish. Doing this gives you a clear sense of direction and prevents you from getting sidetracked by less important tasks. If you’re unsure what constitutes a key task, use the Eisenhower Matrix.
Having daily goals also enables you to track your progress and celebrate small wins throughout the day. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you look at a long to-do list, but focusing on a small number of tasks gives you a sense of accomplishment and encourages momentum to tackle the next item.
Habit #4 — Take Regular Breaks
Many people assume that working from home gives you more time to yourself. However, it’s easy to get caught up in long stretches of focused work that lead to burnout and physical discomfort. To avoid this, take regular breaks throughout your day.
A good rule of thumb is the Pomodoro technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. During these breaks, stretch, walk around, or even step outside for a few minutes to refresh your mind and body. This approach will help you stay energised and maintain focus throughout the day.
Additionally, consider investing in a standing desk to improve your posture and reduce strain on your body. Sitting for long periods often leads to back pain, stiff joints, and poor circulation. Sit-stand desks let you alternate between sitting and standing, alleviating some of these issues and promoting better health.
Common WFH Challenges
While working from home offers flexibility and convenience, it also presents several challenges. Typical among them include:
- Distractions: Household interruptions and personal temptations can easily pull you away from your tasks, reducing productivity.
- Feelings of Isolation: The absence of in-person interactions can lead to loneliness and disconnection from colleagues, even for introverts.
- Blurred Boundaries: Without clear boundaries, switching off from work is hard, leading to burnout and stress.
- Lack of an Appropriate Workstation:Incorporating solutions like bespoke roller blinds can help create a more functional and focused work environment by controlling lighting and reducing glare on screens.
Summary
Adopting the appropriate habits enhances your work-from-home experience significantly. So, don’t dilly-dally; create a structured morning routine, maintain a consistent schedule, take regular breaks, and set clear daily goals to transform your remote workday into a more focused and balanced experience.
Remember, the key to success is consistency, so start small and build on these habits over time. With the right approach, working from home should become a fulfilling and efficient part of your daily life.
