1. Develop Morning and Evening Routines
Working from home can be a major adjustment when you’re used to going into an office every day. To help embrace your new normal, develop a morning routine that sets you up for success, and an end of the workday routine to help send a signal to your brain that the day is done. This adds structure to your week and replaces some of your familiar office habits that you may miss. Popular recommendations for a morning routine are to enjoy a healthy breakfast, get some exercise, and get yourself ready. Some experts suggest it boosts productivity to get dressed as though you’re actually going into the office. When your workday is done, a brief relaxing activity like a game or some leisure reading can transition you out of work mode.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
It’s important to have a workspace that works for you, both practically and mentally. A designated space that’s relatively peaceful and quiet is the best way to go. Be sure to set up everything you’ll need to do your job, and since you’ll be spending lots of time there, make it as comfortable and convenient as you can!
3. Establish Dedicated Hours
Some jobs have more set hours, particularly positions where we need to be available to clients and partners during regular office hours. Others can be more flexible. In either case, a set work schedule is considered good practice for working from home. It provides you with a structure similar to what you’re used to, makes it easy to keep track of your time, and helps to keep the boundaries between your work and home life in place.
4. Don’t Forget Lunch and Breaks
Just as you would in the office – be sure to take your lunch and some occasional breaks! Setting alarms to remind yourself can be helpful.
5. Squeeze in Stretching and Exercise
Getting up to walk around and stretch periodically is always important at a desk job, but it can be even more important when working from home. This is because your home desk setup may not be as ergonomic as your office desk and chair. Experts particularly recommend spinal twists and neck stretches to protect your back and posture.
6. Find Some Outside Time
Get some fresh air during lunch and breaks, and as part of your morning routine when possible. It’s important to get out of the house so you don’t feel too cooped up!
7. Focus on Communication
Working from home means you aren’t getting face to face time with your colleagues. This makes communication more important than ever. Stay in touch about projects you’re working on, and call or video into meetings when it makes sense. Multiple sources suggest it’s important to be extra positive in remote communication, since quick texts and emails can be interpreted different ways by the reader. Break out the emojis and exclamation points!
8. Set Work Life Boundaries
A whole new set of “coworkers” can come along with working from home. Setting boundaries for your little ones and furry friends can keep you from feeling frazzled while you’re getting things done. On the flip side, just because you always have access to your work doesn’t mean you should work all the time! Try to maintain the work-life balance you’re used to.
9. Manage Sound to Avoid Distractions
Too much noise can be distracting, and so can too little! If you have to work in a noisy area, sound canceling headphones are a worthwhile investment. If silence is getting to you when you’re used to the hum of a busy office, try playing quiet music or turning the TV on at a low volume.
10. Do What Works for You!
Most importantly, tailor your work from home experience to what works best for you! While working from home can be challenging, there are plenty of benefits to balance that out. Find a space and schedule that makes you happy and productive, and live your best work from home life!
We’re all practicing social distancing at First Home Mortgage, but with today’s range of communication technology our loan officers can still offer you personalized service while keeping everyone safe. If you have questions about purchasing or refinancing a home, contact one of our experienced loan officers today!
