With the pandemic, working remotely is increasingly becoming the new normal. However, working from home can present its own challenges – separating your home life and your work life, for example. You can also fall into the trap of working longer hours than you have to, resulting in burnout and stress.
Here are some tips to help you adapt to working remotely:
Create an Efficient Work Environment
- Find a dedicated work area
Designate a space that you can associate with work. It can be a spare room, the balcony, or a quiet corner of the house. A dedicated workspace will help you focus and power through your daily to-dos. Make sure your home office is quiet, clutter-free, and allows you a modicum of privacy. Equip the area with a tidy desk, a comfortable office chair, and proper lighting. - Invest in reliable tools to support your work
Revisit your internet provider; make sure your have the speed and bandwidth to join Zoom meetings with no lag time. Get noise-cancelling headphones and a ring light if your job involves a lot of virtual client facing. - Manage distractions
Pace your breaks and manage interruptions and distractions. Let the people you live with know ahead of time when you need to close the door for a Zoom call. By the same token, give your spouse, partner, or other family members the same courtesy if they happen to be working or learning from home.
Remain Productive
- Start early and develop a routine
Wake up at the same time each day and treat weekdays the same way you would back when you had to show up in the office. Don’t email until the workday begins and turn off your laptop (and mute phone alerts) at the end of your shift. - Pretend you’re going to the office
To alert your brain that it’s time to work, get out of your PJs. Change into something you might wear to the office so you’re ready to show up in video calls. - Plan a reasonable work schedule
Plan your day the night before and stick to the work schedule. If something urgent comes up, prioritize things to avoid being overwhelmed. Do not lose sight of your initial work goals. - Work during your peak productivity hours
Some individuals are morning people while some are most productive at night. Find out when you are most productive and build your schedule around your peak periods.
Stay Healthy
- Take care of yourself
No matter how preoccupied you are, don’t forget to take your meals on time. Stock up on healthy snacks. Go to bed the same time every night and get enough sleep. - Create a soothing environment
Working remotely gives you free rein over your surroundings. To control stress, make your work space efficient but also soothing to your senses. If scent sets your mood, light candles. Add a plant on your desk. Play music if it doesn’t interfere with your concentratio - Take regular breaks
Prolonged sitting has an effect on one’s health. Get up every hour and do some stretching. To avoid eye strain, use the 20-20 rule, which consists of taking a 20-second break every few minutes to stare at something roughly 20 feet away. - Exercise and be physically active
People who exercise regularly feel better and have more energy. Schedule a workout as you do meetings. Walk around your home and if circumstances allow, go outside and soak in the sun and fresh air. - Set boundaries on your work schedule
Maintain a work-life balance by unplugging at a specific time. Incorporate a “day off” to recharge, do self-care, and spend time with people around you.
Working remotely is changing how everyone is spending their time at home. Your home may now have a triple purpose: a dwelling, an office, and a classroom for your children. These competing priorities can be the best opportunity to explore roomier places to live in Winthrop, WA.
If you’re considering buying a home in Winthrop or are keen in finding out what the Winthrop real estate market has to offer, contact us at Coldwell Banker Winthrop. Call 509.996.2121 or send an email to info(at)cbwinthrop(dotted)com to get started.