Since the first lockdown in March 2020 there has been an increase in the number of people working from home. Although some prefer the positives that working from home has, it can also cause us to feel isolated and out of touch with normal life. At Drinkstuff we are committed to helping all our staff feel supported and happy at home during these uncertain times. So we thought we would share a few tips to help if anyone is finding working from home hard.
In our normal life we are able to stick to our daily routines that help us prepare for the day ahead. Waking up at the same time each day, getting ready and commuting to work will helps you get in the right mindset to start the day, and separate your work and home life. However when working from home it is easy to get into the habit of waking up and sitting on your laptop in bed in your pyjamas!
Instead, try to get up with plenty of time before work and get dressed and ready for the day. By carrying out a task before work such as going for a walk, reading a book, completing a workout or even just having a calm cup of coffee, you are more likely to feel awake and ready to start work. It is important to find a routine that works for you and makes you feel good and prepared to start the day.
If possible, it is best to keep your home life and workspaces separate. If you have a spare room that you can convert into a home office it is the best way to keep your home and work life separate. Alternatively, create a space in your home where you are able to leave all your work, so you are still able to relax without it being in the forefront of your mind.
Make your workspace feel as comfortable and positive as possible. For example make sure you have all the correct equipment for your job as well as a supportive chair. You can also add things to your desk that make you feel better about being there for the day. For example having your own water dispenser, favourite mug or nice cushion for your chair can make it feel like a place you want to be.
By setting yourself little goals each day it will help you keep on track and allow you to focus on what tasks need doing and when. This can also be helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed and are struggling with the thought of working. By giving yourself manageable goals for the day it can make things feel more achievable and allow you to focus, without thinking about a million different things at once!
It can be very easy to get caught up in your work and lose track of time so it is important that you take regular breaks. Taking time out not only gives your eyes a break from the screen, but will also give you time to just reset and improve your focus. As well as taking breaks in the normal working day, it is also important to use your holiday days and take time to relax and recharge. Your mental health is so valuable so it is important to look after yourself and allow yourself time to relax and take care of yourself.
In our normal work day we are constantly interacting with colleagues whether it is in meetings or in the break room. While some people love working from home and not having any distractions, it can also feel very isolating. This is why it is important to still have human interaction even if it is virtually. Try to schedule regular meetings and check in with your colleagues as they might also be feeling isolated. You could even schedule a virtual coffee break and have a catch up with colleagues without focusing on work.
We hope that it won’t be long before we are able to go back into the office. But in the meantime, we hope this blog will help make working from home that little bit easier. If you are also looking for some products to help you while you are at home, we have a great range of coffee products, drinks dispensers and more at Drinkstuff.