Keeping your motivation up whilst working from home
I never thought working in the sector I do, that working from home would be the new normal. I love the team atmosphere and having someone to bounce off, so the first month was quite strange. I wasn’t sure how it would work keeping your motivation up whilst working from home. But I feel like I’ve found the balance, and learnt myself to love it.
Don’t get me wrong, I do still love the office environment. But I do think it will be a long time until offices are back to normal. Even so, I think home working will be a lot more normal than it was. Albeit I’m not currently working from home after losing my job. I’ve still kept up these tips to make sure I don’t fall into bad habits. Though I do hope to find a job soon, maybe even working from home!
Keeping a routine
This may seem really obvious, but it’s also easy to fall out of it. I’ve religiously been getting up at 6am every week day, even when working. Whereas some of colleagues were rolling out of bed to their desk. I like to get up and clear my mind before starting my day. Whether that’s getting up for a dog walk. Or even just having an hour with a book and breakfast. I’ve found by keeping a routine I’ve managed to keep my spirits up. Even when you’re not seeing someone every day, or on zoom.
Exercise
Some people hate it, some people don’t. But I find it a great way to clear my mind. Since lockdown I’ve started doing the early AM sessions and loving them. Before lockdown I had to be at work 30 miles away by 8am so didn’t get the chance. Being at home means I don’t need that commute and makes the balance so much better. Whether it’s yoga, gym or a walk it makes a difference. See my working out at home post!
Keeping active
This may seem similar to the above but it’s more so just moving. It’s easier to sit for longer periods at your desk when you’re at home. There isn’t a kitchen or water cooler chat to have anymore. I’ve read some people setting an alarm for every 40 minute to get up and walk around for 10. Not only does it keep your brain more active, you are giving yourself that much needed break from sitting!
Getting fresh air
My first few days of working from home I realised how little fresh air I was getting. I wasn’t doing my normal morning commute to the train, or lunch time walk. Daylight and fresh air so good for you. I’ve been trying to squeeze in a lunch time and evening walk. Even just taking the dogs out in the morning.
Cooking fresh meals
I’m not always the best at cooking from fresh. Most of my meals are bulk cooked then frozen as I love a good meal prep. But by being at home I’ve started whipping up an omlette or salad. One thing I couldn’t do in an office environment and I’ve loved having something fresh and warm to eat.
Good working environment
I am yet to do this, but if I am to start working from home permanently it’s my first step. A desk space with a chair with good support is the best start. You don’t want to compromise your back! Also somewhere with great lighting and possibly a window. And an office plant, every desk needs a plant!
Sticking to your work schedule
We will all know how easy it is to keep working as you’re already at home. But you need to keep that work/life balance. If you finish at 5, close up and pack everything away. As I didn’t have a desk I put all mine back into a cupboard. It stopped me trying to pick up things late in the evening. Alebit it isn’t always that straight forward, as it would be in the office. But try and switch off and spend some time with family or even yourself!
Get dressed
I haven’t been wearing make up, or ‘work outfits’, but getting dressed makes a huge difference. Even if it is just your active wear, it’s not a dressing gown and perks you up a little. I can’t say I ever did my hair unless it was the Wednesday Zoom meeting! But the simple thing of me throwing on some leggings and a jumper gave me that little boost. Otherwise you’d probably of found me in front of the TV.
Keep in touch
Me and my previous work girls kept in contact almost daily. Whether it was just texts, phone call or facetime. It’s good to see a face to ask a question or hear a voice. Even networking, if there is local networking events, get yourself to them. Interacting with like minded people will make a huge difference, and make you feel less cut off.
Have you now changed to working from home? How are you finding it? It’s something I didn’t think I would ever like. But now I have such a good work life balance. I’m less exhausted on a evening/weekend. I get to see my family and dogs daily. I sometimes wouldn’t get home until 8pm each night, so I was so cut off from family life. Now I have the time to walk the dogs on an evening with my Dad or friend.
Do you have any tips you’d give me too?
