How to Work From Home: 20 Tips

Due to COVD-19, working from home is suddenly becoming the new normal, adjusting to a new work environment can be a freeing and challenging time for many of us.

At first, the freedom of staying in your PJs all day, and not having to commute to the office may seem like the luxury situation, but switching from a structured office environment to the comfort of your own home can be challenging

Here are 20 tips to help you stay productive and get the most out of your remote work hours

1. Wake up early 

Just because you don't have to commute into the office it doesn't mean you should wake up 5 minutes before you are due to start work. Your morning commute can often help you wake up and feel ready to work. Create yourself a morning routine, wake up at your normal time, shower and mentally prepare for the day ahead and get into the "I'm going to work" mindset. Our Unwind candle is perfect to use the night before a busy day to ensure you enjoy a tranquil nights sleep and are feeling ready to take on whatever the work day may throw at you!

2. Regular Work Hours

Keep to a schedule, if your typical work day is 9-5, stick to this at home. Having clear guidelines for when to work and when to call it a day helps many remote workers maintain work-life balance. 

3. Set ground rules with people in your space

Set ground rules with other people in your home, it can be hard especially if you have children but it important to give them clear rules about work time where possible. There cant be distractions during work time 

4. Dress like your at work

Although working from home seems like the perfect excuse to live in your pyjamas 24-7 but unfortunately this makes it easy to stay in bed when your supposed to be working! Cosy but sophisticated is your new work wear! When you feel like you have made the effort to get dressed and put on something you feel good in, then you'll be more likely to approach your day with confidence and purpose!

5. Create an at home office

In an ideal world, you would have a dedicated office for your remote work, but unfortunately this isn't always the case. Try create a work space away from your bed or sofa to not only maintain good posture, avoid distractions but so you can leave your work behind at the end of the day. 

6. Clean work space

Just as you would at the office, maintain a clean and tidy work space, get into the habit of cleaning your desk at the end of every shift so you have an organized work space fresh the next day. 

7. Limit distractions

Try avoid things such as TV and social media as they can be a big distraction to your work day. If your phone is required for work, log out of every account during your work day so you are not distracted by any notifications.

8. Stay hydrated 

Hydration is vital for your health and wellbeing, especially to succeed at work. Dehydration can affect your concentration, reaction time and moods, all of which will have a knock-on impact on your work. Keep a bottle or glass of water on your desk, remind yourself or set alarms to take a few sips throughout the day. 

9. Don't work on days off

It is so easy to continue to work in the evenings and days off when your office is at home, but it is important to switch off. If you find yourself working in the evening and constantly checking your work emails out of work hours, make sure to switch off and physically put your laptop or phone away at the end of your work day so your not tempted to check your emails. 

10. Organize your workspace

Get everything you need in one place, before you start to work - chargers, pens, paper and anything else so you can shut the door if possible. Get your self comfortable, and in the correct position to avoid any injuries. If you do not have office furniture, try using things like cushions to support you in your chair, or a box as a footrest. 

11. Write a to do list

Set the day ahead by setting yourself daily to do lists, this will give you some structure to your day. Its so easy to loose sight of priorities, tasks and deadlines, by breaking it down into daily tasks your work load will feel a lot more accomplishable

12. Write a done list

A great way to feel as through you have accomplished something during the day is by writing yourself a done list, even the small things are wins and will make you feel like you have been productive. 

13. Stay connected 

Ensure to stay connected with your colleagues, not only to keep in the loop with work but also to keep some human interaction to limit the feelings of loneliness. 

14. Prepare your meals

It can be tempting to cook food on your breaks, but this will take up most of your break. Instead, prepare food ahead of time to ensure you actually use your break time to eat and relax. 

15. Fresh Air 

Working at home shouldn't' mean you have to stay indoors all day ( as long as you are not self isolating ). Get outside, go on short walks during your breaks, enjoy the fresh air, your body needs to move. A different environment will help you undo any mental blocks and give you a fresh pair of eyes when you return back to your office space. 

16. Stay in touch

Keep in touch with not only your work collages but also friends, family and even health professionals especially if you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about working from home. Be honest with how you are feeling and know someone is only a phone call away if you may need a chat. 

17. Use headphones

Eliminate distractions by using headphones, get yourself a calming music playlist that helps you focus and something you specifically only use when working. Invest in some comfortable over-ear headphones to not only block out any background distractions but also have clear sound quality for when you may have video calls with colleagues or customers. 

18. Clarify Work Expectations

It is important to clarify your work expectations, when working from home there are a lot more distractions especially if you have kids at home. Be open with your management and come to a mutual agreement.

19. Practise Self Care

Remember to be kind to yourself and keep on top of your self care. Our Refresh candle is an amazing way to awaken and anchor the mind. Allow the fragrance to fill the room, as you breath in the essential oils you will soon start to feel a boost in productivity, and creativity to help you get through whatever the day throws at you!

20. Establish healthy boundaries

Working from home is often subjected to distractions and it becomes difficult to set boundaries between personal and professional lives. Therefore, it is extremely important to turn off from work at the end of the working day, and most importantly don't feel guilty for not replying to emails and calls out side of your work hours.