Hints & tips for still gaining a work/life balance
I have been working from home on and off for years and I do enjoy the freedom, I find the solitude very productive for me. That is not to say that it doesn’t present some challenges though; from finding the right place to work to how to switch off at the end of each day, but fear not there are things that can help.
I’ve never had a home office to work from – I just haven’t had the luxury of space to dedicate a whole room to work. This firstly presents the problem of switching modes – how do you get in to work mode in the spare room when looking at that picture you have been meaning to hang for three years? (Yes, I am one of life’s great procrastinators). Conversely how do you switch off from work mode and settle into home life when there’s no physical demarcation or commute to begin the mental switch off? Well here’s a couple of things I’ve learnt over the years that could help:
The ‘Work Box’
If you’re a home working Nomad like me with no specific, permanent home office it helps to go through the ritual of setting yourself up for the day to get in to work mode. Have a box (or cupboard if you have the space to spare) where all your work paraphernalia lives when not in use. Unpack each morning ready to start your day and at clocking off time make sure you put it all away, out of sight, out of mind.
If you do have a home office make a point of having a tidy down at the end of each day; file any paperwork away, take mugs to the kitchen etc. The basic principle is that by having an end of workday routine it should help you transition from work to home.
Work Mug
Anyone who’s ever worked in an office will know how territorial colleagues can get over their mug! When working from home all crockery is your usual ‘home’ stuff so you could try dedicating a mug as a work mug. Use this mug while ‘in the office’ and make sure you wash it up and pack away in the work box at the end of each day.
Choose the right spot
If you’re on the hunt for the best spot to set yourself up each day, my advice is to choose a place that already has activity going on in it, such as at the kitchen table. Try to avoid spaces you generally relax in, like the lounge or your bedroom, as this should make it easier to differentiate work time and home time each day.
Natural daylight is also an important factor in keeping you motivated. I once had an office set up in a loft space, and whilst it was great at getting me in to ‘work mode’ as I was separate from the rest of the house, I found myself constantly getting up and making drinks/pacing around the garden as I was missing daylight and couldn’t concentrate for long periods of time. Try and find a spot with a window, even better with a view to stop you feeling hemmed in. Of course, if you’re more of a night owl when it comes to working patterns then this is less of an issue for you and an office in the loft might be a good solution.