Four Tips To Stay Sane While Working From Home

Use these four tips to help balance work-from-home-life.   

Let’s be real: Many people dream of working from home, but taking meetings camera-off, from bed also comes with challenges. It can be difficult to stay motivated and feel productive without the collaborative energy of in-person coworkers, or the ability to grab a coffee and strategize with your boss. Here are some tips to stay sane and make your work-from-home-life a little easier. 

1. Take Back Your Commute Time 

One of the greatest benefits of working remotely is not having to commute back and forth to an office. This frees up time in the morning and evening that would otherwise be spent in a car, on a bike, in a train, on rollerblades––however you travel.

Not having a commute means not having to worry about traffic or other travel-related morning mishaps. Take advantage of the extra time you have in the morning—you have an opportunity to set yourself up for success every day! Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than normal and try these commuter-free rituals: 

• Meditate before getting out of bed 

• Go for a walk

• Cook a healthy breakfast 

• Do something else you love and will look forward to every morning

Sure, you could sleep in to celebrate not having to commute to work, but a morning routine will make your workday less stressful and more productive.  

2. Optimize Your Workspace

It’s important to have a space in your home that’s just for working, even if it’s the dining room table or a favorite corner on the couch. Having a dedicated space allows you to compartmentalize your life and find some work-life balance. Your brain needs to know that when you go to your workspace, it’s time to chip away at your to-do list.   

If you have room in your home, create a workspace that you’ll enjoy working from every day. Make sure your desk fits all the office supplies you need, and that you have a comfortable chair. If you’re sitting for long periods of time, an ergonomic chair or standing desk can make all the difference. Good lighting is essential, especially if you’re reading or writing a lot—think desk or floor lamps. At the end of every day, clean up your workspace so it’s ready for you in the morning.  

Setting up your own office in your house is ideal. One of the most frustrating things about working from home is untimely interruptions, and if you have your own office, shutting the door can help. If you don’t live alone and don’t have your own office, let others in your household know that when you’re at your workspace, you’d appreciate not being interrupted. Your mental health will thank you!

3. Use Your Breaks to Your Advantage

Make sure you know your company’s break policies—and use them! You need personal time throughout the day, even if you do get to work in your pajamas.  

Working from home means you have the opportunity to use your breaks in creative ways. 

Here are some ways to take advantage of your breaks at home: 

• Get small chores done

• Exercise

• Take a moment to play with your pets or kids 

• Make a home-cooked lunch 

You might even try using a “break strategy” like the Pomodoro method to make sure you’re getting your breaks in. Not familiar? It’s easy: Set a timer and work for 25 minutes, stay focused, then take a 5-minute break. Pro tip: Did you know you can find Pomodoro study sessions for every Harry Potter house on YouTube? Feel like you’re working inside the Gryffindor or Hufflepuff common rooms—you can thank us later.

4. Create a Work Routine

Creating a work routine can make your work and personal life more manageable and productive. 

• Do you start and end work at the same time every day? 

• What time do you take your lunch break? 

• Are you using all of your allotted breaks? 

Think about your day and how you want it to be organized. If you’re someone who needs schedules, create one and stick to it. 

If you don’t like daily routines, try setting a weekly one. You could work from a coffee shop every Tuesday, or if you have the flexibility, you might start work earlier on Fridays in order to clock off earlier. Planning your days or weeks out in advance is a great way to reduce work-related anxiety. 

Staying sane while working from home is all about the little adjustments that add up over time. Optimizing your routines, workspace, and habits will reduce your stress and increase your gratitude for working in the comfort of your own home.