Working From Home Now?
You’re not alone if you recently discovered yourself forced to work from home. My husband’s transition from full-time to remote work was exciting and novel. No more long commutes, no more unnecessary meetings that were unnecessary and could have been done via email, and he would be able to wear comfortable clothes all day.
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He was ecstatic for the first few days. His new office was the kitchen table. The dog was his unofficial officemate. Then reality hit. Around his desk, mugs were piled high. His “work area” was constantly interrupted by the kids, and his laundry that needed to be folded. One afternoon, the youngest child, who had entered his “office” three times, decided to shave his scruffy lockdown-style beard.
I couldn’t stop laughing because I’ve done it and have the scars as proof. As a work-at-home mum with years of experience, I have learned what works and doesn’t. If you are just getting started or finding it difficult to work remotely while having kids around, I have some tried and tested survival tips that will help you stay productive, sane, and even enjoy the experience.
1. Shower and Get Dressed Every Day
Yes, they are comfortable. The PJs are soft, warm, and forgiving. Living in your pajamas all day will make you feel sluggish. Showering and dressing up are great cues for your brain that the day has begun.
When I started working at home, it was a rule that I would not break. I always shower and dress in the morning. You don’t have to wear a business suit – no one will expect that when you are Zooming into your office from the dining room. But changing into comfortable, clean clothes can help you reset your mind.
I always wear leggings with a clean, crisp T-shirt. The leggings are comfortable and allow you to chase kids around if necessary, but they’re also polished enough for you to greet the delivery person at the door without feeling rushed.
Why is this helpful? Our minds associate dressing up as productive. Even simple rituals such as brushing your teeth or applying lip balm will help you shift from “home mode” into “work mode.” This keeps you connected with the outside world and helps prevent the feeling of being an isolated hermit in your home.
2. Grab a Cup of Coffee — Your “Start Work Ritual”
Recreate your favorite rituals at home. This means I stop by the local café after dropping my kids off at school or kindergarten to get a freshly-brewed coffee in my favorite keep cup.
This simple act has a profound effect on my mental health. It’s almost like clocking into work. It’s more than just the caffeine. It’s about creating a barrier between work and home life.
Don’t worry if you are self-isolating or unable to visit a cafe right now. Treat your coffee like it’s a sacred moment – the coffee you drink to “start working”. Sip your coffee away from the noise, maybe in the “office” corner or on the balcony. Let it be a sign that the workday is officially underway.
3. Keep to Your Start and Finish Times (discipline is key)
The blurring of work and personal hours is one of the greatest challenges when working from home. It’s easy to fall into the habit of checking emails at 8 pm, working through your lunch hour, or finishing tasks late at night to “get ahead.”
This is a slippery path that can lead to burnout.
It’s important to stick to your start and end times when you work at home. Your workday should be treated like any other day at the office. Log in at a reasonable time, take breaks as scheduled, and turn off your computer when the day is over.
What does this do? Setting limits protects your mental well-being and allows you to spend time with family and yourself. Your family will respect your working hours, and you won’t have to worry about your brain being “on” all the time.
To help you build good habits, set alarms and calendar reminders for when to start or stop working, particularly at the beginning.
4. Take a Breath of Fresh Air
It can be tempting to spend the entire day staring at your screen, responding to Zoom invitations. Sitting inside all day is not only unproductive but can also make you anxious and feel disconnected.
Take advantage of your breaks to enjoy the fresh air and sun. If possible, eat your lunch outdoors. After you log out for the day, take a stroll around the block.
What is the importance of this? Just like you used to commute, your brain needs a transition from work to home. Even a 10-minute walk can improve your mood, clear your mind, and help you focus.
This habit will help you physically separate work from home and remind yourself that the world is bigger than your home office.
5. Make a Plan so You Can’t Just Wing It
Think again if you think that working from home will magically improve your work/life harmony. It can make things worse.
Your quiet working bubble may suddenly disappear if your entire family is home, kids from school, daycares are closed, or partners who work remotely are. With everyone around, the house may become a mess, nd your usual organization system might disappear.
You need to have a plan. This is what it looks like:
- Childcare Assistance: Ask your grandparents or friends you trust if they are willing to help out with childcare. If this is not possible, you can swap childcare duties with another parent who works.
- House Rules: Establish clear rules and limits for screen time and activities so that children know when to expect attention from you and when to be independent.
- Set a specific time for work: Be truthful with your employer about your availability. You may have to work early mornings and late evenings if you want uninterrupted time.
- Physical Boundaries: Teach children that a closed door means “do not disturb”, and then try to follow that rule yourself.
It is important to plan and provide as much support as you can. The more you plan and structure your day, the happier everyone will be.
6. Keep Your Desk Tidy — Sanity Lives Here
It’s okay if your house is a mess. Cleaning it while you work will make you feel distracted and overwhelmed.
But your workspace? It deserves all your attention.
It’s not just about keeping your desk neat. It’s also a way to save your sanity. A clean, organized workspace helps you concentrate and reduces your stress when you’re at work. Remove those coffee mugs and wipe down your keyboard. Keep your essential tools close at hand.
Close the door to the rest of your mess. (Or use a room separator if you do not have a separate work area.) This will help you mentally separate your workspace from your home space.
Shut down your computer and leave the desk. This physical separation will help your brain to switch off. It also marks the end of work.
7. Keep in Touch with Your Colleagues by Chatting with ThemSociall isolation can be one of the most difficult aspects of working at home. There are no water cooler chats or quick debriefings in the hall. This can cause feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Technology has got your back.
Create a group chat for your team with platforms such as Skype, Slack, or Microsoft Teams. When possible, use video calls to establish a face-to-face relationship. Even short messages that check in are important.
The social connection you have at work not only helps you feel less alone, but it also boosts motivation and collaboration. You’re reminded that you are part of a group, even if you’re not physically together.
Watch out for Snacks
Snacks are always within reach when you work from home. The kitchen is suddenly your best friend and worst enemy.
Keep an eye on your snacking habits. Healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables should always be available. You can feel tired and sluggish if you constantly snack on chocolate and chips.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to work from home when your family is around. It’s unpredictable, messy, and can be exhausting. With a few routines and some planning, as well as a bit of self-compassion, you can make this work.
Be gentle with yourself, and celebrate your small victories. It doesn’t matter if you finish a project or survive a tantrum from your toddler while on the phone.
Here’s a toast to all of you who work from home as parents or carers. May your coffee always be strong, Wi-Fo remain stable, and patience never end.
Don’t forget to dry the clothes you were feeling smug for wearing during the day.
