The coronavirus has had a profound effect on how we work. As of late, more people than ever are experiencing what it’s like to work from home where they can stay safe and healthy. But if the remote work lifestyle is new to you, you may struggle with a healthy work-life balance like never before.
So let's talk about this. How can one achieve a better work-life balance so we don’t burn ourselves out or drive our partners crazy? From setting ground rules for your family to maintaining “work hours,” here are nine tips I implemented for a better work-life balance when I work remotely.
1. Make Time for Exercise
When you work remotely, it can be easy to fall into a trap of a more sedentary lifestyle. Instead, make sure you get plenty of exercise to get your blood pumping and increase circulation. If you enjoy being outside, make time for exercise in the morning before the sun comes up. Or, take an afternoon break and slip into some workout leggings to go sweat it out.
2. Maintain ‘Work Hours’
For a better work-life balance when you work remotely, you need to maintain a structured work schedule. While you may not have the standard nine-to-five, you still need to have “work hours.” A set schedule can not only hold yourself accountable, but also sets a precedence for colleagues and supervisors. When you need time for yourself and your family, let them know you will be unreachable unless it’s a real emergency.
Maintaining work hours also can give you structure and keep you focused so you can end the day feeling accomplished. It can also force you to rise early so you have time for exercise and other activities.
3. Keep a To-Do List
Keeping a schedule is one thing, but it’s essential to keep a to-do list, also. When you follow a to-do list, it can help you achieve a better work-life balance in numerous ways. To-do lists can allow you to curate both your home and work life, separating them into what needs to be accomplished so you are focused and productive. Even the physical act of crossing off tasks and ticking off projects can be extremely gratifying and offer a way to mark your progress.
It also helps to keep a to-do list as a way of brain-dumping at the end of each day. Instead of carrying a collection of tasks in your mind as you try to enjoy your evening, jot it all down instead. That way, you don’t forget and can come back to it the very next morning.
4. Start the Day Off Right
One excellent tip for a better work-life balance when you work remotely is to begin the day on the right foot. This means that as soon as you roll out of bed, take time for an activity that centers and grounds you. Whether it’s grabbing a cup of coffee or tea, making a delicious breakfast, meditating or taking a warm shower to wake up, starting the day off right can set precedence for the entire day ahead.
5. Set Boundaries
Whether you work remotely with roommates, a spouse or multiple children, you need to set boundaries. Setting certain boundaries will help you achieve a better work-life balance in countless ways. For instance, it’s important to communicate your needs and let others know when you are scheduled for video conference calls and other important meetings.
It’s also important to set boundaries when it comes to time restraints. If you work best in the morning, but your spouse works better in the evening, ask them to watch the kids and keep them preoccupied early and then return the favor in the evening.
6. Create a Designated Workspace
Another tip for a better work-life balance? Create a designated workspace. Tempting as it may be, avoid sitting on the sofa in front of the TV. Not only is it terrible for your back posture, but it offers many distractions. Plus, when you bring stress into areas that are intended for relaxation and family bonding, it can create a real mess of things.
When you create a designated workspace, it trains your brain when it’s time for work. Even if you lack a spare bedroom for a home office, invest in a small home office desk, at the very least.
7. Take Lunches
Are you working from home? Then there’s no excuse for forgetting your lunch! While it may still be hard to step away from your desk, you need to take lunch. Even if you simply choose to blend a quick smoothie, take a lunch hour. Consider it more of a self-care routine and create a nutritious lunch and then practice yoga or call a friend. What you do with your lunch hour is up to you, but just remember to step away from your desk.
8. Create a Schedule and Get Organized
However you prefer to keep a calendar, whether it’s digitally or with a binder, it’s important to keep a schedule. Aside from your office “work hours” that help you plan out each individual day, a calendar can help you see how your work life and home life activities and events align. There are countless tools available, such as Google Calendar and Asana, which allow you to block off several hours or days. This works especially well when you collaborate with large teams and have multiple deadlines.
9. Know When to Sign Off
For workaholics, especially, it’s hard to call it quits. But when you work remotely, one of the most important steps to take for a better work-life balance is to know when to step away for the evening and sign off. It’s challenging to do, especially when you are passionate about what you do and love your work. However, it’s imperative that you not burn yourself out.
Instead, plan an activity you enjoy each evening. If you love to cook, make a delicious dinner. If you’re an avid reader, slip into some comfortable pajamas and cozy up with a book. Whatever you decide, follow the above tips for a better work-life balance when you work remotely.
WRITTEN BY
Iman Oubou