Working from home has become a permanent fixture in many of our lives, making it easy to either go overboard with work or lose productivity. These tips will help you get back on track and maintain an ideal balance between work and personal life. As experienced virtual assistants at CVA, we consider ourselves pros when it comes to time management and getting into ‘work mode,’ as well as knowing when to take a step back for some TLC.
Schedule strict work time and relaxation time
This is our first and probably most crucial step in maintaining a balanced routine while working from home. Setting a strict schedule for work and relaxation times, even using alarms if necessary, encourages you to create a habit or routine.
Establishing a routine takes 21 days, so remember this when setting your times. Try to schedule activities around the same time each day. For example, wake up at the same time every morning, have lunch at the same time each afternoon, and shut down the computer at the same time every night. These small details will have a significant impact on your overall progress.
PRO TIP: Work in sprints. Deep work for 30 minutes with a 10 minute break, for example. It's imperative to get up and move!
Have dedicated spaces for work (Don’t send emails from bed!)
We understand that not everyone has the space or budget for a dedicated office, but try to section off areas of your living space for relaxation and work. This creates a mental separation in your brain, designating one area for work (completing blogs, data entry, emails) and another for relaxation (binge-watching the latest shows or enjoying a hobby).
Avoid checking emails and other work-related notifications while in bed. This time is crucial for winding down before sleep or starting your day positively. Mixing work into these moments can create stress, disrupt sleep, and blur the lines between work and relaxation.
LIFE TIP: Do your best to avoid screens for at least one hour before bed. It's not good for your sleep to go straight from scrolling Tik Tok to shutting your eyes. Go for a walk, do some stretching, or read a book before you get some shut eye, and you will find yourself feeling refreshed when you wake up!
Get into the work mindset
Clothing is a valuable form of self-expression. The act of showering and getting dressed each day sets you up for success, even if your day doesn’t involve significant events. When working from home, it’s tempting to stay in loungewear, but changing into different clothes can significantly improve your mood and productivity.
You don’t have to go all out with makeup and hair, but even small changes like putting on a fresh outfit can help you get into work mode. Another habit is going for a walk in the morning to simulate a ‘commute.’ This gets you some physical activity and fresh air, boosting your mood and productivity.
CVA CHALLENGE: Get dressed as if you are going into the office (casual Friday look is fine!), and 'commute' for a few days and look back to see if you felt more productive. We bet you will be pleasantly surprised! (and motivated!)
Working on the weekends
This can be a contentious topic. For many, weekends are the prime time to catch up on work, especially for those balancing multiple jobs. However, others prefer to reserve weekends for quality time with friends and family.
Finding a balance that works for you is crucial! Remember, weekends don’t look the same for everyone. Your work-life balance may require flexibility, so don’t be surprised if your schedule doesn’t always align with traditional weekends.
CVA Family Insight: Our owner, Megan, noticed a huge change in business and with her family when she created solid boundaries for weekends being family/recharge time. She reminds us that when we are not rested, we are not as productive as we think we are, and strongly encourages everyone to have down time!
Share your WFH Tips
Do you have any work-from-home tips that work wonders for you? Let us know! Be sure to follow us on our social media platforms! If you have further questions about CVA, feel free to contact us using the form on our website for more information.
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