Advice and Ideas
Easy ways to improve well-being when you are working from home
Working from home has become increasingly popular over the past ten years as more and more people have access to decent broadband and faster computers. The current, uncertain climate has left a new wave of workers barred from their offices, making them join over 9 millions people across the UK and US who have already made the switch to home working.
This will not be an easy transition as many are not equipped to work from home. To help you out in these turbulent times, we’ve compiled some advice from Sonya who, when starting her business, spent a considerable amount of time designing and shipping her vibrant rugs from her spare bedroom. We hope that her tips can help guide you through your home working journey.
Mindset
It’s important to keep your work and home lives separate which is why you’ll need to set up a distinct office space in your home, even if that’s the corner of your bedroom. Similarly, you need two different mindsets, like an ‘on’ and ‘off’ switch, when working from home as this will help you maintain boundaries between work and play.
Set a routine and try to keep a regular sleep schedule so you can wake up early enough in the morning to shower, dress and even do some exercises. This will help you wake up and getting dressed in work clothes, or at least getting out of your pajamas, will help your brain to understand that it should be switched on.
Ergonomics
As tempting as it may be, don’t do your work slouched on your sofa or your bed. In the long-term, this can cause back problems- a problem present even in business offices.
It’s likely that you’ll be working on your laptop when at home but if you’re able to, order a separate mouse and keyboard whilst making a prop for your laptop so it sits at eye level while you type with your forearms perpendicular to the floor.
Well-being
Going outside is important for keeping healthy, not just while working from home, though this is of course not possible when in quarantine. That being said, try to regularly look at the nature outside and simulate the natural world with podcasts or videos that have long loops of peaceful, outdoor sounds. Or try to decorate your space with nature-inspired pieces.
Even if you can’t get out of your home, take regular breaks and walk around inside. Try and split your work time into 40 minute segments with five minute breaks between them. This will help your day pass quicker as well as keep you motivated.
Finally, don’t isolate yourself from all contact. Pick up the phone or get a video calling app (such as Zoom or Houseparty) and speak to your colleagues. While you can’t see people in the office for easy communication, being completely alone can be a big depressor on your mood so make sure you keep up-to-date with others working remotely and don’t be afraid to call instead of sending emails.
Most of all, look after your health the best you can and support others in both your actual and digital community and together we can keep each other’s spirits uplifted in difficult times.
