WAHM 101: How to Work from Home Efficiently
While one of the benefits of working at home is flexibility, the reality is that routine is crucial to working effectively and efficiently. Here are some tips to help
July 23, 2020
While one of the benefits of working at home is flexibility, the reality is that routine is crucial to working effectively and efficiently. Here are some tips to help
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Summer is in full swing, no morning commute, or stopping by your colleague’s desk to say hey. Meanwhile,COVID-19 numbers are steadily rising back up, companies nationwide have suggested even required that many of their employees continue to work from home; some even indefinitely. While my job has not instructed us work from home indefinitely, our anticipated return date has been extended twice already. If you’re anything like myself, working at home can and has definitely taken some getting used to. For those of us not use to working at home or who don’t have an organized work station, distractions can disrupt your productivity.
After all, you’re in your personal space and not the office.Laundry needs to be done, the kids have virtual camp, they need to eat breakfast and lunch, the youngest one wants a snack every 30 minutes, you and hubby are indecisive about dinner, and the house still needs to be cleaned. The daily routines feeling much different for many workers as the world works to contain COVID-19. If working from home has created challenges for you then sis, keep reading! In today’s post, I’m sharing some tips that I’ve implemented to assist me with working more effectively while working from home.
Efficiently: A way that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. In a well- organized and competent way.
As much as I love the idea of being able to literally roll out of bed and log right on in for work, wearing pajamas for work is not the move if you want to be productive while working from home. As tempting as it is to work in pajamas (every once in a while is ok) taking the time to get ready and dressing well will put you into work mode. I’ve started a “Who What Wear Wednesday Series” over on my Instagram page I encourage you to check it out! Take a look at this, that, and this one too and prayerfully you gather some inspiration for some simple outfits you can wear while working from home.
Find a distraction free spot that isn’t used for any other purpose. I personally, don’t have a office all to myself. Before I had my daughter, we had a mini home office. We had to convert the room into her nursery. However, I am working from home so I am doing small things here and there but have made her nursery and functioning office/room for her. Because she attends daycare during the day, I have the space all to myself allowing me to focus on my work and feel a sense of diligence.
Even though I am at home, taking breaks is probably one of the most challenging things for me to do. Once I get into a steady workflow time will past me by without knowing. To prevent me from forgetting, I set alarms for my lunch time, I make sure that I get up and stretch every 30 minutes through the duration of my work day. Taking a break clears your mind and gives you a fresh perspective.
Having a morning routine is essential and will help you get into the flow of work. I like to keep a to-do list by my computer. I log into my computer and check my emails before work and make a list of the emails that need immediate attention upon logging in for my shift. I also check my previous day notes to see if there is anything that I need to complete from the previous day. I also like to write out my day or what I plan on doing and check them off as I accomplish them.
Grab yourself an iced coffee, a smoothie, your favorite snacks, or take a nap on your designated lunch break after overcoming a major hurdle or give your eyes a break from the computer after you complete a time consuming task. Your home has more opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment than your office, take advantage of them.
Not all change is good, and not all change is bad either. Be intentional about making this new lifestyle the most comfortable for both yourself and your family. Respect your own time, set yourself and your family up for success, stay social, and keep family life in balance while working from home. Don’t expect to see change overnight but take the necessary steps to seethe change that you desire.
XOXO,
