I have FINALLY (I think!) cracked my working from home (WFH) routine after a few years of post-baby / children starting school & nursery and I finally feel settled and READY. I want to share some tips with you, if you are perhaps, like me a WFH mum who is very busy and still juggling a lot. It can be really hard to separate ‘home’life’ vs ‘work life’ and if you don’t crack the code – it can really make WFH a lot more harder than getting into a more structured office environment. Let’s get into it!
5 Tips for Working from home mums.
1.) Keep your space clutter-free and tidy
Try and keep today and organised and it really makes working-from-home so much easier. Clean and re-organise your workspace every evening so it is fresh for the day ahead. I do sometimes switch areas I am working and sitting and find a clean set-up is the best set-up. If I am having a more casual work day that means (for me) sitting on the sofa and the coffee table. I always wipe down and re-fresh the coffee table and light a candle. I like to refresh my sofa throw so it feels clean and professional as opposed to somewhere I am slobbing out for the day in front of the TV! On a sidetone a washable couch can also be a game-changer if you WFH and have pets and children.
2.) Allow time for regular breaks
Making time for breaks is important to help manage feelings of overwhelm. Try to take lunch and regular screen breaks, and give yourself time to concentrate on something else so you feel more focused when you return. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity. If you have outdoor space / a garden then it can break really good to get a burst of fresh air.
3.) Have a dedicated work space
If you can, find a quiet space away from people and distractions. Have everything you need in one place, before you start work : chargers, pens, paper and any other equipment. Even in a small or shared space, try to designate an area for work.
Make yourself comfortable. If you do not have office furniture like an adjustable chair, try using things like cushions to support you in your chair, or use a box as a footrest.
4.) Set a routine & stick to it
Without a steady schedule, the line between work and personal time can get blurred and it can be stressful if the balance isn’t right. Follow your normal sleep & work patterns if you can, and stay consistent.
Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pyjamas! Yes you can wear your comfy clothes at home but it’s important to shower, be fresh and feel ready. Most importantly, when your workday ends, stop working. Shut down your computer, stop checking emails and focus on your home life. I find when the two cross over, neither are getting done well. Ensure you get the bed at a reasonable time and get your preferred amount of sleep hours in.
5.) TV off – Radio on
This is an obvious one but honestly I used to have the TV sneakily on in the background for a long time – and I was lying to myself when I said it was just for ‘background noise’ and I wasn’t really watching it. It’s very easy to get distracted when WFH anyway, and more so when you have the TV on – whether it be the news, chat shows or series – you will stop to watch and it can really interfere with your mindset and work rhythm. Switch the TV OFF! If you like background noise, like myself, then switch the radio on and have it on low. I have a SONOS which is perfect for WFH spaces.
