Try out the ‘Working From Home’ Theme in the Thinkladder app here:
Even beyond the pandemic, working from home has become a common part of many jobs. Whether by choice or obligation, many of us find ourselves working from home for either some or all of our working hours. It can come with benefits, like less commuting, being able to be at home with the kids, or staying in our comfy clothes. It also presents a whole new set of working challenges to navigate. Many of these are practical challenges, but some are social/emotional/mental.
While we can work on practical solutions, we can also start to address the some of the internal issues by identifying our limiting beliefs. These could be something like, ‘I’ll never have the motivation and drive I need while working from home,’ or ‘Because I work from home, I can no longer leave a bad work day behind me’. Once we have identified these beliefs, we can start to replace them. We can find ideas and ways of thinking that better support our working-from-home experience.
If you are facing challenges in your working-from-home life, then check out the ‘Working from Home’ theme in the Thinkladder app today.
Insights from the ‘Working From Home’ Theme
Using my breaks to stretch, walk around, practise mindfulness, tend plants, or sing, are just a few ways I can lift my mood without leaving my home.
Practical tips for working from home:
Create a Dedicated Workspace: Set up a specific area in your home that is comfortable and free from distractions for your work. This helps to create a mental separation between work and leisure time, which can improve focus and productivity.
Stick to a Routine: Maintain regular work hours as if you were going into an office. Start and end your day at the same time, and schedule breaks and meals to provide structure and prevent burnout.
Take Regular Breaks: Step away from your desk periodically. Short breaks throughout the day can help reduce eye strain, maintain energy levels, and improve focus when you return to work.
Get Dressed for the Day: Change out of pyjamas and into casual or work attire to signal the start of the workday. This can mentally prepare you for being in a professional mindset and distinguish between working time and downtime.
Set Boundaries with Housemates: If you live with others, communicate your work schedule and establish boundaries. This ensures you can work without interruptions and that your housemates respect your work time.
Limit Social Media and Distractions: Use apps that block distracting websites during work hours or set specific times for checking social media. Minimising distractions can improve your concentration and the quality of your work.
Prioritise Tasks: At the start of each day or week, make a to-do list and prioritise tasks. This helps to focus on what’s important, manage time effectively, and provides a sense of accomplishment as you check items off.
Don’t forget the basics:
Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your day. You could start with a morning workout, take a midday walk, or do some stretching exercises during breaks. Physical activity can boost mood, reduce stress, and increase productivity.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy: Keep a water bottle at your desk and snack on healthy foods. Good nutrition supports brain function and energy levels, helping you to stay focused and efficient.
Stay Socially Connected: Working from home can be isolating, so it’s important to maintain contact with colleagues and friends. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or catch-up calls, and use collaborative tools to stay connected and support each other.
Make Time For Reflection: Check in with yourself regularly. Ask what is working well, what could be improved, and how you are personally finding the experience. The Thinkladder app can help you identify areas where you feel stuck so that you can create a positive work environment and experience at home.
Related topics: People Pleasing, Self-Worth, Anxiety & Comparing Myself To Others.