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Read the Blog
Working from home?
I thought I would share some of my top tips to keep you sane and make through the working day!
I’ve been working from home for almost 18 years. I was a student for 4 years before that, studying from home, so I’ve had plenty of practice! My husband also works from home, so we were already pretty good at managing our working day before all this lockdown business started! However, I know some people are now forced to work from home who find the adjustment difficult for various reasons.
There are many excellent articles out there guiding you through the myriad of ergonomically-designed desks, chairs, and accessories to make your home office space more comfortable and more productive. I’m not going to repeat all that, but I think some crucial points often get ignored and making a few minimal changes can make a big difference to your working day!
My home office has relocated to different rooms and positions within the same house several times. I’ve lost count of the number of times it’s been redesigned, redecorated and re-positioned. It’s still not perfect, but it’s getting there!
The tips I’m about to share with you won’t cost you a penny and could turn your working day into a pleasure!
Sit in front of a window
Or next to one. Preferably open! I know this may not be possible for some people; however, if you can, re-positioning your desk to face the window can make a huge difference. You will benefit from natural daylight – working in natural light is easier on the eyes. Even if you don’t have much of a view, move your head away from your screen or paperwork to look out of the window at regular intervals. This will help to ‘rest’ your eyes and allow them to re-focus on something at a distance.
Open the window!
Even during winter, we still need fresh air. Open the window and put an extra layer on if it’s a bit draughty! The fresh air from an open window will help you concentrate better and stay alert while you work.
Check your posture
Even if we have the right height of desk and a comfortable, ergonomic work chair, we are all guilty of slouching from time to time! Be mindful of how you are sitting and correct your posture regularly. By doing this, you will avoid all sorts of aches and pains, like backache, neck or shoulder strain and headaches.
Sit up straight, shoulders back, with your feet flat on the floor.
There are lots of efficient lumbar support cushions and footrests available online if your chair/desk height ratio isn’t quite perfect, or you can use a cushion or rolled-up towel to produce the same supportive effect.
Stand Up!
Following on from checking your posture, you should stand up AT LEAST once every hour, and even move around if you can at every opportunity – while you are on the phone or getting a drink of water. Stand up and have a stretch, roll your shoulders, stretch your legs. Anyone who has a smartwatch or Fitbit will probably get reminders to do this at regular intervals anyway, but even if you don’t, set a reminder on your phone or pc. Moving for an extra one minute an hour, in an eight-hour day can make all the difference.
If you invest in a new desk, the type with adjustable height or ‘standing’ lift mechanism is an excellent investment, as you can adjust the height to suit you. You can also spend some time throughout the day, standing up. Standing will encourage you to move more.
Get rid of the clutter!
I can’t bear working amongst a lot of clutter. I need my work-desk to be clutter-free with only the things I am using at the time on the desk in front of me.
Tidy anything you are not using – pens, chargers, notebooks, etc. away in a drawer or on a shelf, within reach but out of sight. You will clear your workspace and your headspace! It will allow you to focus on what you are doing with no distractions.
I should also mention that this goes for closing down any programs/apps you are not using too! It’s far too easy to open one of your social media feeds or email, just for a quick check – and before you know it, half an hour has passed!
Re-Charge your batteries at the end of the day
Make sure you charge all of you tech gadgets and accessories overnight so you that they (and you) are fully-charged and ready to operate in the morning and get off to a flying start. There is nothing worse than taking an early business call and realising your phone is about to die on you! Or you need to join a Zoom meeting, and your Bluetooth headphones are dead!
And last but NOT least…
Take some time out for yourself! Go for a walk in the fresh air, or just go outside for 10 minutes. Call a friend for a quick chat. Listen to your favourite music. Hug the dog! Spend a little time doing something you love. It will help your brain switch off and wind down, and you will feel fresher for it!
There are some negatives to working from home, depending on your situation. You may have childcare issues, lack of space, noisy neighbours! There is also the loneliness aspect, missing that daily connection with other work colleagues.
But there are many positives for home-working too, and if you can embrace those and be thankful, you will appreciate your own wee space much more. You can save money on travel expenses and shop-bought lunches and coffees. You might be able to work more flexible hours too. In winter, I always appreciate not having to scrape ice or snow off the car, or hang around in the freezing cold waiting for public transport! When the weather is good, there is usually more opportunity to go outside and enjoy the sunshine – sit outside with your laptop, enjoy your little space. Be thankful that the minute you shut down – you’re finished – and you’re already home!
Hope my quick tips help you get the most out of working from home!
