If you are after some tips for working from home, you are in the right place. Working from home has become a sudden reality, with the rise of offices shutting during the Coronavirus outbreak (and generally with more and more people owning their own businesses or looking for a flexible work-life balance.
But remember it’s not an easy transition if you’ve spent years sat at a desk, as I did for six years, suddenly working from home can throw your routine, sleeping pattern and mind out of control.
It may sounds great when the idea comes in to your mind, but it can be challenging and can take some time for you to adjust.
Staying motivated, and not getting distracted are the problems I struggle with the most. And often I find myself not getting as much done, whilst working from home, as I’d like.
I have worked from home for over two years now part-time and I just wanted to share tips I have learned during this time.
In this blog post I am sharing some of my top tips for working from home, which will lead to increased productivity, a good posture and healthy life.
*This video includes affiliate links – by buying through one of these links I make income to continue making content and you don’t have to pay any extra.
12 Top Tips for Working From Home
1. Building your space
If you have space within your home for a desk, use it! It is really great to create separate spaces so that you differentiate between workspace and living space. I live in a fairly space cottage so there is not an abundance of space to work with. But in the recent weeks me and Theo have bought a second desk and put one desk in our living room, and one on our landing area so we can both work from home, but in separate spaces.
2. Invest in loungewear
Since finding out I was going to be isolating and working from home, I decided it was time to invest in some items of high-quality and long-lasting loungewear. I am currently working with one of my favourite brands Figleaves, as part of the campaign with them I have picked out a selection of essential and comfort-inducing pieces from their website.
The collection includes home work-out gear, cosy pyjamas, film evening loungewear and cardigan’s so soft you will never want to take it off. I have filmed a vlog for my YouTube channel where I talk you through my favourite pieces of clothing. WATCH HERE!
+ watch to the end for your exclusive 20% Figleaves Discount Code
Items:
NEW BALANCE Pace Bra | NEW BALANCE Accelerate Tight | WACOAL Halo Lace Soft Cup Bra | WACOAL Halo Lace Bikini Brief | CALVIN KLEIN Modern Cotton Bralette | CALVIN KLEIN Modern Cotton Legging | ELLESSE Albany Core Heritage T-Shirt | CALVIN KLEIN Modern Cotton Jogger | FIGLEAVES Millie Lace Bralette | FIGLEAVES Millie Lace Cheeky Brazilian | FIGLEAVES Merino and Yak Coatigan | CALVIN KLEIN Modern Cotton Bikini | CALVIN KLEIN CK One Cotton Bralette | FIGLEAVES Camelia Soft Touch PJ Set
3. Get plenty of fresh air
Make sure you get lots of fresh air when you are working from home. I would recommend opening the windows at regular intervals to help air circulate throughout your home. Making sure that air quality is not compromised is very important and if you’re living with someone unwell be sure to allow fresh air through the house regularly.
READ MORE: 6 Tips for Staying On Track With Your Fitness Goals
4. Structure your day
I find the most useful thing for me is to plan my day in to chunks. Make sure, especially if you are working at a laptop for most of your day, make sure you get breaks in, take an hour lunch and go for a walk. And you could also schedule in tasks in to block periods. e.g. email XX at 9.15, schedule social media between 2pm-3pm.
- Wake up and meditate
- Have a cup of tea and look at structure for the day
- Start work at 9am
- Coffee break at 11am
- Have a lunch at 12.30pm and head off for a walk after
- Continue work for 3 more hours
- Finish work at 4pm – 5pm
- Turn off all technology
- FaceTime your friends for wine night (virtually)
- Spend your evenings relaxing with a book, bath or podcast
5. Clean up your surroundings
A tidy space is great for your mental health so I always try to clean up after the day working from home. I would recommend putting things away when you’re not using them and unplug and turn off any electrical equipment when it in use. And also make sure you clean the space regularly, you are now living and working from home, so spaces will become dirty quicker than if you were out all day.
6. Plan your day the night before
I find this tip really useful as it totally refocuses my mind and allows me to turn off for sleep. Most people finish a working day with lots still going on in their heads, and often is remains running around our minds well into the evening and sometimes at night. A top tips for working from home would be to plan your schedule for the day the night before and write it down, so you stay accountable. It gets everything out of your head and on to paper, so you can rest better.
7. Limited your TV usage
Prolonged TV watching means you are inactive for longer periods of time and this alone may make you feel unmotivated, potentially put on weight, and include muscle wastage in extreme cases, especially the young and the elderly. So definitely make sure you limit your screen time, as it can put pressure on your eye muscles too. Use the TV in good ways by doing home exercise classes, yoga or hold a Netflix Party!
8. Eat a healthy varied diet
The more colours you can eat, the better. Always remember to stick to a rainbow diet, especially when you are spending a lot of time inside and looking at screens. Keep your meals small and regular rather than eating large portions a couple of times a day, as it aids digestion and elimination (bowel movements) when you’re less active.
READ MORE: Match your tea to your mood
9. Finish work two hours of bedtime
My top tips for working from home and something I’ve really not done well over the years is finishing work two hours before bedtime. I have often finished work at 10pm or even 1am sometimes and I have then got in to bed straight away and then I have so much whizzing around my head in to the early hours of the morning.
If you work for yourself, you 100% need to set some boundaries as it can be really easy to not switch off and over work. But remember how important sleep is – it really is as important as physical health. Make sure you check out some of my sleep guides for more advice on sleeping!
10. Keep hydrated
You and your family must all keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of clear fluids, warm or cold, it doesn’t matter. If you become unwell with flu- like symptoms it’s best to drink warm liquids so as to help soothe the chest and soften the mucus.
11. Talk to friends and family
Friends and family are only a phone call or video call away and having a chat and seeing those that you love can really help break up the day and lower your anxiety and boredom levels. Your kids will love a video call with friends while they’re unable to play together at this time. Making work calls is also positive, and increases Your productivity and feeling of connection If you are still working from home.
12. Get ‘ready’ for work (shower and dressed)
The thing I have found most useful is getting showered and dressed every morning and how beneficial that is to focusing my mind to being ready to work. In fact as I write this blog post I have not showered today as we went out for a walk this morning and then I got distracted by work and now it’s 6am – eurgh I hear you say. And it’s true – I have felt grumpy all day, and dirty, like I need to freshen up. You can also add your skincare routine in to this as normal, as it’ll make you feel more alive and awake first thing in the morning.
13. Get enough sleep!
Sleep is so important for our minds, bodies and souls. I would recommend getting a minimum of 7 hours a night, as it can really help boost the immune system and help keep anxiety levels down. If you are having trouble sleeping try having a warm bath before bed, spray some lavender or listen to a sleep story on the Calm app. I would also suggest listening to some mediation guides or practicing deep breathing for 10 minutes before bed can do wonders for a restful sleep.
Sophie xxx
READ MORE: 7 Tips for Falling Asleep at Night
My Travel Tips and Recommendations
Flights
To book flights, I always use flight search engine, Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals.
Accommodation
For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through Booking.com. I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use this link to get £25 off your first visit!
Photography and Technology
Here is a list of the technology I always travel with:
Travel Insurance
Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner. World Nomads is an affordable option that I personally recommend. BOOK HERE
You can also find me on social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Other posts that may help you:
Ultimate Guide to one week in Bali Itinerary
Visit Lisbon: 9 Day Trips from Lisbon
Berlin City Break: How to spend a Weekend in Berlin Germany
The Best City Breaks for Couples
10 of the Best places to eat Brunch in London
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Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.
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Sophie X
