New to working from home? Here’s how to adjust to your new normal

Much of the world is working from home now the coronavirus has taken its grip. 

For many, this will be a sudden and tricky adjustment to make. It certainly was for me and I proactively chose to take a working from home job. I knew what I was getting into and wasn’t forced into a new way of working by a global pandemic. 

If you’ve suddenly had working from home thrust upon you, I’ve got you covered. Here are the things that helped me adjust and keep (some of) my sanity as a home worker. 

Keep a routine

This might seem obvious but sticking to a regular routine is essential. Get up at a regular time everyday, leaving plenty of time to get ready before work. Rushing to a 9am conference call having just rolled out of bed is never a good look. 

For me, I’ve found that waking up at a similar time as I would if I was commuting helps. Don’t get me wrong, some mornings I can’t resist the lie-in, but I find waking up that bit earlier helps me to warm up to the working day. Most mornings I do a workout, sometimes I just use the time to do things that I would have done on a commute, like attempting to learn a new language. Doing this will also help you to readjust to commuting once we go back to some kind of post-coronavirus normality. 

Stick to your set working hours and don’t be tempted to work all the time just because it’s technically possible. Establish clear boundaries for when work time ends and personal time begins. 

Wear clothes you would actually go outside in

While it might be tempting to work in your PJs all day, this is going to do nothing for your productivity. I like to dress as if I am going into an office, or at the very least, wear clothes I wouldn’t be totally embarrassed to go outside in. We’re all different but, for me, I can never get into a proper working mindset unless I’m at least half-decently dressed.

Create a physical space dedicated to work, however tiny that may be

The novelty of being able to work from the comfort of your bed is what dreams are made of, but it gets unproductive and uncomfortable very quickly. Working in the same space that you relax also blurs the lines between work and personal time, which won’t be good for your long-term mental health.

When I was working from home in a cramped house share, I invested in a foldable desk, which did the job perfectly. The joy of folding the desk away at the end of the working day helped me forget about work and focus on my ‘me time’.

Get your desk set-up right – your back will thank you for it

You can manage a few days working on your sofa or at your dining room table but it won’t be long before your back is in agony. Unless you want to spend a fortune at chiropractors (after quarantines are lifted of course), you really need to get your set-up right. 

Ideally, your eyes should be in line with the top of your laptop with your arms bent at a right angle. I have a kneeling chair and a laptop riser which have made the world of difference to the back and shoulder pain I was experiencing. 

Exercise, even when you really can’t be bothered

It’s no secret that working from home can be lonely and mentally challenging. The endorphins released during exercise can really help keep your mind in the right place. 

I’m no Kayla Itsines but exercise has become an important part of my working from home routine. On the days I don’t do it, I feel more stressed and grouchy, which is no good for anyone. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, a little bit of exercise will go a long way in helping you deal with the mental strains that working from home can bring. 

Find human interaction where you can

Our quarantine times make it pretty difficult to get proper human interaction. Embracing technology can help to make you feel more connected. 

Try and use video calls rather than email or instant messaging wherever you can. While it might feel weird to get used to, seeing actual moving faces, even if they are behind a screen, will help you feel like there is some kind of life outside your four walls. 

If you have colleagues that you actually like, try and make some time to speak to them about things that aren’t work-related. Everyone is struggling at the moment and a five minute chat could make all the difference to them as well as you. 

Get some greenery in your life

Whether artificial or real, greenery is proven to help lift mood.

I’ve taken to having bunches of flowers around the place recently and they’ve really boosted my spirits. 

If you don’t fancy getting too green fingered, get yourself some good quality artificial ones.

Working from home is actually great once you’ve got used to it

I’m not going to lie, I found it tricky to adjust to working from home. You go from being in an office surrounded by people, to being cooped up inside four walls. 

However strange it feels it first, it will definitely get easier. If you feel like you’re struggling, you can always get in touch to let off some steam.