It is a challenge to set boundaries for work and personal life when working from home. A separation between the two can feel almost non-existent. Even with good organization, you can at times find it difficult to effectively manage your work and household concurrently, particularly when you are raising a family at the same time. Even though it is not very possible to draw a physical boundary between professional and personal engagements, there are ways to create a balance between the two.
These are some of the ways to integrate these two facets of life and be productive in all.
Dress for Work
For home-based workers, there is always a temptation to work while in your pajamas. Avoid this and change into a work-suitable attire as if you are going for a formal office job. You may not put on a suit or high heels but make sure you are not in your pajamas. This does well in shifting your mindset to work. Preparation for work is very useful and getting dressed is one of the ways to do it. Create that feeling that you are not just in your house but doing something useful.
Reserve Some Space for Work
Designate some space in your home to be used solely for work assignments. This should provide the right environment for you. It is important to leave your bedroom and the sitting room to a room dedicated for work only. Take this as though you actually left your house. At the same time, have a business-free zone within your house to create balance. The most important thing is to have a place free from any form of distractions.
Enhance Effective Communication
There is a danger of disconnect when people are working from their home and this happens both in a usual work structure involving the team. Touch base with everyone in the team and make sure that you communicate effectively. Once in a while, attend company events in the office. Some experts recommend showing up at the office at least once every three months and take part in the company’s activities.
Maintain Focus by Blocking Out Your Time
Make a clear divide between both work and home-related tasks. Set specific times to work on particular tasks. With all the distractions that may pop up during the day, it is important to have a schedule of everything and keep focus on what you have chosen to do at a given time. Have priorities for each day and make sure you follow them strictly. Know when to work and when not to. Form a habit of ending work within the allocated time and concentrate on family when not working.
Take Breaks in Between Work Sessions
There is a tendency of feeling trapped in your own home. However, make a decision to take breaks in between the work sessions. This is especially if all you have to do is your work and nothing else. If you won’t find a reason to leave your work station, consider taking breaks during work time. The temptation of holding onto your work is usually high but it is not a healthy habit in trying to have life balance.
Remember to “Turn Off” Your Business
Keeping in touch with your team is always good. However, shutting off at times is of equal importance particularly when the day is over. Don’t be available throughout the day 24/7. This is where people lose balance between work and life. In that case, consider this move to avoid burnout, overwork and confusion.
Find Time to Unwind
Endeavor to decompress during unplanned “transitional” time of the day. Have time after work for yourself, like a transition period of some sort. This will help you adjust your mindset from work to personal life. Don’t just switch immediately. Even 5-10 minutes would suffice to create a smooth transition from work to home life. Take a cup of tea maybe or step outside your house for fresh air. This is how to create balance in our life. Endeavor to find time to detach yourself from the day’s work before you settle on family matters.
People have had problems balancing work and life in a normal office job. If you work at home, the case is not different: balancing family life and a home office is very important to live a stress-free life. No amount of work can replace your personal life and neither is there a life without work. All you need is balance. It is very important to balance between your work and personal life in order to remain focused and stay productive in both spheres.
