BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Working from home has become the new normal for all of us. And while it seemed fun at first, many of us are craving a normal work life routine. So, here are some tips you can use to create that office feel when working from home.
1. Create a schedule and stick to it.
Make an hourly list of tasks you should be doing throughout your day. It can include getting breakfast, taking lunch, or sending emails, but list it all out and stick to it. Creating a routine can be very powerful, and if you lose track of what you're supposed to be doing, you can always refer to the list.
2. Pretend like you're going into the office.
Get up and shower! It's easy to stay in your pajamas all day when you're working from home, but that can also bog you down. Getting in the shower will tell your brain it is time to work.
3. Create a work space and keep it organized.
If you have the ability to create a home office, do it!
Work towards a window to get some sunlight and avoid staring at a wall all day. Work in the opposite direction of the rest of your house to avoid seeing mess or clutter.
If you have no space to work from other than your room, or you just prefer it there, try to sit perpendicular from the way you sleep. That way, you can mentally separate work time from relaxing time.
4. Keep your desktop clear.
It's so easy for our desktops to become cluttered, so make it a priority to clear it out after every work shift, or at least once a week.
5. Create rules at your work space to avoid distractions.
For example, no Facebook, Instagram, or personal phones. Try putting your cellphone in a different room, that way if you want to use it, you will have to physically get up to do so. Turn off your WiFi when working on tasks that doesn't require it.
6. Take a break!
We all begin to crash after a while, so if you can, take a moment to do another task. That can be the laundry you forgot to fold the other night or making lunch! Taking a break can even mean switching tasks. For example, if you've been working on excel all day, switch to writing emails.
7. Make plans for after work.
Whether it's Facetiming a friend or watching a movie, have something to look forward to at the end of the day. Giving yourself a deadline will help you work more efficiently.
