9 Tips To Balance Work And Life When Working From Home
Do you find yourself struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working from home? It can be difficult to keep up with our daily tasks, and maintaining the right balance between work projects and life activities is essential for productivity and mental well-being.
This can be especially hard when your office is also your living space!
Don’t worry, though; in this blog post, we’ll discuss practical strategies that will help you achieve the perfect balance between work and life when working from home. With these tips and tricks, you’ll soon see an improvement in both your efficiency levels as well as your personal enjoyment of life!
Keep reading to learn more about how you can masterfully manage both worlds without feeling overworked or overwhelmed.
I started working from home when I moved to Bolivia in September 2019, and it became overwhelming pretty fast. From a job I loved, it rapidly turned into the only thing I do if I’m not sleeping.
As you can imagine, it really impacted all areas of my life and well-being, including any motivation actually to do the work and any pleasure in life.
Especially when you’re self-employed and basically the more work you do, the more money you make, it’s easy to lose control and make your job your personality.
But that is exactly what we should try to avoid! So what is that elusive work-life balance to strive for?
Work-Life Balance And Why It’s Important
Work-life balance is the ability to maintain a healthy relationship between work and personal life.
It’s important because it allows individuals to enjoy both their professional and personal lives without one interfering with the other.
Achieving this balance can help prevent burnout, reduce stress levels, improve productivity, increase job satisfaction, and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, having a good work-life balance can make you more productive at work by allowing you to stay focused on tasks for longer periods of time.
Ultimately, striving for an optimal work-life balance will lead to improved performance in both areas of your life!
I’m talking from experience; if you don’t make it an important part of your life to balance these two, you will burn out and find yourself having a breakdown in no time.
My breakdown also coincided with the pandemic of 2020, and it was no fun at all. So here are the important and pretty simple things you can do to make sure you don’t have to go through hell just because of your work.
Tips To Balance Work And Life When Working From Home
When it comes to how to balance work and life when working from home, the key is to be organized.
So here are a few exact things I did that were game-changing in finding that elusive balance, and I’m sure they will help you as well.
#1 Create a routine and stick to it
The best way to overcome work overwhelming your life is by creating a routine that works for you.
Start by making a plan for the week ahead. Decide what needs to be done and when.
Then set specific times to work, rest, and play. These times will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the week.
It may take some time to adjust, but trust me, once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature.
That’s probably why I became such a huge fan of the Bullet Journal method since it really allows you to plan and create routines and do all the other things to help you with work-life balance.
#2 Keep a separate workspace if possible
When you’re working from home, it can be tough to separate your work life from your personal life, especially if you’re working from your dinner table.
That’s why it’s important to create a designated workspace that’s separate from the rest of your home.
Setting up a space that’s just for work can help you stay focused and productive when you’re on the clock. Plus, by physically separating your workspace from the rest of your home, you’ll be less likely to feel like work is taking over your entire life.
Whether it’s a separate room or just a corner of your home, carving out an area that’s solely for work can make a huge difference in your productivity and mental health.
#3 Take regular breaks throughout the day
Many of us spend most of our day glued to our computer screens, working away diligently. It’s easy to get lost in work tasks when you don’t have your usual distractions and signs that it’s time to take a break or go for lunch.
However, it’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Taking five minutes every hour or so to step away from the computer and do something else can have a huge impact on your mental and physical health.
Get up, stretch your legs, grab a glass of water or a snack, or simply take a few deep breaths. Not only will this help to reduce eye strain and prevent headaches, but it can also help to reduce stress and improve overall productivity.
My Apple watch really helps me with that since I turned on a function to buzz every hour and remind me to at least stand up.
#4 Set boundaries
Working from home can be challenging, especially if you live with family or housemates who may not always understand when you’re working and when you’re not.
In order to be productive and stay on track with your work, it’s important to set boundaries.
Communicate to your loved ones when you need to focus and let them know when you will be available to spend time with them.
By setting these boundaries, you’ll be able to better balance your work and home life, and your family or housemates will be more respectful of your work schedule.
I only wish it would be as easy to do with pets! My dog definitely has no respect for my working hours.
#5 Communicate with colleagues regularly
Staying connected with our teammates is essential in ensuring success in our work.
By keeping in touch with our colleagues regularly, we can exchange information, provide updates, and work collaboratively towards our goals. Communication is key, and by reaching out to each other frequently, we can avoid mistakes, meet deadlines, and stay on track.
But even more than that, it would help you to keep your sanity and actually feel like you’re not isolated but working in a group. The social elements of work will definitely help you with your well-being.
#6 Prioritize self-care
With busy schedules and daily stressors, it’s easy to forget to set aside a bit of time for yourself each day.
But here’s the thing: taking care of yourself is a crucial part of leading a healthy and fulfilling life. Whether it’s reading a good book, listening to your favorite tunes, or breaking a sweat with some exercise, prioritizing self-care can bring major benefits to your mental and physical well-being.
This is especially important if you work from home, so be sure to plan out some time for yourself. Yes, plan out and have a block of time for self-care in your planner and commit to doing it!
#7 Eat proper lunch
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a busy workday, but one thing we shouldn’t forget is to take care of our health. And a big part of that is making sure we have a proper lunch.
I know it can be tempting to eat at your desk while you work, especially if you’re working from home. But trust me; it’s worth taking the time to step away from your computer screen and enjoy your meal.
Not only does it give your eyes a break, but it also allows you to savor your food and be more mindful of what you’re eating. Plus, it’s a great way to take a break from your work and replenish a bit of your mental energy as well.
#8 Make plans for your after
Making plans for your after-work hours is a great way to balance work fatigue and prioritize your personal life.
Whether it’s hitting the gym, catching up with friends, reading a book, or enjoying your favorite hobby, having something to look forward to after a long workday can make a big difference.
So, take a moment to think about what brings you joy and try to fit it into your schedule. I guarantee it will make a positive impact on your overall well-being and help you feel more energized for the next workday.
It’s especially important when you work from home, and it will definitely help you actually to stop working on time and go have fun.
#9 Get ready for work the same way you do when you’re going to the office
When working from home, I know how tempting it is to stay in your pajamas all day or even just work from your bed. After all, you’re home!
But getting ready for work, just as you would when you’re going into the office, can be a game-changer.
Not only will it help you mentally transition into work mode, but it can also improve your productivity. Plus, you’ll be ready for any unexpected video calls or impromptu meetings.
So, take a shower, get dressed, and brew your favorite cup of coffee. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes to treat your work-from-home setup like a professional workspace.
To sum it up, managing the transition from office to home working can be challenging, but with a few adjustments and strategies, you can quickly get back into the rhythm of balance in your life.
Working from home provides so many benefits and freedoms that it’s definitely work making this extra effort to adjust and create your perfect working situation.
Let us know in the comments what are your struggles with working from home!