With most of us transitioning our work from the office to our homes the next couple weeks or even months, many have already found a challenge in simply getting a solid eight-hour workday in amongst the chaos and confusion of our current moment. Especially for those who live with other family members or children or other roommates, it can be hard to find a healthy work-life balance that feels well rounded, yet also productive. Many are currently struggling with working more hours, for less billable time. Fewer hours are being clocked, yet it feels like the entire day is taken up with work. Many are experiencing a diminished capacity right now to concentrate and be productive and inventive, and it has significantly affected our daily schedules.
Because we’re not used to creating our own schedule, there’s a lot of transitional and spillover time throughout our day, yet we’re not necessarily using it wisely. It can be difficult to find the time to simply go on a walk or get in much-needed exercise for the day amid trying to complete as much work as possible. One of the biggest problems that people are facing right now is finding a quiet and productive workspace in which they can settle into and cultivate work. The secret to actually creating a productive workday from home lies in the individual developing a well-rounded health-centered lifestyle. This means starting early, getting enough sleep, securing the time to exercise, having a good work environment and taking breaks when you need them. Below are a few ways to effectively create balance in your workday even through these unprecedented times.
Start Early
One of the best ways to get a head start on the workday is to set a schedule much like you would set during your normal routine as if you were going to the office. Wake up early, make your coffee, settle into the morning without having to rush and scramble to sit down at the computer right when you need to. Use an hour or two in the morning when everyone else is asleep to do the things that will help make you feel your best and to be able to sustain energy throughout the day. Stretch, take the dog for a walk, wash your face, have a coffee, eat some food and psych yourself up for the ensuing hours of concentration ahead. By starting early you can end your day before 5 or 6 and still have the evening to relax, spend time with family, play games or go on a run. This balance is super important and it’s also crucial to get into bed before it’s too late so that you’re getting enough sleep.
Physical Exercise
During stressful times, the first thing that tends to go is our willingness to exercise and respect for our physical being. While understandable, this is perhaps the most important facet keeping us all together and maintaining a balanced lifestyle that we need more than ever right now. It can be difficult to set aside time during the workday even under normal circumstances to get to the gym or go on a run from your house. However, at this moment it’s increasingly more important to give yourself that time to feel good in your body to engage in some heavy breathing and to cut out a solid chunk of time that is just for yourself. When we commit to a work day we are giving up our time to our company and our bosses and a lot of the time it can feel like it’s not our time. So, during your workday, it is key to make sure that you are getting outside to go for a walk or run and knowing that the time is reserved solely for you. It’s also a really great time to mentally reset and clear the mind. Returning to work after a healthy walk is sometimes the best way to feel productive and fresh.
Craft A Work Sanctuary
Although it can be difficult to imagine an office within your bustling home environment, it will make all the difference if you can create a safe and quiet place to lean into your work. Start by designing your temporary office layout. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who has a spare guest bedroom you can turn into a home office. Though if it’s a living room that you have available, consider ordering glass wall partitions to create an at-home cubicle with office room dividers or room divider with doors that will give you enough spatial separation from the rest of the house (and family) to be able to detach and concentrate. Another solution is installing sliding glass doors, that can be either left open for when you’re not working or closed and even locked for those grueling hours when you really need to shut out the outside world. Filling your home office with things that spark joy will also help make you feel at home in your work sanctuary. Bring some plants into your home office to give yourself some fresh air and relaxing greenery. Natural light will also really help bring life into the area, so another benefit of having a glass sliding door room divider is that they allow for the flow of natural light. Consider bringing a diffuser into your space to again freshen up the atmosphere and help you breathe easy.
Breaks and Breath
It’s important to give yourself the gift of rest. Take breaks throughout your work day when needed, the most important thing during this time is to listen to your body and your higher self and make sure that your needs are being met. Don’t try to push through even while uncomfortable as it will only backfire down the road. Creating a healthy work/life balance is key in getting through these troubling times. Remember to breathe throughout your day. Maintaining inner chi is heavily dependent on your willingness to breathe deeply and consciously.
Draw upon more tips and inspiration by visiting the Space Plus online and get started creating your ideal home office today! Make the move towards crafting a desirable workspace, and visit Space Plus, A Division of the Sliding Door Company. Get a quote from one of our professionals to begin the transformation.
