Balance Your Life

Working From Home

Working from home doesn’t suit everyone. Some of us have been doing it by choice for decades, others have found it forced upon them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’d like to begin by pointing out that working from home due to pandemic restrictions is not necessarily the same as working from home prior to the pandemic.

If you share your living space and/or have home schooling to factor in too, you might have found that your living space suddenly feels insufficient for everyone to work effectively.

If you live alone, you might have found that you miss the physical interaction you get from working in a shared office space.

Students who are used to being at college or university might have found themselves struggling to manage studying from home full-time.

Whichever category you fall into, it’s very important to separate your working day from your leisure time, and STOP working.

How to end your working day

  • Switch off your computer and put it out of sight. If you cannot pack everything away, simply draping a towel over your work area will keep it out of your sight, and out of your mind
  • Switch off your work phone – you’re not paid to work 24/7
  • Wash your hands! You’d be surprised how many germs are lingering on your keyboard and phone screen. This small ritual also signifies the end of your working day. You are washing your working energy from your body, and so changing your mental and physical state.

Then do one of these

  • Take a shower or bath
  • Get changed into different clothes*
  • Do a workout or stretch, even if only for 5 minutes – see ideas here
  • Meditate – go here for a 2 minute guided meditation
  • Sit and take a few focused breaths – in and out of the nose

Now you’ve changed your energy and are in a more relaxed state, you’re ready to prepare and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal.

Put on your favourite music, listen to a podcast, or just enjoy some peace and quiet.

* This is a Tiny Achievable Action that would prompt you to do a 5 minute stretch, workout or meditation, depending on the intention you choose to set for yourself.