Working From Home or Living at Work?

The past year brought on many personal and professional changes to everyone around the globe. For those who are fortunate to still be employed, many professionals found themselves working from home. This was a pleasant perk for many, who got to cancel their commutes and roll out of bed and onto Zoom.

But as the weeks turned into months, the sheen of working from home started to wear off for many. There was no longer the ability to clock out since when you’re at home, you are always clocked in. Many employers felt they could reach out to their homebound staff at all hours and the lines have certainly started to blur.

For many, balancing work and home life presented enduring and still-evolving challenges. Working parents had to suddenly balance work responsibilities with homeschooling duties and working from home suddenly started to feel a lot more like living at work.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when the to-do lists never seem to end. Here are a few simple tips to help you regain some balance.

1. Stick to a schedule

Easier said than done, we know. But mapping out a daily schedule with a specific time dedicated to just work leaves plenty of time for the rest of your life, too.

2. Take a Self-Care break

Yes, it’s okay to take a break. Take five minutes out of your day to take a few deep breaths and do something you enjoy. Whether it’s a quick meditation session or reading a chapter in a new book, figure out what feels like self-care for you and make time for it every day.

3. Unplug 2 hours before bed

You’ve heard this one before. Stop checking your inbox before bed. Screen use can interrupt our sleep patterns and make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Take the time to unplug, connect with yourself and your family.

We understand the challenges of working from home aren’t going away anytime soon. But when you do finally return to the office, you’ll look back fondly and just may miss going to work in your sweatpants.