Finding a work/home balance in the age of coronavirus is difficult. I feel you, we all feel you. If only we could be able to get out of the house, have a change of scenery, and be able to work in a more productive space without the fear of getting sick, getting our work done would be so much easier. But all is not lost. There are a few tricks that I have learned to help with this situation. Below are three things that have helped me be able to balance my work space and home life!
1. Create a designated “Work Zone”
This one you may have heard before, but if you haven’t, it’s very effective. Having a space that is dedicated to work helps your brain associate that space with “doing work.” However, this comes with rules. This dedicated space is sacred. Only “work” can happen in this space. It’s best not to do any relaxing or leisure activities in this area because it helps train your brain to know that when you enter this space, you are in work mode. If you are able to, try to make more than one area in your home dedicated to work, that way you can change up your environment, if needed.
2. Create a designated “No Work Zone”
On the flip side, have a designated no work zone. It helps to have an area to take breaks and relax because it further aids our brain in deciphering a boundary between “at home” and “at work.” Furthermore, taking breaks is essential to this balance. Having a clear and focused mind is key to being productive, and this happens when we take breaks.
3. Create and stick to a routine
Lastly, create a routine. This tip is a must because it helps to organize the day and add some structure. The key is to stick to the routine. That way work time won’t bleed over into home or leisure time. So, if 5pm is when you are supposed to stop working, then stopping at 5pm has to be a hard rule. This motivated me to work hard during the day, and, that way, I was able to finish what I needed to do before it was time to transition to something else.
Hopefully these tips were helpful. But above all, be patient with yourself and manage your expectations. Change doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time to adjust. And that’s ok! Just keep pushing and you will arrive at your goals.
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