3 Ways To Work Better From Home

After writing the previous article, I thought it’d be worthwhile continuing these series on working from home. I try to offer some practical steps I learned and implement in my life. 

Let’s acknowledge that all of us are being disrupted. 

You probably fall in either one of these 3 categories of people stuck at home;

1. Kept your job but work from home, 
2. Lost your job or are furloughed, 
3. No change, already work from home. Freelancers, remote workers and stay-at-home parents. 

It hasn’t been a smooth transition for many of us. These uncertainties has brought strain to your work and home relationships. Some of you feel stressed, mentally exhausted and emotionally drained. These may be compounded if you’ve lost your jobs. 

In reality, the biggest challenge to working from home is what goes on in the mind. 

Being unable to leave home, you might feel claustrophobic. Introverts are exhausted with the constant presence of your family or kids. Extroverts struggle with the lack of real human contact or just the chance to step outside. 

With all of these change around us and within us, it may be helpful to consider how you can keep mentally sharp, emotionally fulfilled and relationally healthy. 

Here are 3 suggestions that may help you navigate these new waters.

Manage your energy, not your time. 

You probably find yourself most energetic in the morning, with the energy waning off as the day progresses. Figure out your energy levels and then which task is best suited for that moment of the day. Consider some flexibility rather than rigidity in your schedules

Prepare the night before. 

If you can, plan your priorities the next day. Look at your calendar. List your todos. It is sort of coming out with the outline of what your day will look like. It doesn’t take long and will get you ready to tackle your tasks. 

Keep an average speed.

Sprinters run top speed but only for short bursts. Be a long distance runner. Don’t try to do it all at high revs. Maintain a steady pace. You will be able to go further for longer. 

This may vary from person to person, so try out what works for you. It is a good time to reset the way you work and come out healthier, happier and more productive.