Many of you all of a sudden find yourselves in a situation where you are working from home instead of going to your office and meeting your co-workers, having meetings and interacting with others. That is a big change!
We would know, as we both used to have office jobs - Anette in the Norwegian military and Susanne in the UN. We were true office people with our own coffee mugs, packed lunch and office snacks.
With the shift in our careers, starting our own business and leaving our old jobs, the past two years we have been working from home. It is a big shift for sure.
Our best working from home tips
1. Mornings are important
By this, I mean that you need to set yourself up for success from the first thing in the morning. For me, that means that I wake up slowly. I take a minute or two to understand who and where I am. I drink 1/2 - 1 liter of lukewarm lemon water. Then I walk my dog for 20 minutes, do a short meditation, shower and start the day.
I would highly recommend you to wait with reading the news, check your emails and chat with people for the first 1/1 - 1 hour of your day. This is an important time to tune into YOU, and you don’t need everybody else worries, stress and fears into your life at the time when you still are a little vulnerable (early morning).
2. Maintain a routine
It’s very easy to drift into lazy mornings, weekends feelings and snuggling in bed when working from home. Its not that that’s not okay (I love that sometimes), but to be productive it’s easier if you decide your working hours, take breaks at certain times, and decide when you’re done working.
3. Appearance actually matters
Haha! I never thought I would say this. What I mean is that it can feel really good to take a shower, dress nicely and do your eyebrows (or whatever you do) in order to feel fresh when you’re working. Even if no one sees you. It just changes the vibe. At least for me ;) I still work from my PJs many days too…
4. Stay hydrated and maintain balanced blood sugar
This is so important!! No matter where you are working from, of course. But hey, a reminder is always good? I keep my blood sugar balanced by having something to snack on between meals (dates, apples, celery sticks, coconut crisp, smoothies), and I always have a cup of tea, matcha, cacao, or water by my side. We have more healthy, vegan snack tips here.
5. Take breaks
Be on when you’re on, but acknowledge that breaks are much needed. My dog reminds me when I’ve been sitting too long on my but, and we go for a walk in the park. Other break activities could include stretching, eating, staring out the window, some yoga, strength training, organizing or having a chat with a friend.
6. Have a designated office space
I love working from my bed, don’t get me wrong. But not every day. I feel more productive if I actually sit up straight in a chair with my back straight, good lighting, my notebook and something to drink. Make sure your office space is clean, organized and inspiring!
Then, I break it up by changing around. I spent some time on the couch with my laptop, some time at the table, and maybe some in the bed.
7. Procrastinate, but keep it sane
All of a sudden you have 204 tabs open - some cat and dog videos, some facebook group chats, online shopping of fluffy indoor shoes and a cute little hat. It happens.
I tried so hard to resist procrastinating at times, until I found out I had to make peace with it. It’s part of the breaks. Accept that you will procrastinate, and cut down on the time doing it from there!
8. Don’t be too hard on yourself
It’s very different to not be around your co-workers, in your office space, in a new routine. Maybe you’re working from home with your whole family running around, and some dogs and cats. It can be hard keeping focus, maintaining calm and being productive.
Give yourself space! It’s a period of transition. This is new for you. And even if it’s not new for you, it takes time to adjust. Give yourself space and talk kindly to yourself while you figure out how this whole workingfromhome thing works.
9. Keep good snacks at home
Who else gets super snacky just because you’re at home? Maybe you’re sitting close to the kitchen, thinking about everything you could snack on? Or is it just me.
In order not to drift into cake baking, drowning in vegan chocolate and chips, I need to have good snacks at home available at all times. Not that some cake is a bad idea, especially if you make a healthier version - like a raw cake or something like that. I love stopping by Oslo Raw, which is close to where I live, to pick up a vegan cake or two. From the store, I stock up on apples, pears, coconut crisps, dates, celery sticks, smoothies, cucumber and guacamole, tea (I love Yogi and Pukka), and oat milk to make warm lattes.
10. Decide when your working day is finished
I find myself sitting into the night hours, still working, and never actually wrapping up. Some days I just feel so inspired that I don’t want to stop, so I don’t feel like I have to force myself into it either. Other days I feel like I’m better off wrapping up early and going for a run, a walk, a workout or meeting up with some friends. No matter how long or short your working day is, it feels good to know when the day is over. For me, that gives me peace of mind. If not, I constantly keep thinking about work, all the things I possibly could do that day, and never really rest. Someone wise said: rest 100% when resting and work 100% when working.
What are your best hacks to work from home??