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Note from Marisa
I’ve been running a work from home business since 2014. One of my biggest challenges has been learning to switch off. I’m always trying to sneak in time for an extra email. Or find myself heading back to my desk after the kids go to bed to hop on a call with a client on the other side of the world. Or lying in bed at night with my head spinning with ideas of what I want to implement next.
The 5 ideas that are shared in this article resonated with me. As my business has grown and shifted over the years, I find that I’ve come back to many of these regularly to maintain my mental, physical, and emotional health.
I hope they resonate with you too.
Do you feel as though sometimes, it doesn’t matter what you do, because you are unable to switch off from work? Maybe you feel as though your mental health is plummeting as a result, because you are answering emails at 11 pm when you should be sleeping. Either way now is the time for you to do something about that.
Create a Solid Workspace
One of the first things you need to do is create a solid workspace. If you have space in your home, an office can be a fantastic way for you to create boundaries. You can also shut the door and step away from work whenever you want.
Give Yourself Time
One of the many challenges that come with working from home is that you don’t have time to switch off. You no longer have your work commute, which can sometimes give you time to decompress on your way home. You also might find that you don’t have the time to enjoy your favorite music like you once did. Either way, to combat this you need to set time aside in your schedule to do the things that you love. This could include listening to music or going on a quick walk. Putting on an audiobook could also be a very good solution, as well as using CBD oil as a way to deal with any anxious feelings that could linger after your working day is done.
Set Normal Working Hours
One of the main benefits that come with working from home is that you have flexible hours. Without a commute, you may decide that you have the potential to start work earlier or to work later. You might also have clients who are constantly pushing you to do extra things for them. If this is the case then you need to set strict working hours. Don’t work beyond your allotted time and also limit miscommunication where possible by detailing the exact hours you are available.
Set Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries for work can be hard when you are working from home. One way for you to do this would be for you to avoid taking time out for your household chores. They can wait until you are done for the day. If you have work to do, don’t do it unless you know that it is out of your working hours. If you can be strict with yourself here and if you can stop any family interruptions while you’re on the clock then this should work in your favor quite a lot.
Turn off Tech
At the end of the working day, you need to try and turn off any tech. This includes your phone and even your personal computer. It can be a difficult habit to break, but it is so important. Checking your email for just a few minutes can put you back into work mode, and this is the last thing you need when you are trying so hard to disconnect, so make sure that you keep this in mind.
