While it may not be possible for home based business owners and workers to completely draw the line between personal and professional, there are ways to better integrate the different facets of your life. Here are some tips to help you achieve better work-life balance when you work at home.
7 Ways to Improve Work-Life Balance When You Work at Home
#1Get dressed
Though it’s tempting to work in your favorite PJs, it may not be the best option for productivity. It helps if you get dressed as if you are going to work.
You don’t have to wear a suit or heels, of course, but don’t stay in your pajamas, either. Dressing in clothes that you would wear outside of the home helps you get into the mindset of work.
Treat [your home] like a real work environment. It changes the culture.
#2. Create (and maintain) a designated work space
Much like putting on a proper outfit, committing to only doing work in a defined space, like an office or other sectioned-off area of your home, can help to create a more productive work environment.
It’s critical to commute out of the bedroom to a dedicated work space that separates work from personal space. Once you’ve commuted to your work space, treat your day as if you’ve actually left the house.
In addition to having a dedicated work area, it is also really important to keep at least one space in the house as a business-free zone.
#3. Effectively communicate
Working from home can create a disconnect; both with a “typical” work structure and the team. It’s important to touch base with the team and communicate effectively.
Remote workers should come into the office at least once a quarter, and participate in their company’s intranet, if it has one.
#4. Take breaks
Another obstacle to work-life balance for home-based professionals is the feeling of being “trapped” in their own home. If you don’t have any urgent errands to run or appointments, you could find yourself cooped up at home for several days at a time.
It’s important to remember that you still need to take breaks so that you don’t find yourself working nonstop for a long period of time. It’s important to get up every hour and stretch and walk around, plus take a proper lunch.”
#5. Learn to “turn off” your business
Although being connected and communicative with your team is important, it’s equally important to shut off when the day is over. If you’re available all hours of the day, it will quickly become an expectation and work-life balance will be nonexistent.
Create a separate email address for after-hours issues that may arise, and tell your employees and professional contacts to only use this address for emergency situations.
To put your mind at ease about missing anything urgent, check it just once after you decide to stop working for the day.
#6. Block out your time to focus on specific tasks
Giving your full attention to a specific task, regardless of whether it’s work- or home-related, can be tough with all the distractions that pop up throughout the day.
The most helpful way to accomplish this is to set aside specific times on your schedule for personal and professional to-dos.
Dedicating time to one area helps you stay focused during those moments and ensure you are giving your all to the task at hand.
#7. Make time to unwind
Entrepreneurs should also focus on decompressing during unscheduled “transitional” time during the day.You can have a cup of tea, step outside for some fresh air, and do stretches.
