Disclaimer: I love working from home! The flexibility, no alarms, no commuting, no dress code, and even the option to work in pajamas—there are plenty of perks that outweigh the downsides for me. However, now that remote work has become a daily reality, we’re starting to realize that it isn’t always a walk in the park.
So, let’s explore how to stay sane and not lose our minds while working from home.
Home Office: Joy or Disaster?
The first few days were fantastic. There was time for an extra cup of coffee in your sweatpants, with nowhere to rush. But then it began—the feeling of isolation, procrastination, and sometimes even a strange urge to talk to your potted plant.
Remote work brings freedom, but it also demands a tremendous amount of self-discipline. Without it, you might find yourself unexpectedly sorting through old vacation photos instead of finishing that task.
Secrets to a Productive Home Office
- Set a Schedule
It’s tempting to start working whenever and wherever. But since there’s no physical boundary between your home life and your work life, it’s all too easy for them to blend together. Try setting a clear start and end to your workday—and stick to them. - Create a Dedicated Workspace
Even if you don’t have the luxury of a home office, carve out a small nook where you’ll do your work. This spot should be exclusively for work—this way, you avoid your couch becoming a place where relaxation mixes with work stress. - Take Regular Breaks
No, this doesn’t mean checking the fridge every 15 minutes. Breaks are important, but they need to be meaningful – stretch, change your scenery for a bit, take a short walk around the house, or make yourself a cup of tea. You might try the Pomodoro Technique, for example, to boost productivity. - Don’t Stay in Your Pajamas All Day
It’s tempting to roll out of bed five minutes before a meeting and stay in bed all day. But taking time for a morning routine, even if it’s just making coffee and getting yourself together, can help shift your brain into work mode. - Communicate
Even though you’re working from home, don’t forget about your colleagues. Regular online meetings (Teams) or at least chats (Slack) help maintain a sense of team cohesion and give you a chance to let off some steam. Don’t forget to turn on your camera occasionally during online calls…
Working from Home is Great, but Not for Everyone
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Since these two spheres physically merge, it can be hard to say “enough” and end your workday. This can lead to burnout, as you may feel like you’re always “at work.”
Another issue can be isolation. While some introverts might crave solitude, most of us need at least occasional interaction with people. Real contact can’t be replaced by a Zoom meeting.
Pavol Pavuk
The author of the article is a project manager passionate about agile methodologies. Pali oversees projects and pre-sales activities mainly in e-commerce and CX, ensuring two-way communication, mutual satisfaction, and the quality of deliverables.
