How To Maintain Work-Life Balance When Work and Life Become One
Recently, many of our daily routines have dramatically changed. We pulled together a few ideas on how to balance work and life to consider as we navigate to a new normal.
The home office is now standard
We are conducting an unintentional global experiment on working from home. A year ago, the idea of a pandemic seemed like some vaguely implausible Netflix storyline, but Covid19 has radically impacted society in countless ways.
Aside from the impact on our health and the economy, Covid19 has led to overnight changes in our working lives.
In 2019, 7 million Americans were reportedly working from home. That’s 3.4% of the population. Now, due to Covid19, 46% of American businesses have shifted to remote working. This rapid change, implemented in a couple weeks, carries with it several difficulties to overcome, but also many opportunities.
There are numerous advantages to working from home, both for the company and the individual. But what are the challenges of working from home in these specific circumstances and what can we do to mitigate them?
Eliminate distractions
Covid19 has left many of us scrambling to create an impromptu home office, often in the center of our living room. So, what can we do to minimize distractions?
Try listening to background music. For example, classical music, or you could try Brain.fm. This app uses an algorithm to create musical compositions to apparently help your brain focus. The founders of Brain.fm worked with neuroscientists to develop the app and received a grant from the National Science Foundation to further their research.
It might be tempting to wear your pajamas to every meeting but getting dressed for work can help you psychologically to prepare for your day. It also helps to indicate to any loved ones that you are in the work zone.
If you’re looking for inspiration for enhancing your home office, then read our tips here.
Establish family and work-life schedules
With many schools embracing e-learning, your children may be your new desk mates. That can prove challenging. Try setting yourself a work schedule and adhering to it. This helps older children to understand when you are at work. This schedule doesn’t have to be 9 to 5.
One of the benefits of working from home is the flexibility it offers. If you have younger children, you will want to make the most of naptime. Create your schedule around your family and home commitments and utilize the times of day when you are most focused and productive.
Work around social isolation
Keeping up friendships and social contact is vital during this challenging period of Covid19. Just because we have to physically distance, doesn’t mean that we should stop investing time and resources into our relationships, both at home and at work. Doing regular exercise and making time for colleagues and friends is important, now more than ever.
Think of creative ways to reach out to connect, encourage or support your friends. In a time where in-person meetings were taken for granted, look for ways to connect like write and mail a quick handwritten note, send a small gift, share a video message or work on a similar project or craft virtually together.
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