(C): Unsplash
Telecommuting has its advantages and disadvantages, blurring the boundaries between personal and work life most of the time and leading to stress and burnout. Setting up appropriate limits is the only way to ensure that productivity remains, mental health is okay, and relationships are maintained. The present article gives practical advice on how to create boundaries that not only distinguish home life from work but also help to concentrate during work hours and allow time for recharging. No matter if you are just starting remote work or have days full of the feeling of being overwhelmed, these techniques will help provide a structure and promote overall satisfaction when working from home. For related stories and expert advice, see our Work Life Balance section.
Being consistent with your timetable is the first thing to do to make a point to both yourself and the people around that you are the one who is working and the one who is not at work. Let your colleagues and family know your working hours in advance to avoid any misunderstandings regarding their expectations. Choose one place in your house specifically for doing your work, and, if possible, this area should not be the same as where you live. Having this physical separation will help you in your mind to distinguish between work and leisure times.
Develop morning and evening rituals to signal the beginning and end of the workday. For your workday to start you could, for instance, go out for a short walk as if you are commuting mentally, change your clothes, or shut down your computer while saying clearly “I’m done for today.” These routines train your brain and body to be alert and ready for work in the morning and then to be completely off afterward.
Use technology as an ally to lessen the number of distractions and to keep the separation between your work and personal life. Calendar blocks, scheduled email sends, or “Do Not Disturb” modes can be used to take breaks and work after hours out of the way. Do not allow notifications outside working hours so that you can be sure to totally disconnect.
Make it very clear to family members, friends, and co-workers that you expect them to respect your work boundaries. This might involve codifying some rules regarding interruptions during calls or meetings and not engaging in work-related discussions after office hours. If necessary, keep reminding the stakeholders regularly to avoid boundary creep.
Plan for breaks in your daily schedule so that you will not be so worn out by the screen and at the same time your productivity will not decline. Take short walks, do mindfulness exercises, or engage in offline hobbies—these are all activities that will uplift your focus and emotional health. Treat your need for rest as part of a sustainable work-from-home routine and thus, respect it.
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