The current global health crisis has introduced us to a whole new level of managing work-life balance. The usual 9-to-5 office jobs have branched out as the world shifted to freelancing, digital nomad, and remote work setups. And although we are gradually working our way to reach herd immunity, experts say the work-from-home setup is here to stay.
This is not surprising as the workforce experience much more flexible work hours, reduces the time for commute, and manages their finances better. However, it comes with a price. This is especially true as distractions hinder you from accomplishing tasks while juggling professional and personal obligations at home, without any outlet.
According to studies, the human brain is easily distracted, especially with various stimuli around us. You may even end up feeling anxious, depressed, and burned out with everything poured at once into your plate. Therefore, you need to constantly reinvent your environment to fit the lifestyle that you have.
1. Rearrange Your Furniture
Contrary to what you may believe, improving your home doesn’t need to be expensive. Our surroundings affect our minds and, in turn, reflect on the way we express ourselves. Thus, one way to address this is by tricking your mind and giving your eyes something new to see.
Depending on your time, you may start by changing the furniture placement in your living room, kitchen, and dining room at least twice a month. For example, changing your dark drapes to cool or light-colored curtains will allow the sunlight to come in and give your space a relaxing view. Moreover, moving your chairs, tables, and the sofa is a natural and effective mood booster that helps improve focus, comfort, and overall productivity.
Revamping your space also helps you get rid of clutter, allows creativity to flow, and clears and stimulates your brain. Of course, there is no right or wrong way to rearrange your personal space. You may do this all in one day or gradually work your way through it the whole week. For example, you may start fixing your living room before you start working or do everything at once on the weekends to lessen your worries during your work hours.
2. Incorporate Nature
Exposure to green and blue spaces such as the woods, parks, rivers, and lakes has a long-term effect on one’s overall health and well-being. For one, it encourages physical activities to help you de-stress and relax. It is also an ideal way to get some fresh air, which benefits our mind, betters our mood, reduces tension, and boosts our immune system.
However, with the current health state and hectic schedule at work, we may find it hard to squeeze in some outdoor activities for ourselves. So, what better way to do this but to incorporate nature into your life. Start by looking for indoor plants that are ideal for your home and lifestyle.
For example, if you have limited space, your schedule demands most of your time, or your home doesn’t get much direct sunlight, consider going for low-maintenance plants such as succulents, spider plants, and snake plants, to name a few. Place them near your doors and windows to reap their full potential and give you a relaxing view. In addition, bringing in greenery can help purify indoor air as they absorb moisture, stabilize humidity, and reduce the amount of dust and molds.
On the other hand, if you have a green thumb and enjoy gardening, you may want to extend your outdoor living space by adding fountains and beautifying its landscape with the help of reputable landscaping lawn care services. This way, a nature trip, and relaxation are just a few steps away. Moreover, creating natural areas in or around your house can help attract wildlife which benefits the environment.
3. Communicate With the People You Live With
To get the most of your productivity, you must communicate your schedule with the people you live and work with, whether they are family, roommates, or colleagues. You must be all on the same page to avoid any misunderstandings and conflicts later on. Mixing in work and personal matters can disrupt your focus which reduces 40% of your productivity.
Instead, set and follow a strict schedule where you start and stop working. Our brain can only do so much; so, you need to know your limits, prioritize yourself, and recharge your batteries for the next day. Set a goal for the day and work your way through it later on.
Final Thoughts
Most importantly, don’t forget to breathe and give yourself a break. While working from home can be beneficial, you need to set boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance.