Most felt that isolation and the lack of surrounding colleagues had a major impact on their well-beingWorking from home is on the rise. With the ability to be your own boss, it is perhaps no surprise that recent figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that almost 14% of the workforce comprises home workers – and this figure is only increasing.
From sitting in a queue of traffic to listening to your colleague’s latest sob story, getting the right work-life balance can seem achievable by working from home; however, you will need to make sure you are as productive as possible to get this right. Here are some of the ways in which this can be achieved.
Push aside your domestic chores
If you start the day thinking that you can’t begin your work until you have cleaned the bathroom and done the washing, you are limiting the amount of work you will complete and thus the amount you will get paid. It is important to train your mind to focus on the work at hand rather than the mess waiting for you in your kitchen; however, working from home does allow you to juggle some of these chores more manageably than when you are working nine to five in an office.
Put those biscuits in the bin
With your cupboard full of biscuits located just a few steps away, it is easy to be tempted to snack; however, you need to fill your cupboards with healthy snacks, such as nuts. Steer clear of fattening lunches by keeping healthy lunches in the fridge that can be quickly warmed up.
Take time out to exercise
You are likely to have already gained around two hours a day by working from home, as you are avoiding your daily commute, so take this time to exercise. Get yourself a dog so that you are walking regularly or join exercise classes or the gym, enjoying the fact that you can go when everyone else is at work and it is quiet!
If you are sitting at a desk all day, it is important that you do regular stretches and take frequent breaks. If you find that you are getting a bit bogged down, leave your desk and do something with a friend or go into town – you will still be connected to your work via your mobile. Finally, when you do take a holiday, make it count and don’t be tempted to go and sit at your desk for half an hour.
Put money aside
When you are working for yourself, one of the biggest stresses will be your finances and it is important that you put some money aside for illnesses, holidays and for when you may be chasing payments. It is also important to think about your pension, national insurance contributions and tax bills.
Work your own hours
The beauty of working from home is that you can choose your hours. If you are more productive in the morning, get up early and get to work so that you can finish earlier; alternatively, if you work better at night, get all your chores done during the day so that you can work into the night. Work out what works for you and don’t be afraid to break the monotony of the nine to five.
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