My Work-From-Home Secret Sauce
For those who don’t like working from home…
Today, most of us are connected and reliant on each other over the internet. Whether it’s work, school or play. We’re all social distancing away from offices and yet continue working and making money in the comfort of our own home. It seems artificial, doesn’t it?
Artificial or not, it’s been over half a year since work from home started and it’s become a lifestyle preference now. Some of us love it, some of us dread it and the other some have no clue what it’s supposed to be like.
Working from home isn’t going anywhere. It’s here to stay and I’m starting to like it a little bit. Although, I feel nothing can replace an office, no matter how many desks or plants you fit inside your ‘home office’.
So, instead of sulking and waiting for normalization to come around, we should embrace it with open arms and utilize its potential while it exists and adjust with the current times and trends. Make the most of it, you know?
I was in the same sulky boat you’re in too. But I’ve begun to realize that this ‘work from home’ concept has become a ‘culture’. It’s making itself comfortable around those who thrive on the internet for work, school or play purposes.
“Just like every rose, even working from home has its thorns too.”
And again, let’s be honest, working from home is proven to be economical, eco-friendly and efficient for many lines of businesses and industries.
For Earth Day, a global poll of 2,250 office workers discovered 77 percent believe working from home is one of the most effective ways to help the environment.
Here’s my routine when I started working from home:
Wake up at 8:30, make myself a hot beverage, start work at 9am, attend calls, reply to emails, squeeze in a 20min lunch break, end work by 5 pm and then get to running errands and this thing called real life.
To top it off, I also worked as a part-timer at another place after my 9–5 job.
That loop went on for 3 months straight and I had to figure a way out for this whole ‘Working From Home’ thing to get my life in good shape.
So, I shuffled around my work-space, created a routine and I got things to work.
I call it the… Work From Home Secret Sauce.
So, what’s my Work-From-Home Secret Sauce like?
Step #1 — Enhance Your Routine and Environment
Do not work from your bed!
Working from bed ‘seems’ nice and dreamy, but it’s ugly for your back and your for your work.
Instead, invest in a good ergonomic chair, a sturdy and spacious desk and a solid pair of solid headphones. These will come in handy in the long run and you won’t have to think twice.
Add on other peripherals to make it a better experience.
- Second monitor/screen
- Wireless mouse / keyboard
- Wireless charging pad
- Cable organizers
- Desk speakers
- Journal
- A pillow for the chair
Get a room!
Can’t get your own desk? Can’t work because you’re also working with other people in the same room? Kids are being too nosy and noisy?
Try setting up a small corner in the house or try commuting to your original office if they’ve opened up. Worst case scenario, go somewhere with good sitting, fast WiFi and less people, with a mask obviously.
You can also alternate between your room and living room in case you’re bored of the view or the vibe.
Stop wearing your PJs!
Do not work in what you sleep in. Take out another pair of clothes that are comfortable, easy to wear and presentable (especially for those attending video calls).
Enough of scrolling!
Scrolling on sites/apps for news, jokes, stories, memes and GIFs draw away time and energy. Instead, spend it on learning something new!
Follow the correct pages on the correct platforms. LinkedIn, Reddit and Quora are super platforms for gaining knowledge and building relationships.
Virtually plan ahead
Using an online calendar, plan ahead and schedule time for meetings, lunch breaks, appointments, meetings and vacation leaves. It’ll not only help you, but it’ll help others prioritize their work day too.
Expedite home-errands
Have a 10 minutes break before you get onto the next call? Go clear off your dirty sink or do some laundry. You will thank yourself when you get done at 5pm!
Step #2 — Worship Your Body, Mind and Soul
Eat like a champ
No seriously, avoid starting your day without any food in your tummy.
Try eating something fibrous and healthy with a mug of fresh coffee/tea before you start attending emails and calls. You could also munch on fruits, nuts or a smoothie to sip while you work.
If you do that, you will be able to maximize your output and stay solid until lunch and beyond too in case you’re slammed with work.
Pre-planned meals
Pre-plan your mid-day lunch in order to save time and also to be healthy. You can either make time a night before or before you start your day. Otherwise you will end up wasting your ‘lunch break’ in just making lunch.
Sttrrrecchhhh your body
Stop being sluggish. Stretch your back, neck, shoulders, glutes and legs and prepare them for an all-day-long sitting session. Squeeze in push-ups, pull-ups or more whenever you can.
Breathing right
If you’re a multitasker or an all-time slacker, breathing is a must before, while and after working. Even if it’s just 3 deep breaths or a fully loaded meditation session.
A gallon of water
Be hydrated, your body, mind and eyes will appreciate it after all the long emails you’ve written. Try drinking at least 2–3 liters per day.
Work and chill
Too tired of working? Don’t feel like working? Didn’t sleep well?
Then just take a chill pill and don’t do anything. No seriously, stop working.
No one’s watching you work and telling you stuff. If you can’t work, what’s the point of forcing yourself to work just so you can present shitty work. No one likes that.
Instead, take that time to chat with your friends, watch a YouTube video, have a bath or take a 20min nap. Your house, your mood, your call.
Once you’re feeling a bit rested and charged up, get back to work and nail it.
Step #3 — Create a Workflow Etiquette
Avoid cliched emails
Put extra effort in writing everyday emails to everyday people. Depending on who you’re writing to, always try to personalize it, format it and spell-check.
A good email portrays a good character.
Prioritize the right tasks
Mixing office work with personal work is bound to happen from home. Learn to prioritize the matter at hand and plan your day ahead.
Set up a work playlist
Save a few music playlists if you’re doing monotonous work. Here’s mine.
#TGIF
Book time on Zoom, MS Teams or Slack with your office colleagues on Friday evenings for social gossip and meet-ups.
It’s healthy to network post office hours.
Sprinkles of Fun
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”
To enjoy your work is one thing. But to have fun WHILE working, is another ball-game all together. Even whether it’s good work, bad work or boring work.
Try to enjoy what you do, it’ll only help you and your work to get better!
And voila, you’ve got yourself a better and balanced work from home routine!
“How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, ’n’ how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind”Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan
And just like that, with changing routines, styles and culture, we must learn to accept and adjust. The answer is always blowing in the wind, my friend.
Hope these tips and tricks helped you balance your work from home routine.
Please comment down below if you found something that helped you or if there’s something you’re doing differently. I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Thank you for reading!
