Most of us have been working from home since the start of the Covid pandemic and it looks like working from home (WFH) has become the norm for many. While there are certainly some advantages to WFH, eg no commuting time, it does not come without challenges.
I have put together my 6 best tips for you, and they are not all Feng Shui related!
Tip No 1: Resist the urge to grab your phone or laptop as soon as you wake up
It can be tempting to grab your phone or laptop the moment you wake up, making you feel very efficient by sending out your first e-mail straight from bed. But that’s not really the most effective way to start your day. Allow your mind and body to fully wake up before going into “work mode”.
Adapt your morning routine to being at home and consciously spend that extra time you are saving by not having to commute to work. This could be a slightly longer breakfast (with the family?), a yoga, meditation or exercise session, reading a book or watching the news – whatever you enjoy the most.
Tip No 2: Get dressed!
I agree, working from home allows us to dress more comfortably than if we were going to the office. But that does not mean it’s an excuse to stay in pyjamas all day. Getting dressed will help you feel more professional.
Tip No 3: Find the best workspace in your home
Not everybody has the luxury of having a home office and there is nothing wrong with working at your dining table. Walk around your home and find the most suitable spot to set up your workspace, keeping in mind a few basic Feng Shui rules:
- Sit facing one of your auspicious directions
- Sit with your back against a wall (if you can)
- Have a clear view of the door
- In addition, you want to have something professional behind you for those zoom calls with clients or video chats with colleagues. The Feng Shui recommendation is to have a mountain picture hanging behind you to receive continued support from your superiors. You certainly don’t want a messy bed in the background!
Enhance your workspace with a few things that will inspire you and help you focus, eg a scented candle, a photo of your partner or family, a plant, your favourite notebook. But don’t overdo it. After all, the space should bring you into work mode, not home mode or even holiday mode.
Tip No 4: Make a to do list for the day
If you find you get distracted too easily at home, make a “to do list” to help you stay focussed. This is something that always works for me and ticking each task off as it is completed gives me great pleasure. Plus, at the end of the day, you might be surprised to see how much you have accomplished.
Tip No 5: Allow yourself some WFH perks
While there may be no team gatherings, office lunches or joint coffee or cigarette breaks when WFH, there are other advantages!
If you need a few minutes to clear your mind, instead of getting a coffee in the breakout area you could listen to your favourite song or do a short meditation. Even take the dog for a quick walk around the block! These are nice WFH perks to have.
Tip No 6: If you are struggling, reach out for help
We are all different personalities and if you are finding it difficult to stay connected to your colleagues or team members, get in touch with your fellow colleagues for advice and tips, or contact your human resources team. While WFH can be GREAT for some, it can also be a very lonely place if you are not used to it. Do not be afraid to ask for help! Everybody works differently and it is important for you to find out what works best for you.
23 June 2021