How to Relax and Work in your own home
How to Relax and Work in your own home
Contributed by Ted James
Owner, TED KNOWS MONEY
As more people start to work remotely, it’s becoming increasingly common for homes to serve many purposes. Statistics show that over a third of U.S. households reported working home more frequently in 2021. Working from home can have significant benefits, but it can also present some challenges. Thankfully, there are ways to balance work and home life that makes working outside of an office sustainable. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Get Your Office Organized
Scattered papers all over the house make work and home life stressful and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Planning an office that fits your needs can give you privacy and maximum productivity. To start, make sure your space has a comfortable chair, plenty of lighting, and all of your immediate needs in an accessible place. Drawer organizers and cabinets with plenty of compartments will quickly help you find pens, paper, staples, and other office must-haves.
For ambiance, try adding house plants, candles, and personal photos or artwork that you love. One of the major benefits of working from home is the ability to create a space that feels personal and comfortable. If you don’t have a separate office, you can still make a dedicated workspace in another room in your house and apply the same principles.
Create a Relaxation Corner
You don’t have to be an expert at meditation to establish a spot where you can calm your mind. Think about what relaxation looks like to you, and create a plan around that. It may be a yoga mat, meditation pillow, and incense waterfall in the corner of your bedroom. Or, it could be a big, comfortable reading chair with lots of pillows and blankets and a side table for your books and tea. It could even be a gaming chair and an entertainment setup that lets you disconnect from the workday and indulge in your hobbies. The Etch Design group can help you map out your homein a way that fits all of your requirements.
Set House Rules
Setting some ground rules is essential whether you live alone or with others. Think about how you want your day to be structured and when you will need quiet and privacy. Alternate between focus time and break time to give your mind and body rest. Set boundaries for yourself, as well as family and roommates, so that you stop working at a defined time and allow time to decompress.
Another thing to consider is scheduling extra moments for in-person social interaction. One con of working from home is less interconnectedness with others. Although there can be benefits to less social distraction at work, you may also want to compensate by entertaining or going out more. Creating an outdoor space for gatherings with a fire pit and outdoor games is something else to contemplate as part of your house plan.
What do you need your house to provide?
Whether you are considering an entire home remodel or just want to make a few changes to adapt to your new work situation, the tips above can help you get started. The first step is brainstorming what you need your house to provide. Then, you can begin to map out which areas in your home could serve those purposes. Once you execute your plan, you’ll be ready for a clearer work-life balance.