A Workaholic’s Guide to Working From Home
For a long time I used to brag about being able to have a work-life balance, I would shut down at a certain time, have some ‘me’ time and maybe watch a movie or two. I thought I had it all figured out until working from home became my only option.
One minute I’m settling in front of my laptop at 9 am and the next it’s 10 pm, but if I’m being honest my day actually starts at 5:30 am when I open my eyes because that’s when the creative juices flow and it ends at about 3 am because though I would have gone to bed by midnight, I’m somehow up by 2 am jotting down notes until it’s 3 am.
It’s a dangerous cycle and even though my workplace encourages work-life balance, I just kept on going without noticing what I was doing to myself until I felt exhausted, physically and mentally.
I’ve had to learn how to disconnect every once in a while because I realized that giving myself a break from the mental grid was important for my health and happiness…. plus there’s only so much coffee I can drink in a day.
Being a self-proclaimed workaholic meant taking time off wasn’t a conscious choice, I had to remind myself to always choose good health no matter what.
Here are some tips that have worked for me:
Getting ‘ready’ for work — You probably think this isn’t necessary but believe me when I tell you we are creatures of habit, and it’s vital to have good habits. Sitting in your pyjamas will be comfortable, but you won’t be able to have a professional mindset while still in your PJs. Wear what’s comfortable for you. But having a morning routine — meaning brushing your teeth, taking a shower and changing out of your pyjamas — is important for your mindset.
Having a separate work area — I do not work in my bedroom! That is a recipe for disaster cause I’ll never stop. The dining area is now my office and having to walk away from it gives me the impression of closing for the day and ‘going home’
Scheduling ‘break times’ — I’ve found it easier to schedule my break times every hour. Most times it’s just 5–10 minutes but during this time I try to walk around, take longer bathroom breaks, stand up for a snack or watch a little TV.
Being clear about deadlines and work timing — This bonus tip is for your colleagues. Some colleagues (not everyone) will also think that working from home would automatically give them a free pass for showing up or calling for work when they want (even at midnight). The solution to this is to be clear and respectful in your communication about your work timing. Do this without feeling guilty or believing that you are being hypocritical.
Keeping the Sabbath work free — No matter what I do or how much work pending. I force myself not to work on Sundays. ‘Force’ because some Sundays I am so bored and my mind wanders towards work for the week ahead but I make sure I distract myself with something else (like sleep or catching up on some Netflix movies)
Going for walks — Walking has become a form of relaxation for me. When I walk I’m able to clear my head while listening to my favourite jazz playlist (which has a lot of Diana Krall music).
Scheduling non-work calls — This may sound funny to you but with a lot of my key friendships suffering and not spending enough time with my daughter, I started setting reminders to call my friends or have Tea Party with my 3yr old (which comes with imaginary tea and cupcakes). It’s easy to get sucked in with work and not notice that you are damaging relationships around you.
As a workaholic, you might already struggle with your working hours from the office but now with the ‘new normal’ of working from home, you will find yourself struggling even more because there are no clear boundaries anymore.
You wake up to work, and possibly fall asleep while replying last-minute emails via your smartphone.
Having a balanced life is a daily decision because the last thing you want is for life to pass you by while buried behind your laptop.