Have you transitioned to work from home since the worldwide pandemic was declared? Maybe you were writing part-time and had another office-based job elsewhere, but now everything is happening from your home. Now is a good time to take stock of the routines and habits you have established over the past few months. Here are five things to consider:
1. Am I where I want to be, given the restricted circumstances?
If not, why not? Am I any closer to my goals being achieved? They may need adjustment based on what you have learned since setting them. Writing two thousand words a day may not be realistic for you, but half an hour each day might be. Having goals written in a place where you can easily see them helps remind what is important to you.
2. Setting the space and schedule
Do you have a designated work space with items that help you focus? Has it been working well or is it time to make some changes? Think about physical comfort (a properly adjusted desk chair versus sitting hunched over on the floor, clutter-free desk space, etc.). Whatever defines a work space for you, treat it as such. Keep your sleeping area separate so your brain can switch off when it’s bedtime and is mentally ready when you ‘go’ to work.
In case you are inspired with new writing ideas in the middle of the night, keep a pen and notebook handy next to the bed, so you can jot them down and return to sleep as quickly as possible. Typing on a bright phone screen could make you more alert, thus harder to settle back to sleep.
If you have flexible hours, do your best to set up a routine that you can stick to and that works well with the time of day (or night) where you are at your optimal level of functioning.
3. Boundaries and relating to others in this temporary ‘new normal’
Have you defined clear boundaries for work versus recreation? Be intentional with when each of these begins and ends. If you live with others, communicate about your differing schedules and how you can respect one another’s space. Revisiting expectations can help make a peaceful home/work environment and eliminate misunderstandings.
Because I am working from home and have a young child, some people assume I am ‘always free.’ People have called me at strange times or bombarded me with multiple reminders about online events I don’t wish to attend. It is just as important to be clear about what to say “no” to (without having to give a lengthy explanation) as to what you allow time for in your life.
4. Distractions and motivation
What tempts you towards unnecessary extra breaks, leading to a longer day? Consider switching off social media notifications. Smart phones also have reminders you can set up to limit daily time on apps. Too much mental clutter draws you away from the task at hand and can leave you feeling drained. What other ways can you motivate yourself to focus more on your goals and tasks?
5. Do you get dressed every day?
Does staying in pajamas make you feel relaxed or do you feel lazy? Does getting dressed make a difference? Or do you split the difference, e.g. - work shirt for the online meetings, with pajama bottoms? I personally like to get dressed each day, but the clothes I wear at home are more casual than if I entered into an office.
For some, working from home will cease once more businesses open up again. For others, working from home will continue full-time from this season forward. Make sure your set-up is working well for you, especially if you are juggling writing part-time as well as an additional form of employment. So many people desire to work from home. Remember to find the reasons why this is desirable for you.
What helpful work-from-home writing habits have you developed since lockdown? Share your tips below in the comments!