Working from home during the coronavirus pandemic can be challenging. Many have been doing this for a year! You may still be wondering how to set up a work area, fit in your personal and professional responsibilities, and have time to unwind at the end of the day. The main key to the integration of your work and home life involves the separation of the two. By establishing habits that let you fit in what you need to accomplish each day, you get more done without feeling burnt out.

Implement these tips to separate your work and home life for greater productivity.

Set Your Work Hours

Determine the hours you will begin and end work each day. Be sure to schedule your tasks and breaks. Follow your plan as much as possible to get things done. If you run out of time, prioritize the tasks for the next day. Your body needs time to rest and recharge. Try to find a specific activity or task that starts and ends your day. For example, walk around the block before you start and when you end your day – simulating a commute.

Establish Your Morning Routine

Create a morning routine that sets the foundation for your day. This may include reflection, prioritization, exercise, or other rituals. Make sure the activities you participate in provide a sense of purpose, confidence, and focus. They should support what matters to you personally and professionally.

Plan Your Day

Write down what you want to get done for the day. Every Monday, make a list of what you need to accomplish both personally and professionally during the week. Then, assign a day and time to focus on each task. Maintain your schedule as much as possible. Be sure to allow for flexibility, as things will come up that need to be taken care of quickly.

Maintain Your Workspace

Set aside a specific area of your home for work. Anywhere that is not designed for relaxation, such as your bedroom or living room, should work. When you sit down in your workspace, your brain can move into work mode. Then, when you are finished, you can go to other parts of your home to relax and disengage from your tasks.

Prioritize Social Connections

Stay in daily contact with people. Social isolation affects most employees who work from home. Reaching out to others reduces feelings of loneliness, especially if you live alone. You might decide to schedule a daily phone call with a colleague or a weekly video conference with your team just to see what everyone is up to.

Take Walks

Leave the house for at least one walk each day. You may decide to go with a partner, your dog, or by yourself. Participate in walking meetings while on a conference call with your team or create activity challenges with friends, family or co-workers using FitBit or Optimity. Getting outside improves your mental and physical health and work performance.

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