Picture this: You’re taking a work meeting from the comfort of your bed, or sipping coffee on the couch while replying to emails. In theory, working from home sounds like a dream, right? With so many of us working remotely these days, it’s becoming more of the norm. But being home 24/7, it can be easy for work and life to become one big blur. That’s why it’s important to take a few steps to keep your work-life balance in check.
Here are five things you’re doing wrong when working from home (and a few fixes).
1. Wearing “lazy” clothes
According to a recent survey, 36% of people admitted to wearing PJs or comfy clothes while working from home. While we LOVE pajamas and comfy clothing, something about that oversized t-shirt from high school just doesn’t put us in the mood for work. Science proves that the clothes you wear can affect your behaviors, your mood and your overall state of mind. So, trade that free t-shirt for a button-up before your next meeting. And don’t worry, nobody can see that you still have sweatpants on the bottom.
2. Not separating workspace from leisure space
Not everyone has a home office or a dedicated study. We understand—neither do we! However, there are benefits to separating your workspace from the rest of your living space. Whether you’re working from your studio apartment or a room in your parents’ house, sitting in an environment designated for work can condition your brain to get in in the zone. It can be anything from a small desk in your bedroom to a makeshift setup at the dining table. Work brain = activated.
3. Working from bed
Consider us powerless when faced with the temptation to work from bed. It may sound enticing to wake up and dial into your morning meeting without ever getting up, but experts say that using your mattress for things other than sleep—like working or eating—can negatively impact your nights. According to a recent survey, 57% of people admit to having worked from bed. Work-from-home habits die hard, so if you’re determined to work from bed, just make sure you’re doing it right. We recommend trying an adjustable base. It lets you customize your upper- and lower-body position, so it’s better for your work and better for your body.
4. Not having a routine
So long, morning commute. Sure, you only need five minutes to wake up and walk to your computer, but is that the tone you want to set for the day? Our resident sleep expert, Dr. Kansagra, has emphasized the importance of routines like waking up around the same time every day. About 63% of people said that either their sleeping schedule or their daily routine has changed since working from home—so while we can’t expect our routines to be the same as before, it’s important to establish new ones to accommodate your work-from-home life. So, go ahead, make yourself a tea or coffee, catch up on the news and take a moment to relax before the workday hustle.
5. Not scheduling breaks
We’ve all been there: so absorbed in the task at hand that you finally look up and somehow, it’s already 4 p.m.—oh, and you forgot to eat lunch. But just because you’re home doesn’t mean you need to be working nonstop. Scheduling a few five- or 10-minute breaks throughout the day to step away from your work and take a walk (even if it’s just around the apartment) can help refresh your mind. You can even set reminders on your phone if you need a little push. Trust us—your brain will thank you.
Are we saying there’s a right and wrong way to work from home? Kind of. But none of these tips are one-size-fits-all. We encourage you to experiment with different routines and setups until you find one that works. It may take a little extra effort at the start, but tweaking your work-from-home habits can help make productivity a breeze.