“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. And we’d like to say unhappy and unhealthy too.

This line couldn’t be truer for a vast majority of people working from home, especially in this current pandemic.

Why You Must Take Care of the Work and Non-Work Aspects of Your Work From Home Life

Here are three reasons why:

a. To maintain your mental and physical health

This one does not need much explanation. We must find time to do the things that keep us fit in mind and body

b. To Improve your productivity

Extended work hours and burning the midnight oil too often may seem like it would boost productivity. But following this schedule over a long time leads to chronic stress, decreased immunity burnout and absenteeism. You must be at your best to be productive

c. To ensure that your happiness

Happiness requires that you find a balance between the various roles that you play in your life.

And given the many struggles that individuals working from home are faced with, here then are…

Nine tips to be your most productive self as you work from home

a. Set boundaries and follow a routine for your day

Remember you are working from home and you are not living at work. Show-up dressed for work at a fixed time and a designated location.

Keep a routine, and once you have finished for the day, turn off your computer and work notifications. You can respond to that e-mail first thing the next day.

There may be days that you have to stretch and work longer hours, but do not let that become a habit.

b. Make a workable schedule and communicate it to your colleagues

Create a schedule that works for you and also matches your job requirement. So, in case you are an early riser and find yourself able to work with complete focus then, put that in your schedule. However, if you work best at night, then do your mentally demanding work then.

You can then take short breaks to integrate any home obligations or personal engagements that you may have. For instance, making breakfast for the family or exercising.

Make sure that your manager is okay with your schedule of work hours and off-work hours. However, if you’re in a client-facing role, you will have to field client calls even if you are in off-work hours.

c. Take Breaks

Take a break every ninety minutes, during which you must get up from your work station do something non-work related.

d. Eat healthy

You must make sure your meals and snacks are healthy. It is essential to maintain your energy levels, stay focused and stay healthy

e. Don’t sit for extended periods

“Sitting is the new smoking,” they say. Besides your regular breaks make it a point to get up from your seating position and stretch yourself at least once every hour.

f. Include exercise in your day

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, four times a week. Exercise has many health benefits, which is why it is such a great form of self-care.

g. Get enough sleep

We can’t stress this enough. Do not sacrifice your sleep to complete

just one more bit of work’. Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body and will help you feel refreshed, and to be able to focus better the next day.

h. Get some sunshine

As much as possible, get some sunshine as it is a source of Vitamin-D and also helps the body produce melatonin later at night. Both are important for our health.

i. Connect with friends and colleagues

We are happiest when we are in touch with those we enjoy being with. Find time in your day for such interactions.

In Conclusion

Work hard, but ensure that you take care of yourself too..

These nine tips will help you bring your best and most productive self to work every day:

1. Set boundaries and follow a routine for your day
2. Make a workable schedule and communicate it to your colleagues
3. Take Breaks
4. Eat healthy
5. Don’t sit for extended periods
6. Include exercise and sunshine in your day
7. Get enough sleep
8. Get some sunshine
9. Connect with friends and colleagues

So, which of these tips would you need to implement in your work?

Remember, all work and no play will make you dull, unhealthy and unhappy.

Done taking this lesson? Please take the accompanying quiz. Happy quizzing.