Finding The Right Balance When Working From Home

Working from home may be the dream for some, but how do we find the right work-life balance when they often seem to overlap?

Whether you run your own small business or work for your company remotely, not having to commute to the office every day can save you a lot of time and money, not to mention the feeling of freedom and independence you get when working on your own terms, in your own environment.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important however, even more so when working from home. Here are some tips on how to effectively manage your work-life balance when your home is your office.

1. Set up a room or area specifically designed as your home office

Working in your living room or bedroom might seem relaxing at first, but you’ll find it becomes harder to separate your work and your life.

You might find yourself distracted by watching TV while working, or simultaneously doing chores around the house. Likewise you might find it harder to ‘switch-off’ during rest hours if you’re sitting in the same area where you worked during the day.

Having a specific room or area in the house designed to act as your home office can help to clearly define work time and rest time, and give you a better work-life balance. That way when you sit on the couch after a long day you’ll be in relaxation mode, rather than work mode.

2. Have a clearly defined schedule

Running your own small business from home might mean you have the freedom to dictate your own working hours. However having a clear working schedule can help you to better manage your personal and family time too.

Try to set yourself a time for beginning and ending work, rather than picking up work at random times during the day and evening.

This will help your body and mind better define the time for working and the time for relaxing. Otherwise, after work hours you might be tempted to pick up the laptop while sitting with the family and send out a few emails, blurring your working hours and rest time. Consider setting a time to disconnect from devices like smartphones and avoid replying to work emails late at night.

Setting reminders for daily to-do’s can also help keep you and your small business on track. Invoice clients, track expenses, or pay suppliers at the same time each day.

3. Set time for breaks and exercise

Whether it means taking a walk around the block or going to the gym, remember that breaks are a key part of any work environment. Try to take regular breaks to help you unwind and relax from work, especially when your work and life meet in the same location. You might just find a short walk helps your mind to solve the problem you’ve been trying to work out.

“Living the Dream”

Working from home can be a dream, but you need to carefully plan so it doesn’t become a nightmare. By following these tips you can make the most of your working time and successfully build a great work-life balance.

To find out about other ways to improve your working life or small business, give our friendly team at Scott Partners a call to schedule an appointment. We can give you professional, clear advice and help your business grow now and in the future.