Making your work space work

Was working from home a joy for you – or a constant struggle? If it's the latter, it's time to re-evaluate your domestic strategy with some of these essential tips.

During this pandemic, many people have discovered that working from home is easy in theory, but difficult in practice. What initially sounds like a marvellous time to multitask and catch up on chores can just as quickly turn into a dishevelled, unshowered dystopia. Though it's not without its challenges, you can make your work-from-home experience that much better with a few simple rules.

Get into a routine.

Don't immediately turn on your laptop or check your email when you roll out of bed. Wash your face, shower, brush your teeth, exercise, and have breakfast and coffee. When the day is over, create a ritual to signal your brain it's time to shut down; don't obsessively check your work email before you go to bed.

Change into work clothes.

It's tempting to work in your super-comfy PJs, but they won't put you in the proper mind state for an efficient day of work. You don't have to suit up, though – remember that every day is Casual Friday.

Maintain regular hours and take breaks.

Start and end your day around the same time, and have lunch in the middle. You need mental and physical breaks, so get up from that chair to stretch, and get some sun and fresh air.

Create a physically separate work space.

Work in the same space every day. If you don't have a door, put up a room divider or curtain. Make sure it's quiet or use noise-cancelling headphones to focus. Minimise digital distractions, stay off social media and consider muting notifications on your phone.

Set clear boundaries when sharing.

Communicate this to other people in your home; working uninterrupted should be the goal. If you have an important meeting, make sure they know it's not a great time to finish that noisy woodworking project.

Invest in proper equipment.

Buy a proper desk, a comfortable chair, and a decent keyboard and mouse. Multiple monitors are amazing, and they're a great way to separate between your work and personal space. Buy a good router so that your home internet doesn't fall to pieces.

Improve your posture.

If you're slumped over at weird angles all day, that fancy chair doesn't matter. Buy a lumbar support pillow for your lower back. Place your monitor at an appropriate height so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. Sit up straight, with your feet flat on the floor.

Brighten up your desk.

Just like at the office, decorate your space with plants, pictures and personal items. Use lavender or aromatherapy to create an atmosphere that feels distinctly your own.

Don't over-snack.

Are you actually hungry? Have a glass of water – snacking, especially for sweets, is often driven by dehydration. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

Enjoy things you can't do in the office.

Blast loud music, bake bread, do your laundry and shop mid-week to avoid the crowds. When you're working from home, enjoy the perks.