‘How do you manage to work from home? I never achieve anything when I try.’ This, I hear often when I am asked how I juggle with my different project.
Working or studying from home is not easy. It is also undeniable that it is not for everyone. Some people feel more comfortable, and sometimes need, the stimulus of the office’s buzzing work environment, the general focus of the library or the daily interactions with colleagues to put their mind into work-mode. Others feel they are going insane spending so much time alone at home every day. And for some, blurring the boundaries of professional and personal space is a no-no. Fair enough.
Me? Since my studies, I have always thrived working on my own. Don’t take me wrong, I love being in an office and gaining from the general vibes, the group brainstorming and the experience of others. Working alone at home, I also miss the social interactions one get in an office. Still, I feel more productive on my own without the distractions of meetings, without being surrounded by conversations of colleagues on the phone, or the frequent interruptions.
Enjoying working on my own is crucial in my job and as a writer, though it still does not mean it is easy.
Everyone is different and my tips might not suit everyone. I very much hope they will help people about to embark in home-working, or struggling to adjust to it for part-time, full-time, or for intensive studying.
1. Create a separate and engaging work-space
– A whole room or a corner near a window, set aside a specific area exclusively for work. The minute you sit there, it will trigger a work mindset if it is only ‘work-dedicated’;
– Make your work-space a friendly space, one you feel comfortable in: keep it tidy, efficient, well-lit and clutter-free;
– Get your wires sorted: make it easy to just sit and work. If you are working with a laptop, have two wires, one always set at your desk, ready for plugging in the device, and one for private use of the laptop elsewhere;
– Make sure you have everything you need close at hand: stock on the essentials like paper, pen, ink, glasses etc. to avoid your wandering and breaking your focus.
2. Time management
– Establish a working routine according to what work best for you. Be realistic on what you are likely to follow and what is required for you to do your jobs;
– Be disciplined. This is key. Stick to your routine as you would in the office;
– Work when you’re at your most productive;
– Have breaks (lunch break, quick walk around, paper, radio, tea/coffee…). Some of the interruptions in an office are beneficial to have a quick recharge of your battery. One of your advantages is to be able to go out when the sun is shining. Make the best of it;
– Creating a daily work schedule is also to discipline you NOT to work: it can be difficult to stop sometimes (I assure you, it is!), so following a routine is also to here to protect your down-time. ‘Leave’ work at the end of the day, switch off the light on your work space or close the door;
– Enjoy some me-time: weekends, holidays, time out
… Also allow time for self-improvement, whether it is kick-boxing, pottery, reading, painting, meditation, dog training… Something for your pleasure and helps you keep a good mental health;
– Please do not turn like Johnny in ‘The Shining’, don’t procrastinate for long periods and turn it into all work and no play.
3. Limit the distractions
– Set boundaries with family and friends: working hours are just that, working hours! It is not because you are working from home that you are free for coffee anytime;
– Learn to say no – to visitors, invitations or private phone calls during working hours and outside breaks;
– Avoid direct view to the television screen from your desk. There are some good programmes out there that are too easy to watch at any time;
– Limit the housework to the bare minimum during working hours: literally only to what you would do in an office, like wash your cup;
– Limit social media and internet browsing outside breaks: You can set specific time to check this out and do it on your personal time. Facebook will still be there at lunchtime or after work, I assure you.
4. Boost your motivation
– Understand your employer’s/clients/ industry expectations and exceed them;
– Create and follow your own checking systems, notably by making a daily to-do list and setting short and long term targets;
– Dress for work and maintain a professional attitude. Actually, pretend like you are in a lively office, ready to be called into a meeting at any time;
– Continue to refine and develop your skills: go to classes, conferences, and work on your technical skills;
– Prepare music playlists to boost your mood and help your focus.
5. Stay healthy and take care of yourself
– Exercise: working from home, it is easy to turn sedentary. Get your body moving, it will also help your brain and mental health;
– Socialise: avoid resenting your home and office, or feeling constricted and claustrophobic. Meet people in real, not virtually;
– Eat properly and drink a lot of water: grazing is easy when at home – by all means do not have a ‘sweet’ drawer’, so make sure you eat properly, avoid snacking and hydrate.
Should you have any question, please 
feel free to email me here.
Thank you for reading,
Yours, Virginie