Finding Your Routine
So you’re working from home?
Find it challenging? I did.
Getting the day started a bit rough? I was there.
When I first started working from home I found it difficult to settle in and focus. I knew I had a short attention span, but I didn’t realize how bad it actually was. I discovered that I’m prone to distraction. If my kitchen was a mess, my work day definitely couldn’t begin until it was clean.
Get a Routine Right from the Start of your day.
Over the last few years I've really worked on getting my routine down, so when I sit down to work, I’m ready to work and not thinking about all the “other things” I want to do around the house.
My routine, an example
Here is what I do, to help me stay on track. Please keep in mind that I’m an early riser and my most productive time is in the morning.
Wake up between 5:10 -6:00
Workout - I do HITT training and ride my stationary bike or I go for a run
Walk the dog - Anywhere from 20-45 minutes (this deeps on how early I got up)
Shower - You would be surprised how quickly personal hygiene can go out the window
Breakfast
Clean the kitchen and one other house chore
Work starts between 8:00-8:30
Coffee break - around 10:00, which usually includes playing with the dog and flipping the laundry if I’ve put a load in
Lunch around 1:00 -
Afternoon break is another play session with the dog or a bit of meal prep.
At the end of my work day, I review my to-do list and plan the following day's tasks. This helps to set myself up for the next day’s success. Knowing I have tasks to do and having them already prioritized leaves me feeling positive and set for the next day.
Planning and Insuring Best Outcomes
Set your work space: Be sure to create an “office space” for yourself, having a clear, designated environment to work from will help you. Appreciate that it may be difficult. But building for success at home is establishing that designated work space, and that will help get your mind in the zone. I’m fortunate to have a whole room for my office. If you don’t have that luxury, integrate the set up of your laptop into your morning routine. I would suggest setting up and then walking away, go grab your coffee or water, take a breath and get to it. Just like going to walk, you’re essentially walking in and settling in.
Mitigate Distractions: Something I’ve also taken the time to review are the distractions that typically cut into my work time. One that I noticed was meal preparations. What I do is create my meal plan every week, this has taken a great deal of stress off of me. Not only because I am not very creative when it comes to cooking but having a meal plan prevents you from quitting work early, trying to figure out what you’re going to make for supper. It’s one thing to use your afternoon break to start supper, it’s another to be starting from scratch. (There are some great online resources for meal planning. Two of my favourites are Delish and The kitchn)
Adaptive in Novel times: With my son being at home, my routine has changed somewhat. But he’s old enough so we were able talk about our needs to get our plan in place. He has a list of things he needs to do everyday and I’m grateful that he’s task orientated. At thirteen, he still likes school (yeah). I appreciate this is a totally different story with little ones and hats off to you if you’re still able to get some work done with a little one(s) at your side.
Having a structure and a plan has helped both my son and myself adjust to being at home together. Structure can provide some comfort to children as it mimics their school environment and the barriers/expectations of learning remain, as per normal. Here’s how it works with my son.
To start off, he’s up by 8:30 and ready to start his school work by 9:00. I’ve expanded my working area in my office, so I can see what he's doing and help him if he needs it. His school has been amazing these last weeks and have been able to get the online learning going. He knows that he needs to get his school work done first. Along with daily reading, exercise and some other non-computer activity like drawing or coloring. He has chores and now more of them. One because he’s old enough and two he has more time. Once the weather improves, he will become well educated with yard work (yeah me!).
Identify your weaknesses: Reflecting on your discipline and progress is essential. Identifying the little things that are distractions or even those that may have a negative impact on your health are essential to overcome. The last last thing I want to share with you are some problems that I’ve run into over years.
Eating/snacking because I’m bored or thinking about something. I have to be careful not to keep too many snacks in the house. It’s surprising how quickly you can eat, especially if you’re distracted. I suggest, keeping gum close by and definitely keeping your water bottle full.
If you like hopping on social media, make sure to set a timer. I would also suggest forcing yourself to log in and out. Like actually having to type in your password. This way you have to make an effort to get in. Scrolling through things like Facebook and Instagram are time killers.
All things considered, we are all trying to do our best under our new circumstances. Having structure can keep you feeling productive, accountable and feeling good at the end of the day. Since you are at home, keep moving (link short burst workouts? etc) and good nutritional practices will have you getting the most out of your days