Creating Boundaries When You Work From Home
Since working from home (WFH) has become increasingly popular, many of us have started to enjoy the freedom of working from home. There are no traffic jams, no need to worry about grooming, and you can work from a comfortable place. But behind all these advantages, there is a big challenge: the boundaries between work and personal life are blurred. If you are not careful, work can become messy or you may not even have time to rest at all. So, how do you create clear boundaries when working from home to stay productive without losing your life balance? Come on, take a look at the following tips!
1. Have a Special Workspace
It may sound trivial at first, but having a dedicated workspace can make a big difference. Avoid working from the bed or sofa because it makes us tend to be lazy and less focused. If you don't have a dedicated workspace, just set up a corner at home that is only used for work. That way, our brains can differentiate when it's time to work and when it's time to relax.
2. Set Clear Working Hours
One of the biggest mistakes when WFH is working without time limits. At first, it may feel flexible, but over time it makes us tired. Create a clear work schedule, for example from 9 am to 5 pm, and stick to it. When the time is up, close the laptop and leave the work area.
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3. Don't Always Be Online 24/7
Due to working from home, many people feel they have to be available at all times. In fact, if we always respond to work chats outside working hours, it can make us burn out quickly. Don't be afraid to go offline after work hours are over. If there is something important, the team will definitely contact you at a more reasonable time.
4. Wear Work Clothes
It may sound strange, but wearing neater clothes when working from home can improve focus. You don't need to wear formal clothes, but at least change out of your pajamas. This signals to the brain that we are in work mode, not relax mode.
5. Communicate Boundaries to Family or Housemates
One of the big challenges of WFH is distractions from people at home. Sometimes family or housemates think, "Ah, he's at home, he can chat anytime." This can interfere with productivity. Communicate with them when they work and when they can be disturbed. If necessary, stick the work schedule on the door or use a special sign when in a meeting.
6. Use Time Management Techniques
To keep your work effective, try using the time blocking or Pomodoro technique. For example, work for 25-50 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break. This technique helps us stay focused without feeling tired. Additionally, make sure to compile a daily to-do list to keep your work more organized.
7. Separate Personal and Work Gadgets
If possible, use different devices for work and entertainment. For example, a work laptop is only used for office tasks, while a personal cell phone is used for leisure. If that's not possible, at least create different accounts on the same device for work and personal life.
8. Don't Forget to Rest
Many people think working from home means they can relax more, but in reality, they often forget to take breaks. Make sure to take regular breaks, for example, every two hours standing up, stretching, or just going for a short walk. This is important to keep the body healthy and the mind fresh.
9. Determine the End of the Working Day
When we work in the office, we know when to go home. But when WFH, the boundaries between work and personal life can be blurred. Therefore, create a ritual to end the working day, such as closing the laptop, tidying up your work desk, or going for a short walk. This helps our brain understand that the work day is over and it's time to move on to personal life.
10. Don't Neglect Your Social Life
One of the side effects of WFH is feeling lonely. Because we rarely meet colleagues in person, we can feel isolated. To overcome this, take time to continue interacting with other people. This can be done by chatting via video call, hanging out virtually with friends, or even just chatting with neighbors.
11. Use WFH Benefits Wisely
WFH has many benefits, such as being able to be closer to family, having more flexible time, and reducing stress due to commuting to the office. But, if not managed well, we can lose the boundaries between work and life. So, use WFH wisely—don't just keep working, but also use this opportunity to enjoy life.
Why You Need Healthy Boundaries While Working From Home
By definition, healthy boundaries are boundaries that a person has and creates to ensure that person remains mentally and emotionally stable. When you have healthy boundaries and apply them well, it doesn't mean you immediately distance yourself from other people. Sometimes, you need it so you can interact with other people without feeling tired and burdened. Then, why do you need it?
You also need space for yourself. Whatever your personality type, you need time alone too, you know. This can help you to evaluate yourself and also to take a break from things that make you tired. Create boundaries based on your abilities. Everyone has their own limits. Don't let yourself do things for other people, but forget your own needs.
Determine the treatment you deserve. When you work from home, of course, you still need to communicate with your colleagues to ensure your work runs smoothly. However, not everything can be taken for granted in the name of work. Build a sense of autonomy. Being yourself, both at work and home is not something that can be negotiated. Don't lose your essence just for the sake of work.
Creating boundaries when working from home takes effort, but the results are worth it. By building healthy habits, we can stay productive without losing the balance between work and personal life. Come on, start setting WFH limits from now on. Working from home but still productive? Digital-Trans Asia is ready to help with WFH solutions that make work smoother, more comfortable, and more efficient. Don't let remote work become complicated—with the right technology, everything is simpler.
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