In the recent weeks, we’ve seen Austin residents shifting from working in offices to working at kitchen tables, on living room couches, and at makeshift desks. For some, the transition has been easy, but for some, the scene looks like this: kids are screaming, the dogs are barking, the dishes are piling up, and the stress of your work projects not getting done is building. If you’re wondering how to master working outside of your office, check out our five tips for working from home.
Stick to your routine
It’s easy to slip out of your routine when you don’t have to leave your house to work, but don’t let yourself fall into this bad habit. Wake up, get dressed, make your bed, have a cup of coffee, and treat it like any other day you head into the office.
Find a designated space
If you don’t already have a home office, try to find a space you can make your own. This area should be removed from as many distractions as possible. You should also ensure you have everything you need (sticky notes, pens, chargers, etc.) easily accessible. This way, you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to get supplies from other areas of your house.
Have a plan
Create a plan of action each day. While working from home, it’s always best to overcommunicate, so reach out to your boss each day to go over what needs to be done and a general game plan. If things come up, reach out to your boss or your team. You want to make sure everyone stays in the loop so that nothing falls through the cracks.
Set boundaries
If you find yourself working from home while others are in the house, set boundaries. Make it clear to them that you have work to do and will need some quiet time during part of the day.
Take regular breaks
It has been proven that taking breaks every 75–90 minutes helps boost energy levels, increase attention and focus, and renew creativity. Make your breaks count by going on a walk, meditating, checking in on your family, or daydreaming while listening to a short podcast.
If you’ve been looking for a new home with a dedicated home office during your work breaks, contact Prism Realty. We’re happy to help you with your search. You can start by looking through our Featured Listings and learning about how we can help you buy a home or sell your home.