Working Successfully From Home

By Donna Stark

Are you having a difficult time adjusting to your new schedule while working from home? Are the boundaries starting to blur between your work life and your personal life? Do your kids even try to understand that your work is important and that looking for their video game ... again ... isn't what your boss wants you to spend your time on? Clearly, there needs to be some defined rules in your home but where do you start? Take a look at some of the suggestions below to get an idea.

Dress for Work

Perception could be key here, and if your young children see you working in your pajamas and slippers, they may not be able to make the distinction from "normal" mommy and daddy to "working" mommy and daddy. It may help if you take a shower and get out of those sweats. Now, that doesn't mean you have to change into your business clothes. Simply getting out of your pajamas and dressing casually can make all the difference in the world.

Find Your Space

It's important to find your own, personal space in the home that is dedicated to work. The best option is to use a separate room from all the others, but if one isn't available, you can still find ways to claim your spot. Try to choose a space that has a door or at the very least, one that is as far away from the rest of the gang.

Set Your Hours

Setting your work hours and sticking to them is the only way you will be productive. Give your children plenty of notice and let them know that you will only allow disruptions if there is an emergency (if you have to, you can also explain that looking for a video controller does not constitute an emergency). If you let your children know that they will have your full attention during your breaks, they may give you the space you need.

Prepare the Night Before

Preparing the night before your busy day can reduce a lot of the drama and disruptions that could potentially interrupt your work. Have activities lined up for your children to do, pack some snacks they can grab on their own, and make sure they understand the limits on what they can and can't do. You can also set out paper plates and cups so you aren't stressed about any extra cleanup you may have to face once your work is done.  

Successful Days

Whether you follow these suggestions, modify them to fit your needs, or come up with your own, you can start looking forward to successful days while working at home! It's all about balance and once you find that, you can kiss those blurred boundary lines goodbye.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arvada, Colo.