Dear So Over WFH,

We all hear you. At first, living in sweats and having Friends on as we worked seemed like the dream. Sometimes we still love it, but a part of us is also longing for those chats around the coffee machine and meetings without mute buttons. I want you to remember, that this setup won’t be forever, but in the meantime, there are a few things that you can do that will help your motivation and mental health.

Create boundaries

We’re talking time and space. It may be tempting to work beyond your contracted hours because, ‘why not, I only need to heat up some leftovers,’ but working extra hours consistently can lead to burnout. If you’re already experiencing a lack of motivation, it could be because you’ve been over-working, so it’s time to plan breaks into your working day and snap your laptop shut as soon as it’s ‘home time.’

It’s also important to create boundaries around your workspace. Working at the kitchen table may be conveniently located for snack runs, but are you truly doing your best work in a space where you normally enjoy family time and dinner parties? If you can, dedicate an area of your home just for you to work in and ask your home-sharers not to bother you during your working hours.

Get dressed

At what point of the day are you changing out of your pajamas? Be honest. If you’re showering and getting dressed later than you would if you were going to the office, let’s change that. I’m not saying you have to ditch the loungewear, but just the simple act of putting on clothes that are acceptable to wear in the street will make you feel more ready for work. Keep pajamas for the hours between 6 pm and 7 am and you’ll find it helps to create more structure in your day.

Stay connected, but limit social media time

Making sure you’re connected to the world beyond your four walls during the working day is important, whether that be a Zoom catch-up with your work bestie or a team conference call. However, it’s best to save your social media scrolling for after work or on your lunch break (that reminds me, make sure you’re taking your lunch break!). Procrastinating from work with social media is self-sabotage and will only make you feel unproductive later when you’re an hour into scrolling, without any work to show for it.

Remember it’s okay to take a step back and re-evaluate your situation. Your work from home setup may have been perfect a year ago, but perhaps now it’s time for a change. Good luck!

Sincerely,
Jenny