How to create a structured routine when working from home

Working from home presents many advantages and disadvantages. While it can be invigorating to have complete control over your work and your routine, it can be significantly harder to get motivated. After all, when you work at home or work for yourself, you are your sole motivator. Without a structured routine, you will find it hard to fit work around your other responsibilities. You may also struggle to meet deadlines. A fixed routine that you can stick to every working day is key to breaking out of this. 

Here is how you can create a work from home routine.

Wake up around the same time

The key to creating a structured routine is simply waking up around the same time every day. This means you’ll have to try and go to sleep earlier. If you have trouble sleeping, consider turning off all electronics an hour before you go to sleep and do some light reading. This may also give you more energy the following day.

Eat around the same time

One of the worst habits that you can do is to work through lunch or simply forget to eat. This will lead to exhaustion and burnout. You must prioritise your health at all times. While you may tell yourself that it’s more important to meet your deadlines - nothing is worth skipping lunch for. Sitting down for a meal will actually boost your energy and give you the motivation to continue with your work.

Have set working hours

When you work from home it’s easy to fall into the disordered pattern of waking up when you feel like it and finishing work when you feel like it. And while that may work for some people, for most of us this can lead to a decrease in productivity. Even when working in a relaxed environment, you need to try and make it feel like you are working to a strict schedule. It’s far easier to maintain concentration if you have set hours. And once you finish for the day - leave work at the door!

Have a dedicated workspace

If you have the space to do so, set up a separate place that you can work from. Preferably, pick a spot where you can clearly distinguish between work and personal life. For instance, if you have a spare room you can set up a desk there. Or you can try to make room for a small desk in the living room or bedroom. Even working from the dining table is a better idea than working from your sofa or bed. It’s important that it feels like an office, because that will encourage you to focus on your current tasks. 

Use a planner to keep track of tasks

A great way of staying organised and sticking to your routine is to keep a planner close by. Use it to make bullet points and a clear plan of the tasks that need to be completed that day. As you complete them, simply tick them off. Remember that these don’t have to be big tasks - they can be small tasks that add up. Every accomplishment is worth celebrating. PS - we’ll be launching our own very soon and we cannot wait for you all to see it. If you would like a massive discount when this is launched make sure you subscribe so you’re first in line!

Written by,

Coralle Skye