Working from home has a lot of advantages but it’s so easy to let your work life and home life overlap. In order to be a work from home success you have to create a healthy boundary so that both lives never clash against each other.
I read an article on Fortune about the dangers of working from home when there isn’t a boundary to protect an employees non-work life. The article talks about employees feeling burned out and high stress levels when work and life clash with each other.
And it’s so true. I have had my share of issues in this area too. There were (and still are) times when I will work into the evening. Or I’ll take my laptop, sit on my bed and work until midnight. It’s fine for a while but then the burnout starts to creep in. And trying to function on a normal workday is impossible on 4-5 hours of sleep. That’s what the article is talking about.
Creating A Healthy Boundary When Working From Home
If you’re struggling to keep your work life and home life separate, these three strategies are easy to incorporate and will create a healthy boundary for your work from home life.
#1 Break In Another Room
I know it’s easier to sit in front of your desk and gobble up your lunch while working. But give your mind a rest and take breaks away from your work area or home office. The time you step away from your desk might even get your creative juices flowing and be more productive.
#2 Create A Stop Time When Working From Home
This is something I’m guilty of doing – or not doing myself. I have a habit of working late into the night when the hubs works late. Yes, I get more done but by the end of the week, I’m one tired mama.
Unless you have a schedule because of a work from home job, set a stop time to call it a day and stick to it. Anytime after that should be devoted to things other than work.
#3 Keep Devices Out Of The Bedroom
This goes with strategy 2. If you take your laptop into your bedroom and work into the night, you’re going to burn out before your stop time the next day. Believe me, it happens. 🙂
The best thing is to avoid taking your laptop or anything else you might be able to do some work on into your bedroom.
Focus on getting a good night’s sleep to be raring to go the next day.
Wrapping Up
Are these easy to do or what? I hope the three strategies I shared will help you create a healthy boundary to make working from home a success!
