Finding balance
Being a web worker is fantastic, but it also poses a few challenges that we have never had to deal with before. Traditionally, it was always fairly easy to separate our work and personal lives, but with many of us now working in our personal space, the line has become quite blurred.
Setting boundaries
When I first started working exclusively from home, I was more interested in making sure that I was getting enough work to pay then bills, then I was interested in setting boundaries. I used to work continuously.
I definitely don’t recommend this.
Even when you are first starting out, it is important to define some boundaries. Things like work hours, and no it is not a good idea to work as much as possible, or work places. For instance, I only do work in certain rooms of the house, this may seem strange but having a work zone is incredibly important if you want to not only be a good worker, but also be free from work.
Allowing some slack
If you work in a traditional office space, I think you would be surprised at the sheer amount of time that is spent actually not working. Meeting, lunch breaks, stops at the water cooler, these all add up to a small breaks from work. And guess what? They are important.
Working at a home office does not always present yourself with any type of break, and as such it is quite easy to get burnt out. I actually try to give myself a few small household chores everyday, just to break up work a little bit and make me a more efficient worker.
Actually moving
Like I said, I am a web worker, which means long hours sitting in front of a computer and not getting a lot of excercise. I have read countless studies telling my how bad this is, but the reality is all I had to do was look in the mirror to see what it was doing to me.
The first year I worked from home I definitely put on some weight, and left it there. Now, that I have nearly four years under my belt, I make darn sure that I excercise nearly every day. I cannot stress this part enough, not only will it keep you feeling and looking good, it is an amazing mental release from the stresses of working for yourself.
Scheduling balance
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
The easiest way to find that elusive balance is simply to start. Here are a few things you can schedule to help you on your way:
- Schedule time blocks – start by scheduling everything. From waking up time to having lunch. As you get into a routine you will be able to slack off a bit if you like.
- Say “No” – I know this is easier said then done, but sometimes it is important for you to know when it is time to say “No”. Like, “No, I won’t work 17days in a row” or “No, I can’t pull an all nighter and get this to you in the morning”
- Get out – I mean literally getting up and getting out of the house. Go on a date, go for a bike ride, go see a movie. Anything that is not in the same building as your home office.
- Start a journal – not all the suggestions I gave will work for you, the only way you will find your balance is if you actively search for it. A great way is to document exactly how you feel.
How about you?
Do you have any tricks or suggestions you would like to add? Use the comments.
No related posts.
