Easing Back Into Work (From Home)

On the last day of my holiday break, I stood for a moment outside the door of what once used to be my bedroom, now turned into my work from home space. I remembered how things looked so differently from the previous year, wherein all that ever existed in the room were two beds; one of which used to be my older sister's. Now, only one bed stays (mine, for work break purposes) in one corner, and on the other side would be my dedicated work space, which has been gradually changing over time.

It used to only be my monobloc chair, desk, and work laptop. But as days turned into months, and now almost a year later, an ergonomic chair and screen monitor came in as new additions to aid my physical body as I continue doing the work. 

An imaginary line divides these two sides, a line I cross at self designated times for when I need a break and when it is time to immerse myself in back to back calls and deep work. The arrangement stays the same even as the new year has rolled in.

I have to admit that I am immensely grateful for not having to endure hours of sleeping and waking up in traffic or having the added stress of beating rush hours. But much like with everything in life, it takes time to adapt and fully embrace new things, to see what works and what does not. 

And so as we start going back into work or study from home for this year, allow me to share a few habits I'm keeping with me as I ease back into working from home:

Placing my phone far, far away from me

Often times my attention gets pulled away whenever my phone is near. It's not because I have a lot of people messaging me, but only because I end up spending so much time feeding my brain with information that's not related to my work.. and sometimes even things I shouldn't be concerned about.

Instead of using the pockets of idle time on my phone screen, I hope to use it for intentional rest instead. To close my eyes a bit, or stand up and stretch, drink a glass of water... I also already have one screen in front of me already, which is my work laptop. Would I need more? This question leads me to wanting to lessen the screens that I work with because I don't live online. 

And so nowadays during my work hours, I put my phone in our living room. In this way, it takes more effort for me to reach out to my phone since I have to stand up and go out of my room. I set the volume settings to maximum so I would be able to hear in case someone is reaching out to me. That's the only time I'll be checking my phone, the only time I allow myself on another screen.

Taking my breaks more seriously

A habit of mine that I'm not proud of is that, during lunch breaks I would take a peek at my work laptop while eating. If I take my work so seriously, should I not do the same to my rest? While going big with work, I hope to go big with my rest too, and that includes keeping work out of my mind throughout my time of rest. As much as possible I stay in another room, or I go out to the living or dining room during my breaks. 

I would then feel much more refreshed when I sit back down at my work desk. I feel as if I can power through the rest of the work day since I have regained my energy.

Acknowledging progress midway

I have a clock hanging inside my room, which I would often look up at to check the time. Somehow, I would always feel a burst of energy whenever the clock strikes twelve o' clock in the afternoon. Part of it is because it's lunch time, of course, but it's also largely because I know the first half of the day is already done and I have the second half left to make the most out of my work hours. 

Beginnings always inspire me, and getting through midway with whatever it is I'm doing pushes me to keep going. 

And lastly.... 

Giving myself generous pats on the back. 

Please, please give yourselves lots of it too!

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My first week of work last week was what I expected; a mountain of emails awaited my reply, and meetings had to be set. But I took my time, and let myself ease into it, knowing that there is a time for everything and accepting that it's time to work again. 

What's your best work or study tip that makes you most productive? I would love to know : - ) perhaps we could compile our best practices, and we could learn from each other.

Happy Wednesday, dear reader. Stay safe and well. 

Photo credit: first

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