Finally Find Success Working From Home with These 3 Simple Hacks

Let’s face it-- the pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways. Before this year, we had the liberty of moving around where we wanted, unrestricted by (necessary) mask mandates and social distancing policies. 

Now, we are challenged to make the most of the spaces in our homes. Relearning how to operate in a daily routine and maintain a work-life balance under new circumstances is no easy feat. I’ve spoken with, read messages from, and listened to leaders, business owners, and corporate employees who are struggling with time management and ‘getting their rhythm back’. 

Getting back into habits that promote your personal and professional growth takes time and commitment but you can do it. If you have been struggling and don’t quite know where to begin, here are 3 easy hacks professionals have been using to get better at time management and increase efficiency. 

1. Waking up at the same time every day 

We are creatures of habit and work better on a routine. Waking up at the same time every day has been shown to have many positive benefits. Because our bodies operate on a circadian rhythm, setting a time to go to sleep and wake up every day allows us to maintain a well-functioning rhythm. A balanced circadian rhythm can provide you with several benefits including but not limited to improved concentration, productivity, immunity, and digestion. 

1. Planning their days out 

Try not to fall into the trap of getting disorganized. Oftentimes, our homes are spaces where we allow ourselves to ‘let go’ and do activities of comfort and relaxation. However, with many of us working from home, we now need to train ourselves to get work done (this is why it is also suggested that you block off a section of your home, maybe an office or a nook area, where you will spend the majority of your working hours). 

A great way to make sure you are on task is to plan your days out. Take about 20 minutes before you go to bed to plan your next day. That way, you wake up with a sense of direction and order.

3. One self-care act a day 

Take care of yourself. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the latest news headlines or with supporting your children through the new school year and online-learning. Remember that you can not show up and put in your best effort if you’re running on ‘E’. Commit to doing one act of self-care a day. 

That can be having a glass of your favorite red wine, catching up on a hobby, taking a longer shower, or doing something fun with your significant other. Whatever you choose to do, use that time to totally forget about work and deadlines. Really live in the moment and enjoy the free time you have. Doing so will ease tension and help create an enjoyable work-life balance. 

In conclusion

You might not master these 3 hacks immediately and that’s okay. The best way to permanently implement them into your lifestyle is to be intentional about making healthy choices a habit. Sometimes you’ll oversleep or forget to take some time off. Don’t beat yourself up about it. But don’t make a habit out of things that keep you tired and worn out. I created a program to help you get your rhythm back. There’s a framework and system I’ve created that is effective and will help you to be more efficient and live your life with joy, consistency, and a certainty that you can get things done without being tired, exhausted, and burned out. Contact me for a complimentary 45-minute session and let’s get you your rhythm back. 

Elaine Robinson Beattie is a proven leadership expert who helps C-Suite Executives and Directors at Fortune 500 companies build highly productive teams. Contact her today to explore how you can increase your and your team's effectiveness.