Top Tips for Work-Life Balance when Working from Home

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to positive mental health and well-being. For those who work from home, it can be easy to overlook this aspect despite the greater flexibility. Since you have the freedom to structure your work day, it’s important to utilise it well. Learn how to become more efficient and productive and maintain a healthy work-life balance at home with these simple tips. 

1. Maintain a Healthy Work Schedule 

The flexibility that comes with a remote job can make us feel like we need to be available at all times, but that can be detrimental to one’s work-life balance. You need to determine your work schedule for the day/week and set some boundaries to ensure that work doesn’t seep into after-hours. This will not only help you be productive during the day but also unwind and relax after work. 

Following a simple and effective routine is key during the work week. This way, not only will your team be aware of when they can contact you, but you will also be able to plan out personal activities, maintain a consistent sleep routine, and work a reasonable number of hours.

2. Have a Separate Work Space 

One of the perks of having an office job is you have a designated work space outside your home which makes it easier to unwind after work. You need to do the same at home. Setting aside a separate area of your home exclusively for work means you can be focused during work hours. Once you’ve finished up for the day, try not to use that space anymore (like you would in an office job). This is a way of telling your mind that it’s time to relax.

You don’t need much to create a home office space: an office desk and chair are all you need, but you can furnish it as you like to make the space more personal. If you’re designing a new space or upgrading your existing one, you can pick a colour scheme and create a new design. 

3. Use Personal Errands or Activities for Mini Breaks 

For a healthy work-life balance, you need to utilise the flexibility that comes with working from home. Don’t just sit on your office chair all day, instead, use your errands or personal activities to take mini breaks. Whether that’s going to the post office, picking out some fresh flowers, grabbing a croissant from the bakery, or doing a 30-minute pilates class, make sure you’re moving. That way you can break up your work day and stay focused during key tasks, as well as get in some physical exercise to help you keep fit. 

4. Plan Out After-Work Hours 

When you’re working from home, it can be challenging to step away from work even after you’ve shut down your laptop. Having your evening planned means you can reset and relax once you’ve logged off. You don’t need to go all out on planning and make it more complicated than it needs to be, simply having something to look forward to is enough, whether that’s hitting some balls on the tennis court, catching up on your favourite novel, or having a date night.

5. Eat a Proper Lunch

In a traditional office setting, you're more likely to take a proper lunch break since there are other co-workers around you. At home, however, these cues are missing. That’s why it’s even more important to set aside a designated lunch hour to help you reset and energise for the rest of the afternoon. Set an alarm to remind you and try to get away from your desk whilst you eat. 

6. Go Out for a Walk

Take a moment to go outside, even if it's only for five minutes. Stand up, stretch, and get some Vitamin D (while the sun’s out). You can walk your dog, take a quick walk around the block, or visit your favourite park during lunch. Whatever you choose, you'll return to work feeling energised and ready to tackle the rest of your day.