1. Remember that no one expects you to be perfect!
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s okay to have your dog bark in the background of a work call or have your kid pop in to ask what’s for breakfast. Everyone has a life at home beyond work and it’s totally acceptable to embrace it!
2. Give your workspace a makeover.
Now that we have been working from home for a bit, a little change of scenery may be just what you need to pep up your workdays. It can be as easy as adding some plants or colorful decor to liven up your space, or you can try rearranging your furniture all together. Try positioning your desk to face a window so you are not backlit during video calls (plus you have a nice view during the day!).
3. Take a deliberate break every day that’s just for YOU.
Go for a stroll, write in a journal, do some yoga, grab a cup of tea, and zone out for a bit. The last few months have been strange and stressful, so you should prioritize your mental health. That meeting can wait; that phone call can wait. Put a few minutes aside to check in with yourself and focus on your well-being.
4. Chat with your coworkers about things other than work.
Even though you may not be in the office, you can still have water cooler talk! So make a point to chat (or even video-call) with a teammate just to check in or share an inside joke. Staying social will boost your spirits, and chances are you are making their day a little better, too!
5. Make your work schedule work for you...
More focused in the morning? Then schedule team calls and meetings in the afternoon so you can hunker down in the a.m. Need to help your kids with homework after school? Make the mornings your meeting time of choice. Take advantage of technology with status settings or “do not disturb” options so you can let your team know when you are available.
6. ...and turn off notifications when the workday is done.
Work-life boundaries are more important than ever! If you are able to, set a clear end time for your workday and turn off any email or message notifications. It’s important (and totally okay) to set boundaries with your team to establish when you are working and when you are off the clock.