How Do I Set Boundaries While Working at Home?

Letting go of the dreadful commute and traffic can sound pretty sweet. And having a work desk set up where you live can be music to the ears. While a work-from-home setup can save you a lot of time, it can be easy to mix work and life, extending office hours even up to bedtime. 

That’s why it is very crucial to set up boundaries. And here is how to do this.

Have a designated workspace

This should be perhaps the initial step. If you do not have any physical boundaries that separate your workspace from where you eat or sleep, it can be challenging to have a work-life balance. 

That’s why assigning a zone or space that you would use just for work is crucial. Others may say that this can be impossible if you have a smaller space or share a home with someone else. If that’s the case, setting a separate working zone where you can write, type, and do work-related emails can be as simple as assigning a desk that you will use just for that.

It’s best to stay away from the bedroom and set up a clean and noise-free space. That can help spark you up for work mode and get you going. 

Refrain from using your dining table or your kitchen counter for your laptop, that can easily mess up your efforts.

In the most cramped space where all you have is free space in your bedroom, you can still set up some physical boundaries. Use curtains,  cabinets, or dividers that can function as a wall. This can help create a boundary where you sleep and where you work.

It’s also a good idea to keep this out of sight when you are already sleeping in your bed. In that way, you will refrain from answering emails when it’s past your clock out time. 

Work on your schedule and stick to it 

Having that free time that you could have used for commuting can feel like you have a ton of time on your hands. While that can be true, having this lingering thought in your mind can make you feel lax. That’s why it’s crucial to still set a work schedule and stick to it.

If you are working on a flexible time, it is still wise to set up a clock in time or what time you should be in front of your desk. This gives your body time to get used to the routine. This will also prevent you from sleeping in at odd times of the day. Getting up early in the morning and sticking to that set schedule can help you be more productive without ruining your life.

Setting up a routine, while can be boring and tedious at first, can benefit you in the long run.

With more flexibility, you have to be more accountable for your actions. And setting up a routine, what time you check in and check out time can help you be on top of your business. Remember to turn off the computer and switch to home life once the clock hits 5 or 6 pm. 

Keeping office hours is as important as keeping physical boundaries. You have to do both to be able to succeed in this setup. 

Don’t forget to take breaks and get regular exercise

We reiterated the importance of sticking to a work schedule, this includes your break times. This not only fuels your body and brain, but this also helps you stick to a routine.And refrain from eating junk and stick to a heathy and sensible meal plan.

This not only recharges your body, but it also reinvigorates your spirit, especially if you just came from handling a toxic phone call from a client. 

But remember to not be sidetracked and unknowingly extend your break hours. This can often happen if you are working on a flexible schedule.

Refrain from doing errands during your break time. It can be tempting to get out of the house and grab groceries while you are waiting for some emails. While this may work for a while, it can mess up your schedule and make you work overtime. 

Do not forget to do regular physical activity and exercise. If running on an under-the-desk treadmill or elliptical works for you, then go ahead.  If not, set an exercise routine outside your work schedule. And most importantly, stick to it. 

Be mindful of over-exertion and set stop times

It can be very tempting to squeeze in an extra few hours to be able to finish that deadline. But be mindful that you aren’t doing this on a regular basis. While this can help you get things done faster, it can be draining in the long run. 

Working for extended hours can dramatically increase strain and you will get stressed in one way or the other. 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

Neglecting yourself can be easier when you are in a WFH situation. It might seem easier to take care of your needs since you’re already in the comfort of your own home, but this is quite the opposite.

Even with the proximity of your work desk to your bedroom or dining room, you can easily forget these things that you usually do when you are in the corporate setting.

Often, you tend to stop taking regular meals, skip your podcast commute and coffee breaks. It’s so easy to forget to drink water even if you are at arm’s reach from your fridge. This happens a lot if you want to accommodate a pressing deadline.

Dress the part

While it’s easy to work in the comfort of your pajamas, this can easily kill your enthusiasm. 

Wake up early, take a shower, put on some nice clothes, and comb your hair. While you don’t really need to wear a tie and suit unless you are in a Zoom meeting, it’s important to refrain from working in your pajamas. This can blur the lines between sleeping and working as you will associate your pajamas with sleep.

Taking a nice warm shower before work can also spark your enthusiasm. Make these a regular thing as you would in a corporate setting. 

Keep the “from” in a WFH setting

Remote work requires more responsibility, believe it or not. With more flexibility and the temptation to take a nap anytime, it can be liberating and fun at first. But do these every day and you are setting up yourself for failure. This can be self interruptive and it can definitely blur the lines between work and home.