10 TINY WORKING FROM HOME HACKS | My best strategies that make all the difference

Key working-from-home lifestyle hacks (10)

1. Create a “virtual/personal commute” routine

   • Do a small morning ritual to separate home life from work life, e.g.:
     • Spend a little time with ginger (pet) in the morning
     • Make coffee
     • Do light kitchen cleaning
     • Have YouTube or a podcast playing in the background
     • Take a moment to connect with your dog
   • Goal: feel “accomplished” before working and mentally switch into work mode.

2. Build structure into your day

   • Use meetings/timed signposts (including Zoom) to anchor the day.
   • Set deadlines, timers, and time blocks/budgeting for tasks.

3. Set up a devoted workspace—but switch locations when needed

   • Have a “work zone” (e.g., a desk in a back room).
   • If you’re tired or need variety:
     • Work at the dining room table
     • Work from the couch on low-energy days (e.g., Friday afternoons)
   • Emphasizes mental association: certain spaces = focused, serene work.

4. Upgrade your setup for comfort and efficiency

   • If you’re on a laptop, add:
     • a monitor (even second-hand)
     • a keyboard
   • Rationale: better screen visibility, smoother workflow, and a more enjoyable work experience.

5. Get out of the house when you’re not working

   • If you go days without leaving, mood and focus drop.
   • Fix: walks or other small “change of scenery” outings.

6. Keep a hobby (or outside-life interest)

   • Prevent work from “infiltrating” your whole life and causing burnout.
   • Suggestions:
     • Learn a new skill
     • Develop an interest/hobby
     • Or simpler: spend time with family and friends

7. Clear and minimize your workspace

   • Keep the work area not super cluttered.
   • Use simpler storage choices (e.g., a table instead of a desk with piles of papers).
   • Regularly reset the environment:
     • tidy at the end of the day and/or start of the day

8. Take breaks to avoid burnout

   • Simple options:
     • stretch in your chair
     • step away from your desk briefly
   • Purpose: refocus and prevent working all the time.

9. Create boundaries and reinforce them with others at home

   • Communicate when you need to focus.
   • Regularly remind household members so distractions don’t constantly pull you away.

10. Use music strategically

    • If sluggish: use energizing/fun music
    • If distracted: use drone/ambient/atmospheric sound
    • Rationale: music affects mood and thinking, and working from home reduces the chance of bothering others.

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Notable mentions (locations/products/speakers)

• Sponsor: Skillshare
• Class/creator mentioned: “The Ultimate Self-Care Playbook” by Jonathan Van Ness
• Products/tech: monitor, keyboard (second-hand), mouse (mentioned as part of laptop setup)
• Social platforms/places: YouTube, podcasts, Zoom
• Home locations used for work switching: back room desk, dining room table, couch
• Pets used in routine: ginger, a dog