I’M ON FIRE!

Not really.  But I am quite burned out, as is most everyone who has been working from home because of the pandemic.  Why?

Quite simply, there are no boundaries between work and personal life; the lines between doing laundry, taking an impromptu call, and helping kids with homework while on the Zoom call are all too blurred.

Whether you’ve designed good ideas in the past and just failed to implement them as habits or you’re still not sure where to start, here are a few things you can do toward refining the lines between work life and home life.

  • Maintain your morning routine. Not going into an office doesn’t mean skipping those things that had previously set you up for success. Wake at the same time and continue the routine that works for you.
  • Repurpose commute time for self-care. In 2019, the average American commute was almost 27 minutes each way, according to the Census Bureau. Don’t let this reclaimed time go to waste. If reading, meditating, journaling, or practicing yoga aren’t currently part of your routine, now is a great time to try them out.
  • Dress for success. Just because you can get away with wearing your PJs doesn’t mean you should. You may still be interfacing with colleagues, partners, or customers via video. Plus, dressing comfortably yet professionally helps get you in the right mindset to stay productive.
  • Focus on nutrition. Maintain focus and energy by avoiding foods with sugars, artificial ingredients, or empty calories. Need a few suggestions? Healthier bars, baked chips, jerky, granola, trail mix, and healthy sweets may help to keep you properly fueled throughout your remote workdays.  
  • Have a dedicated workspace. Find an environment that fosters productivity. It should be quiet, comfortable, and free of distractions - and away from where you usually eat or relax.
  • Take time to go outside. Taking breaks is great for your focus and well-being. Recharge by walking around the block or stepping outside on a patio or balcony.
  • Consider video meetings first. Face-to-face interaction doesn’t have to be a casualty of remote work. Conduct daily stand-ups or team meetings via video conferencing software to maintain that personal connection.
  • Conduct video walking meetings. If possible, attend your meetings through your smartphone and walk around outside during that time.  This accomplishes a few things: 1) it gets you moving, 2) it helps encourage curiosity and creativity, and 3) it sets an example for others that meetings don’t have to be done sitting down.  Have someone take minutes while the rest of the team walks and then switch it up during the next meeting – volunteer someone else to take minutes!

Learning to set boundaries is only the first step. Communicate these boundaries – with staff, colleagues, family members, children, etc. – and then build routines and habits to enforce and encourage better balance.

Senior leaders may struggle the most with boundaries due to feeling they must be available, present, and engaged with all people, all the time.  That is not the case.  Leader, you also need to set the example of what to do, as well as what not to do. 

This doesn’t have to be a daunting task; taking one step at a time can get you the balance needed in your life so you can give your best while “at work” and also be present when you’re “at home”.

I can help you intentionally strategize your work-from-home philosophy in order to consider next steps to help you grow into a truly excellent leader.  Let’s chat!

 

P.S.  Book a Complimentary Strategy Session so we can get you moving in the right direction; click on my Complimentary Strategy Session calendar link here and let’s book a time together so you can get started today!

P.P.S.  With over three decades of professional experience in corporate operations and executive human resources, I am a proven results-driven leader.  My expertise includes strategy, change management, talent management and organizational development, employee relations, and executive and leadership coaching.  I am a highly effective communicator and team leader with proven ability to build long-term relationships across internal and external customer environments built with integrity, confidence, authenticity, and trust.