There are some real benefits to working from home. For example, for lunch sometimes, I get to eat brie on apples. This is something you can’t do in an office without being labeled as the person who brings brie to work to spread on apples.
Conversely, it’s also possible (though I’m not saying I’ve ever done this) to just eat a big spoonful of Nutella and claim that as your lunch. This is also something that will get you a reputation in your office.
It’s a double-edged sword, working from home. You are free from co-workers who will tell you that “whipped cream isn’t for breakfast,” or “you should be wearing pants”, but you can also find yourself easily distracted by the latest deal Daymond John made on Shark Tank, or admiring the stick-to-it-iveness of that spider just outside your window.
Or YouTube. Do you know about YouTube? Stay away from YouTube. Or there goes the rest of your week!
It’s not just the distractions though. Working from home can be isolating. Some people actually find sunlight or actual human interaction a benefit. Shocking, right?!
Vitamin D and talking to people can make you happier and more productive. Talking to a handprint on a volleyball makes for a great movie, but a less fulfilling life!
What can you do to enjoy all the benefits of working from home while avoiding the downsides of feeling isolated or forgetting to take a shower this week? I’m glad you asked!
Join a co-working community
Renting office space or joining a co-working community can really invigorate you. Being around people who share your interests, passions, and drive can help motivate you, give you exposure to other perspectives, and help you grow your business in ways not possible working from home. Flexible packages/prices are often available to meet your needs and budget.
Find a way to celebrate
Sure, drinking an entire bottle of wine on a Wednesday afternoon to celebrate a new client may SOUND like a great idea, but there are probably more healthy and social ways to do that. Being a part of some social media groups or forums can be a good option, as well as sharing your good news with friends and family. You’ve got to celebrate those wins! They are important.
Schedule time to take care of yourself
When you work where you live it can be tough. After all, even when you’re not working you are at work. It’s important to take care of yourself – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
Eat well. Your kitchen can just as easily provide you with something healthy as unhealthy.
Get out of the house. Go take a walk or work in a cafe. Meet a friend for lunch and talk about anything other than work.
Give yourself a quitting time and try to stick to it. Close your computer and don’t answer emails after hours.
Your brain is like the muscles in your body. Growth comes during rest. By allowing yourself to do things that you enjoy you allow your brain to more easily solve complex problems while you’ve distracted it.