Is there a downside to working from home?
Let me start out by saying, I’m not sharing this post to be a “Negative Nelly.” I adore writing, freelancing, and working from home.
I have, however, been doing this “working online at home” gig for a while now and I’ve learned a thing or two. I want to share with you today, a few of the issues I have run into and some solutions to them that may make your experience better, as well.
*I would also like to enlist your help in sharing with our community here at Immensely Social any tips and tricks you have for working from home. You can do that by leaving a comment with your top solutions. Thank you for doing so!
With that intro, let’s jump into some things you can do to have a more efficient and enjoyable “working from home” experience:
Work From Home with Efficiency and Pizzazz
First off…
- Save the Eyes
Before I started working from home staring at a screen, I had 20/20 vision. Now, I get headaches, my eyes often feel strained, and I wear anti-glare glasses. (I also moved to the Equator which means close sun that can be harsh on my Irish green eyes. But, I know the increase in computer time has been the main culprit.)
What can you do? Have your eyes checked and get anti-glare glasses if you need to. You may think you don’t need glasses, but if you are straining and having headaches, it’s worth a check.
“It’s so hard to look away. But you really should, at least occasionally. And remind yourself to blink.”
Take breaks divert your eyes from the screen from time to time.
The Atlantic has some fantastic advice and stats from the Vision Council: How to Keep Computer Screens from Destroying Your Eyes
Afternoon Meditation, Yep It’ Good for Your Eyes Too!
I like to take a short meditation break some time in the afternoon. I close my eyes and place one of those narrow rice packs over my forehead. I warm it in the microwave and it provides soothing relief to any eye strain and stress. You can buy some great eye pillows from Etsy or check Pinterest for the inspiration to make your own. Here’s a nice DYI from Fellow Fellow: DYI Heat Pack, thanks Claire!
Optimize Your Screen
Optimize your screen’s brightness. Play around with your screen’s brightness for the best setting. You can also try an app. I use one called F.lux. It adapts your computer’s lighting to the time of day, so you don’t get that harsh blue glow when working into the evening. It’s great and it’s free! http://justgetflux.com
Work in the best location
My desk is by a bay window, which I love, but it’s harsh on hazy days.
If you have this problem too, try an “L” shaped desk.Using an L-desk allows you to work from different angles, without moving your desk around, at different times of day to accommodate for light.
Don’t have an L desk? No problem.
You can put two smaller desks together to form an “L” or just add a smaller table. I have a table that pulls out from under my desk creating a side table I can work from when needed. This gives me the ability to stay by the window, but turn a different direction away from the direct light. A great option for smaller spaces!
Now that we have your eyes protected, on to the next possible issue…
- Stiff Neck and Shoulders
I happen to be blessed with an excellent chiropractor/message therapist for this issue. She is a wonderful and says I have “mucho stress” when she works on my neck and shoulders. She always straightens me out though.
My dear Cecilia has been on vacation and I need her to come back desperately!
If you have the opportunity to receive adjustments, I highly recommend it for this occupational hazard. But, there are also some great stretches you can do.
Try this “Deskercise”- The Ultimate Deskercise Routine. With moves like “The Dead Robot Dance” and “The Sophomore Headshot,” it can be fun too! A Yoga or Pilates routine before bed is also beneficial to reduce stress and realign. If you happen to have a Chihuahua on your hip when you do yoga, all the better.
Are you all stretched out? If not, go ahead and “deskercise,” I’ll wait…
Welcome back! On to the next probelm:
- Staying on track
Sherlock’s right! You can’t just turn it on and off!
When you work from home, there can be a lot of distractions. Some people find themselves at the refrigerator wanting to eat all the time. Others, like me, have the vice of cleaning. I’ll start picking up around the house and before you know it, I’m cleaning out the closet instead of writing.
I have written a couple of posts on focusing when working from home, which I will re-share. But, a great tip I have used is get up and get dressed like you’re going to work. Sure, staying in your PJs is one of the benefits of working at home, but getting dressed puts me in a better state.
I was on a morning mindset call with some colleagues recently, talking about that very thing. One lady said she was sitting there dressed nice with her makeup on, not planning to see anyone, just on the call with us. Dressing up made her feel good about the work she was doing. I always feel more productive when I look like I’m heading out!
That doesn’t mean I don’t have “PJ Days,” but you have to treat your work like real work if you want others to take you seriously. For more on that one, cheek out my previous post: Is Writing a Real Job?
Last, but certainly not least….
- Feeling like part of the world
Sometimes being an at home entrepreneur can be isolating. Getting out from time to time and connecting is so important. When you are in the blogging, social media, entrepreneurship realm, people often don’t get you and what you do.
It’s important to connect with other like minded people.
You can do this with online groups, but in person is even better. Grab coffee and chat about your work with someone who “gets it” every chance you have. This will help you stay connected to the world.
Your work will benefit when you take time to go out, live, and expand yourself! Of course, I’ve got a post on that: The Desperation of Writing”Stuff”
There you have it my Entrepreneurial Peeps!
It’s Your Turn- Have you run into any of these issues working at home or something else? How do you remedy them? Let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, please “like&share” An extra high five if you tag me, @lorihil, in a picture of you #deskercising 🙂
We’ll chat soon,
XOXO Hil <3
If you’re considering revamping your home office, Visit: What’s Your Home Office Style
Kim says
Too late for my eyes! One thing I must remember to is to get out of the house and start scheduling “coffee” and lunch meetings even if it’s with friend. I’m wearing my office chair out! Great post and definitely one to share with the masses. #bloggingboost
lorihil says
Thanks Kim, it can be challenging to remove yourself from the office chair, but coffee dates are great!
Alesha says
My husband works from home and we are together starting a new home businesses venture in a few weeks, it gets even more complicated when there are two of you at home all the time! I try to consciously remind myself that he is working and not disrupt him. Also I save up my questions for later, instead of distracting him whenever a new thought pops in my head. I like that you wrote this! They were some great tips!
Alesha
lorihil says
Thanks Alesha, that would be challenging with two people working from home!
Miranda Nahmias says
I don’t do it full-time, but I’m hoping to transition into working totally from home over the next year and a half. I always hoped to one day work from home, and now that I’ve started my own graphic design freelancing business, I’m excited to say that it’s looking more and more like it could be a real possibility soon!
But whether or not I work from home, I’m totally right there with you on the neck pain!! At my full-time job, I work on the computer as well, so I just about never get a break from that! I really need to invest in a good massage therapist like you haha. What a great idea!
lorihil says
Best of luck with your Freelance Business Miranda and I hope you get that massage!
Rhonda Swan says
Great tips here lovely lady. Keep up the great work and live unstoppable!
lorihil says
Thanks Rhonda, you too!