Home office seems to be the new buzz phase! With the recent precautions in place, it’s opened up the concept of working from home to a side of our population that has not previously experienced this phenomenon. Interior designer Sarah Yarrow rounds up her top 7 tips to get through and win at work.
WRITTEN BY SARAH YARROW / PHOTOGRAPHY JACQUI TURK
1. GET DRESSED
Sounds simple but it will keep your mindset focused on work. This is a change of environment, not a holiday, keep focused.
2. HAVE A DEDICATED AREA
It’s vital to have a dedicated space to work from which is not a communal area, e.g. the dining table. This helps you stay organised and having work stuff visibly in your personal space.
3. SET BREAKS
Have morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea pre-scheduled in your calendar so you’re not getting up randomly – this is so disruptive to your mental flow.
4. STAY PRESENT
When you’re at work, you’re WORKING. Avoid letting personal commitments or distractions seep into your work day.
5. CLEAR THE CLUTTER
Get rid of the paper and start to incorporate some organisation.
Nothing will make you feel less motivated and more overwhelmed than sitting down to a work space which is overflowing. Keep it clear and clean. Your thoughts will mirror your space.
6. SYSTEMS
In terms of being productive, I have a hybrid mixture of technology and paper to help me stay on track. I like the tactile nature of writing my daily tasks and then the
digital component of scheduling these into my digital calendar. I use the Full Focus Planner (by Michael Hyatt Co.) which allows me to set a daily ‘Big 3’ – these are 3 tasks
that I must get done today. Focusing on just 3 tasks means I’m way more productive than spreading myself thin trying to do 20 things and not completing any. I also love the
satisfaction of physically ‘ticking off’ tasks as they’re completed, so therapeutic!
7. BOUNDARIES
Having a set schedule and work day means you can keep mental and emotional order to your day. Being able to close the door of your office (or pack away your work things out of sight for the evening) and ‘leave’ work is important for your mental and emotional health.