Top tips for working at home

Here are some top tips for working at home because, like many people, your house is now a prison, sorry, home office. And there’s only so much daytime television the human body can handle.

As someone who was a freelance journalist for nearly three years and has been working from home the last year and a half, I’ve learned the various pros and cons. More importantly though is that I’ve learned how to get things done (most of the time). That’s why I’m writing my top tips for working at home.

So if you’re struggling to adapt to your housebound way of life and actually need to work, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of because it’s difficult to get used to, here are some things I would suggest you try. On a related note, check out my best desks feature.

1) Top tips for working at home: Stop wearing just underpants

Look, I know it’s tempting to lounge about in your underpants and, yes, it does save on washing powder and ironing. Actually, maybe I should do it after all.

The reality, however, is that working from home is best served with structure and routine. So treat it like any other day and have a shower, get dressed, brush your teeth, wear outdoor clothes. With that said, you can probably ditch the tie.

2) Top tips for working at home: Work it

Even if claims that a certain virus affects overweight people more is false, working from home isn’t good for you. A sedentary lifestyle is, in fact, said to be a killer. And, let’s face it, the commute from your bedroom to the living room is hardly what you would consider exercise. Unless you live in a castle.

What I do is do one or two hours of work, then I do a chore, DIY job or some press-ups, sit-ups or just run up and down the stairs a few times. Not only will it make you feel less meh because exercise can improve your mood, it will help with motivation and productivity.

3) Setup a ‘proper’ working area

It can be tempting to work in bed. But apart from the fact it gives you no separation between work and your sex life, assuming you have one, it’s actually uncomfortable. No one wants back pain, do they.

Find a table or desk (online shops are still open if you’re really desperate) and then put your laptop on some books or adjust the monitor height until your eyes are slightly above or in line with the top of the display.

If you have a mouse, keyboard and a particularly nice chair that isn’t a sofa, use them. The more comfortable you feel, the easier it will be to get things done and the longer you can work.

You may also want to consider having a lamp next to your laptop or monitor to reduce eye strain, especially on a gloomy day. Overhead lighting is rarely the best, particularly if you are prone to headaches.

4) Put down that biscuit (sorry)

Boredom can make you eat. In fact, the importance and excitement of lunch is never felt more than when you work at home for a living. But given you are most likely exercising less (one walk a day, remember?), be mindful of your food intake.

That means avoiding eating biscuits constantly, although I am guilty of this. Put the crisps down and try an apple instead. Whatever they are.

The problem is that sugary foods will make you happy temporarily. Then your body will experience a sugar crash, you’ll feel tired and may have to nap. As nice as napping is, it’s not great if you want to get things done or if your boss calls you randomly to check your progress.

5) Reduce distractions

Mums and dads will find reducing distractions more difficult. Although I would say that mobile games and games consoles are hard to beat. Or just tell them Santa is considering cancelling Christmas because of the Coronavirus and that they really need to behave.

I have a few golden rules. Television is a big no, you will keep wanting to watch it. Bargain Hunt is addictive and you will care about what each item sells for.

Radio, however, is acceptable. Spotify music streaming is acceptable. Listening to vinyl is considered a bit hipster these days, but still fine for concentration.

When you really need to get things done because you have a deadline and David Dickinson has been keeping you busy, muting the music does work best for me. Or try something high-tempo as that can work too.

Most important of all my tips though is to make sure your other half isn’t just wearing underpants when on a Skype call and lock doors to keep rogue children out. Unless, of course, you want internet fame like that BBC interviewee.