Have you found yourself working from home, but feel like you can’t get any work done? Or maybe you can’t stop working? Working from home can come with so many positives but it can be difficult and stressful to find that balance between work and life. Research has been done that concluded individuals who work from home are more likely to put in more hours and effort. However, those same individuals struggle with disengaging from their work. Here are a few tips to try if you are struggling with “leaving work at work” when you work remotely.

Set a schedule and follow it.

• Let it be known the exact hours that you are available. There might be times that you need to work outside of those hours, maybe a deadline or a meeting that can only happen outside of your working hours. It’s ok to have to adjust occasionally but you don’t want to make it a habit.

• Add breaks to your schedule. You are more likely to actually take small breaks (to move around or exercise) as well as a lunch break if you have them on your schedule.

• Let the end of your workday BE the end of your workday. Don’t complete your work, fix dinner, help the kids with homework, and then go back to work. Your workday needs to have an exact end time.

Disconnect from work.

• This is easier said than done. It is just too easy to check your email or tell yourself you just need 5 more minutes to complete a task. This is where a set schedule can help you stay on track.

Set up a dedicated workspace.

• This might mean an extra room that is your office or just a desk in the corner of a room. Whatever it is, use it only during your work hours. Tidy it up at quitting time to prepare for the next business day and then walk away.

There are many things you can do to help find your balance with remote work and life. If you are having trouble finding that balance, let us help you figure it out!

Contact Schwab Virtual Assistant Services to help you get started or to take your inbox to the next level of organization.