Work from home without the guilt

Work from home without the guilt

 If you are working remotely, it’s potentially been frustrating, a relief, or a mixed bag. No matter how you feel — and perhaps it changes from day to day — the issue of guilt may arise.

 Perhaps you feel guilty for ignoring your family because you’re constantly checking email, having low productivity because you’re tired, or not being able to multi-task the same as a colleague. No matter the reason, dealing with that guilt is important, so you don’t constantly feel stressed.

 Here are three tips to making your remote experience better.

 Identify your productive hours

 Are you an early riser or a night owl? Do you find your focus is better at certain times of day? It’s not just you — everyone has an internal clock that regulates wakefulness.

 “Those blocks of premiere productivity time are known as ‘ultradian cycles,’” Barbara Atkinson writes for Evernote. “The start of each ultradian cycle is where your brain is most energetic and focused. Eventually, your energy slowly depletes.”

 These cycles are 90 to 120 minutes long and reset throughout the day. The nice thing about working from home is you often have flexibility, so figure out when you’re most productive, and plan your schedule around that.

 Switch up your workspace

 Avoiding distractions is key to being productive, so your workstation is important. Keep in mind that, just because you’re used to working at a desk doesn’t mean it’s required.

 “Did you know that there are many remote workers who actually prefer working on their tasks while sitting in a coffee shop and sipping on their coffee?” writes Steve Todd, founder of Working from Home Insider.

 With a data plan or public Wi-Fi, you can make almost anywhere your workplace. Being outdoors may help you stay alert, and Todd recommends working from park benches, a beach, or a forest path. When you need to stay close to home, consider rooms with natural light, and crack a window or turn on a fan to recycle stale air.

 Create a daily routine

 With no commute, your mornings are up to you, so create a routine that you enjoy. That could include going for a walk, brewing a cup of coffee, or whatever you need to do to start your day right.

 Once you start working, create boundaries that help you focus. For example, you may check email only once or twice, block out times you’re available for meetings, or adjust your notifications when it comes to communicating with co-workers.

 “It’s important to be available as a remote worker, but you shouldn’t feel guilty on occasions when you need to be checked out,” digital media startup founder Liz Presson writes for The Muse. “Remember, there's a difference between being on and being on and providing value. Do your work and do it well, and no one will question you, whether you’re on or offline.”

 Setting clear expectations will not only help you focus while you’re working, you’ll also be able to relax in your free time because your colleagues will know you are unavailable.

 Whether your job is remote temporarily or for years to come, eliminating guilt will help you remain productive and enjoy the benefits of working from home.