Finding Balance While Working From Home
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Many Americans have been blessed with the opportunity to work a cushy desk job from home since 2020. I myself am writing this blog post from the comfort of my living room, and at this stage of my life I wouldn't have it any other way.
However, working from home does come with its own unique set of challenges that require a lot of intentionality to solve.
Check out our tips below for things that you can do to improve your quality of life as a remote worker (most are also applicable to in-office workers!).
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
I live in an apartment, and the layout makes it a bit tricky for me to have a closed-off workspace. The extra bedroom that we have is windowless, and is not conducive for a Monday - Friday work environment because I am not a vampire.
My solution: set my workspace up right in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows which also happens to be in the living room.
Having my work space completely integrated in our shared space can make it challenging to keep my work separate from my personal life especially when my partner is home, but I am doing my best! Check out my setup below.
Something to note: I am a bit embarrassed about the aesthetic of my workspace (really just the chair), but I am currently prioritizing other financial obligations, and the setup is functional. Sometimes you have to work with what you have until you have the resources to improve. :)
The desk that I originally purchased has been delisted, but here is the highest-reviewed, closest match on Amazon.
The chair that I don't have, but the one that I want. 
The ergonomic mouse that I get made fun of for but love anyway.
And a cute Logitech alternative to the Anker mouse.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Define specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Communicate these hours with your team and clients to manage expectations. After work hours, avoid checking emails or engaging in work-related tasks to create a clear separation between work and personal time.
3. Take Regular Breaks
The yellow status circle gives us all a bit of anxiety, but human beings are not meant to sit focused for 9 hours straight. Take the break! I use the time that I take my dog out to reset. If it helps, block your calendar for the same time every day to give yourself a breather. If you can't take breaks in large blocks, give yourself 2-3 minutes here and there to breathe deep and reset.
4. Prioritize Movement
(see my post about forcing myself to become a morning person). Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy. Prioritizing self-care boosts your overall well-being and resilience, making it easier to manage work stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
This is the walking pad that I have used to walk up to 4 miles during my work day.
Don't have room for a walking pad? Try this viral mini stepper!
5. Be Intentional About Seeing People You Love
(or any people - just get out of the house)
I am an introvert, so this is already challenging for me as it is, but I set a goal this year to get together with two of my closest friends for a coffee date on Friday mornings before we log on for work. Even when our meetups are inconsistent, having this time keeps us accountable to see each other at least once a week. On days where I can't see my people, I like to go sit at a coffee shop for a bit.
Do you work from home? How do you stay moving and keep a work life balance?