Working from home can feel like a dream come true—no commute, comfy clothes, and your favorite snacks just a few steps away. But it can also be tricky to balance work with all the other stuff going on in your life. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself working all day in your pajamas, eating cereal for dinner, and losing track of time. Don’t worry! This guide will help you figure out how to work from home without losing your mind.
“I may or may not have written this entire guide in my PJ’s, but hey, that’s just one of the perks of working from home!”
Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay
1. Create Your Own “Office” 
When you’re working from home, it’s super important to have a space that feels like your office—even if it’s just a corner of your room.
- Pick Your Spot: Choose a place in your house that’s just for work. It could be a desk in your room or a table in the living room. Just make sure it’s somewhere you can focus.
- Make It Comfy: Use a chair that doesn’t hurt your back, and make sure you have good lighting. Maybe add a cool poster or a plant to make it feel like your own.
- Keep It Tidy: Try to keep your workspace neat. A clean space can help you think clearly and keep you on task.
2. Set Your “School” Hours
Even though you’re at home, you still need a schedule. It’s like setting up school hours for yourself.
- Pick Work Times: Decide what time you’ll start and stop working each day, like from 9 AM to 3 PM. Stick to these times as much as you can.
- Breaks Are Key: Take short breaks just like you would at school. Stretch, grab a snack, or take a quick walk outside. It helps your brain stay fresh.
- No Homework After Hours: When your work time is over, put your stuff away. It’s important to relax and not think about work until the next day.
3. Stay in Touch with Your Team
When you’re working from home, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own little island. Staying connected with your team (or classmates) is super important.
- Use Tech to Stay Connected: Video calls, chats, or even quick texts can help you feel like part of the team. It’s like group projects, but with more control over your mute button.
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular meetings or check-ins with your boss or teacher to make sure you’re on track and not missing anything important.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be shy! If you’re confused or need help, just ask. It’s better to ask than to guess and get it wrong.
4. Beat Distractions
Home can be full of distractions—TV, pets, video games, you name it. Here’s how to stay focused:
- Set Boundaries: Let your family or roommates know when you’re working so they don’t interrupt you with random stuff.
- Block the Noise: If it’s too noisy, use headphones to play some quiet background music or white noise. It helps keep your mind on track.
- Reward Yourself: Promise yourself a reward, like 10 minutes of your favorite game or a quick YouTube video, once you finish a task. It gives you something to look forward to!
5. Take Care of You
Working from home means you have to be extra mindful of your health—both physical and mental.
- Move Around: Don’t sit all day! Get up and stretch, do a quick workout, or dance around your room. It’s good for your body and your brain.
- Eat Right: Avoid snacking on junk food all day. Try to eat balanced meals with fruits, veggies, and proteins. And don’t forget to drink water!
- Chill Out: Take time to relax, whether it’s reading a book, watching a show, or just sitting quietly. Your brain needs time to recharge.
6. Stay Social, Even When You’re Solo
It can get lonely working from home, so make sure to keep up with friends and family.
- Virtual Hangouts: Set up video calls with friends, or have a virtual lunch date. It’s like hanging out in person, but everyone gets to be in their comfy clothes.
- Text and Call: Don’t forget to text or call your friends and family. Just a quick chat can brighten your day and keep you feeling connected.
- Join Online Groups: Find online communities where you can chat with people who like the same things as you. It’s a fun way to make new friends and share your interests.
7. Plan and Prioritize Your Day
With no one looking over your shoulder, it’s easy to lose track of time or get sidetracked. Planning your day can help.
- Make a To-Do List: Start each day by writing down what you need to get done. It helps you stay organized and feel accomplished as you check things off.
- Tackle the Big Stuff First: Do the hardest or most important tasks when you’re feeling fresh and alert. It makes the rest of the day feel easier.
- Use Cool Tools: There are lots of apps and tools that can help you stay on track. Find one that works for you and stick with it.
8. Be Flexible
One of the best parts of working from home is the flexibility. Use it wisely!
- Work When You’re Most Productive: If you’re a morning person, get the big stuff done early. If you’re more of a night owl, adjust your schedule so you can work when you’re at your best.
- Mix Work and Fun: Take advantage of your flexible schedule to do fun things during the day, like taking a walk or playing with your pet. Just make sure you still get your work done!
9. Reflect and Adjust
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. It’s important to check in with yourself and make changes if needed.
- End-of-Week Check-In: At the end of the week, think about what worked and what didn’t. Did you meet your goals? Do you need to change anything?
- Be Kind to Yourself: If something didn’t go well, don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn from it and try something different next time.
- Celebrate Successes: Did you finish a big project or hit a goal? Celebrate it! Maybe treat yourself to something special, like a favorite snack or a movie night.
10. Ask for Help If You Need It
If you’re struggling with working from home, it’s okay to ask for help.
Get Professional Support: If things feel overwhelming, consider talking to a counselor or therapist. They can help you find ways to cope and keep things balanced.
Talk to Someone: Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or friend, don’t hesitate to talk about what’s stressing you out. Sometimes just sharing your worries can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Working from home doesn’t have to be stressful. By setting up a good workspace, keeping a routine, staying connected, and taking care of yourself, you can enjoy the perks of working from home while still having time for fun and relaxation. Remember, the key is balance—finding what works best for you and making adjustments along the way.
