The effects of the current pandemic have changed our habits in ways that were still unimaginable just a few weeks ago. And the way we work is part of that. The least we can say is that this change of routine is strange, and even difficult for those who have had to radically adapt their way of life. But many people — freelancers, artists, writers and architects — have been used to working from home for years. We asked several of our friends affected by this to share their personal advice and tips for adapting to lockdown and finding balance.
Louis, Hmonp Architect
“As far as I am concerned, the most important thing is to have a workspace that remains the same: a room, a desk corner in a room… the location does not matter, but you should not change it. Having a space dedicated to work creates a real break when you stop working. Before, I moved from a desk to the kitchen table to the living room. Since I have had a room reserved for my office, I work better and more easily for longer.
Then, and this is very personal (creatives are often like this, I have noticed), I think it is important to create a distinctive space, with its own characteristics and its own décor.... The same applies to how you organise your work: you can draw inspiration from tried-and-tested techniques or create your own system, but the important thing is to stick to it and for it to genuinely suit you.
Not everyone is naturally suited to working from home, but it can be learned!
When it comes to working hours, you need to be disciplined, and that comes with time. Personally, my routine is the same as when I worked outside the home, with sport added in (even at home). In the morning, I start with a few coffees and sets of exercises such as abs and core work. The great freedom of working from home is not spending time commuting. And it is very important to use that time to do something personal. That is how my morning sports routine came about. I also eat at a fixed time at lunchtime and in the evening, and I try as much as possible to avoid ready-made meals.
Not everyone is naturally suited to working from home, but it can be learned. Experiencing long-term remote work also allows you to reflect personally on the way you work, your habits, and what works for you. So see this lockdown as a real opportunity for change! ”
• Having a dedicated, fixed workspace helps separate work and private life
• Organising your desk so you feel comfortable
• Having clearly defined working hours and making the most of your free time
• Finding your own way of organising work or following more established methods such as the Pomodoro technique
Pierre-Emmanuel, Facebook Ads & CM Expert
“I like to start the day by taking the time to make myself a good breakfast; it is important (30-45min). Usually on the menu: eggs with slices of semi-salted buttered toast, a piece of fruit if there is one, and the first coffee of the morning.
Work starts from 9.30am. I begin with around 30 min of monitoring: reading articles from newsletters (Webmarketing, ADN, Frenchweb, Techcrunch etc.).
From 10am to 11.30am, I reply to my emails and messages. Then I monitor and adjust my ongoing social ad campaigns according to performance. At 11.30am, I take a break, taking the time to stretch my legs and have a very good coffee (I live in Réunion, do you know Bourbon coffee?), which keeps me going until lunch. I then focus on my more general ongoing or new assignments.
For days when motivation is a little lower (not easy at the moment), one very simple piece of advice: do not think too far ahead about everything you have to do, so as not to get discouraged; just get started by putting yourself in suitable working conditions (at a desk, not on a sofa). The rest will follow!
When I get back to work, I like listening to music to motivate myself again. I usually turn it off shortly afterwards so I can concentrate better.
At around 1pm, I have lunch, always something light, to avoid feeling sleepy. I also take the opportunity to get some fresh air by going out for a walk with my third coffee of the day (at the moment this is less possible if you live in a flat, but take a break and go out if you can, taking the necessary precautions.)
When I get back to work, I like listening to music to motivate myself again. I usually turn it off shortly afterwards so I can concentrate better
I try to finish my days between 6pm and 7pm. I make a point of respecting that limit, even if sometimes I get back to work a little later when I receive urgent requests by email. Whenever I have the chance, I go climbing in the evening. It is a moment that helps me maintain a certain balance, both mentally and physically! At the moment, I have swapped climbing for core work — it does the job! ”
• Take the time to prepare a hearty breakfast to have enough energy to work
• On off days, get to work without overthinking the day ahead. The important thing is to start!
• Have a light lunch and maintain regular physical activity
• Listen to a little music to get back to work after a break
Margaux, Art Director
“Working from home is really not easy, and it is not for everyone, but there are still a few tips to put in place! Being your own boss means knowing how to set goals, plan your schedule and stick to it, but also switch off and not feel guilty: one of the advantages of being freelance is freedom — being able to get up a little later if you are tired, being able to visit an exhibition in an empty museum in the middle of the week…
For me, one of the most important things when working from home is to clearly separate spaces: the “relaxation” space and the “work” space. Otherwise, there is a risk of never feeling able to switch off and relax, or conversely never really managing to get started and be productive. Let’s be honest, who works efficiently on the sofa in front of the TV?
The second thing is to create a routine as if you were going to the office: set an alarm, wash, get dressed (you do not have to put on your finest clothes either, but jeans/jumper/trainers do the job), have a good breakfast… personally, it is impossible for me to start my day without my cappuccino.
Let’s be honest, who works efficiently on the sofa in front of the TV?
As an art director, I am lucky enough to be able to work with music on without it distracting me (though, come to think of it, it probably distracts the neighbours). I mainly listen to mixes from the 1990s and 2000s for motivation!
Then I start by checking my emails so I can plan my daily and weekly schedule according to requests. I am not a morning person at all, so whenever possible I start with an “easy” task while I wake up. A look at Pinterest for inspiration, for example (yes, yes, it is work).
You need to keep a certain rhythm, take a proper lunch break if possible, as you would at work, for an hour, and avoid wolfing everything down in front of your computer.
The hardest thing for me was setting boundaries, working hours, stopping in the evening and at weekends. But it is very important: outside busy periods, you absolutely need to make time for breaks and pleasure. It is better to be focused for three hours and work efficiently, then stop for a break, than spend five hours without really making progress. ”
• Set goals, plan your schedule and stick to it
• Clearly separate “work” and “relaxation” spaces
• Create a routine as if you were going to work
• Set boundaries and working hours
Take care of yourselves and stay at home whenever possible.
Good luck!
The Hast team
