The effects of the current pandemic have changed our habits in ways that were unthinkable just a few weeks ago. And our way of working is part of it. The least we can say is that this change of routine is strange, and even difficult for those who have to radically adapt their lifestyle. But many people, freelancers, artists, writers, architects, have been used to working from home for years. We asked several of our friends concerned to share with us their personal tips and tricks for adapting to confinement and finding balance.
Louis, Hmonp Architect
"For me, the most important thing is to have a workspace that stays the same: a room, an office area in a room... it doesn't matter where, but you shouldn't change it. Having a place dedicated to work allows for a real break when you stop working. Before, I would go from an office to the kitchen table in the living room. Since I have a room reserved for my office, I work better and for longer easily.
Then, and this is very personal (creations are often like that, I've noticed), I find it important to create a unique space, with its own characteristics, its own decor.... The same goes for its organization at work: we can be inspired by techniques that have proven themselves or create our own organization, but the important thing is to stick to it and that it really suits us.
Not everyone is predisposed to working from home, but it can be learned!
Regarding schedules, you have to be rigorous and you learn that over time. Personally, my routine is the same as when I worked outside, with the addition of sports (even at home). In the morning, I start with a few coffees, a series of ab and core exercises. The great freedom of teleworking is not spending time in transport. And it is very important to take advantage of this time to do something personal. Typically, my morning sports routine is set up like this. Also, for lunch and dinner, I eat at a fixed time, and I try to avoid cooked meals as much as possible.
Not everyone is predisposed to working from home, but it can be learned. Experiencing long-term teleworking also allows you to have a personal reflection on your way of working, your habits, and to know what works for you. So see this confinement as a real opportunity to change!
• Having a dedicated and fixed workspace allows for a work/life disconnect
• Organize your office to feel comfortable
• Have well-defined schedules and make the most of your free time
• Find your own work organization or follow better known ones like 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's important (30-45min). On the menu generally: eggs with toast with semi-salted butter, a fruit if there is one and the first coffee of the morning.
Start of work from 9:30 a.m. I start with about 30 minutes of wakefulness: reading newsletter articles (Webmarketing, ADN, Frenchweb, Techcrunch etc.).
From 10am to 11:30am, I answer my emails and messages. Then I monitor and adjust my current social ads campaigns according to performance. At 11:30am, I take a break, taking the time to stretch my legs and drink a very good coffee (I live in Reunion Island, do you know Bourbon coffee?), which will keep me going until lunch. I then focus on my more general missions in progress or new ones.
For days with a little less motivation (not easy at the moment), a very simple piece of advice: don't think too much in advance about everything you have to do so as not to get discouraged and just get started by putting yourself in suitable working conditions (at a desk, not on a couch). The rest will follow!
When I get back to work, I like to listen to music to get motivated again. I usually turn it off shortly afterwards to help me concentrate.
Around 1pm, I have lunch, still light, to avoid drowsiness. I also take the opportunity to get some fresh air by going out for some fresh air with my third coffee of the day (Right now it's less possible if you live in an apartment but take a break, and go out if you can while taking the necessary precautions.)
When I get back to work, in order to remotivate myself, I like to listen to music. I usually turn it off shortly afterwards to better concentrate.
I try to finish my days between 6pm and 7pm. I want to respect this limit, even if sometimes I get back to it a little later when I receive urgent requests by email. As soon as I have the opportunity, I go climbing in the evening. It's a time that allows me to keep a certain balance, both mentally and physically! At the moment, I've swapped climbing for core strengthening, it does the job!
• Take the time to prepare a hearty breakfast so that you have enough energy to work
• On “off” days, get to work, without anticipating the day too much. The important thing is to start!
• Eat a light lunch and keep up regular physical activity
• Listen to some music to get back to work after a break
Margaux, Artistic Director
“Working from home is really not easy, and it’s not for everyone, but there are still some tips to put in place! Being your own boss means knowing how to set goals, make your schedule and stick to it, but also how to switch off and not feel guilty: one of the advantages of being a freelancer is the freedom, being able to get up a little later if you’re tired, being able to do an exhibition in an empty museum in the middle of the week…
For me, one of the most important things when working at home is to separate the spaces: the "relaxation" space and the "work" space. Otherwise, the risk is to never have the impression of "switching off" and relaxing, or conversely, never being able to really get down to it and be productive. Let's not lie to ourselves, who works efficiently on the couch 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 don't have to wear bright clothes either, but jeans/sweater/sneakers will do), have a good breakfast... personally, I can't start my day without my cappuccino.
Let's not lie to ourselves, who works efficiently on the couch in front of the TV?
As an artistic director, I am lucky to be able to work with music without it distracting me (but thinking about it, it probably distracts the neighbors). I mostly listen to mixes from the 90s-2000s for motivation!
Then I start by checking my emails to be able to make my daily and weekly schedule according to the requests. I am not a morning person at all, so I will start with an "easy" task as soon as possible while I wake up. A visit to Pinterest to get inspired for example (yes yes it is work).
You have to keep a certain rhythm, take a real break at lunchtime if possible, like at work, an hour, and avoid devouring everything in front of your computer.
The hardest part for me was setting limits, schedules, stopping in the evenings and on weekends. But it's very important, outside of rush periods, you absolutely have to dedicate moments of breaks and pleasure. It's better to be focused for three hours and work efficiently then stop for a break, than five hours without really making any progress.
• Set goals, make a schedule and stick to them
• Clearly separate the “work” and “relaxation” spaces
• Create a routine as if you were going to work
• Set limits and set schedules
Take care of yourself and stay home when possible.
Good luck !
The Hast Team