How to Actually Work...When You’re Working from Home

Today, more and more people are getting the opportunity

to work from home, which is great.

But sometimes, like what's happening right now

with the coronavirus, certain circumstances

may actually force people to work from home.

And while working from home does come with a lot of perks--

you get to work in your pajamas.

You have no commute.

You get to hang out with your dog.

I love you.

It also does have some real challenges.

Because there's less structure, you may actually work too much

and focus too hard and get burned out.

What's the answer?

The second is actually kind of the opposite.

It might just be hard to focus and get as much done

as you really want to do.

The key to overcoming both of these challenges

is to set boundaries around your time and space.

So when you're working, you're working.

And when you're not working, you're not.

Here's how.

The first thing you're going to want to do

is give yourself a dedicated workspace

away from distraction, meaning away from the TV,

away from any music or the kitchen.

One thing that's really helpful is to be able to shut the door,

so that you're out of sight.

[SAD MUSIC PLAYING]

The second thing you want to do is make a schedule

and stick to it.

And it may sound silly, but you actually

want to pretend that you're not working from home.

So get up as you normally would.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee.

Sit down with your computer.

It's good practice to play out for yourself

what's acceptable and not acceptable

to do during office hours.