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The times we find ourselves in may not be what we had planned for, but you can make the most out of it. It takes time to get used to a new normal, even at work for a Virtual Assistant. These seven strategies for working from home as a Virtual Assistant will help you build that life-long career you’ve always wanted.
Set up an area of your home to use for working. This practice sends a clear signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. Stay away from this area when you’re not working. Once your tasks are complete, resist the urge to check in with any professional obligations until you begin work again, according to your schedule.
Establish a regular morning routine. For example, you can take a shower, get dressed, and then have breakfast. Designate work clothes and try not to wear them when you’re not working. You can do your hair and makeup or go natural – the choice is up to you! If you usually go to the gym, try to supplement your workout with strength training you can do at home, like yoga.
Create a daily schedule and put it in writing and on your phone. Make sure your written schedule is in a visible place near your workspace. Try to produce a detailed to-do list that’s broken down into categories of importance.
This is one of those strategies for working from home that is completely underrated. Plan out your meals at the beginning of the week to prevent you from working to the point of hunger. Avoid eating at your workstation, and try to limit your intake of refined foods and sugar-filled drinks.
Make sure you take breaks throughout the day. Set reminder alarms and take scheduled breaks. For example, in an eight (8) hour workday, you can take a 15-minute break in the morning, a 30-minute break for lunch, and a 15-minute break in the afternoon. A schedule will help you manage your time, increase your performance and productivity.
Short walks, around 20 minutes, helps when feeling frazzled or indecisive. Take advantage of free yoga/meditation videos online right now. Try a time management technique called the Pomodoro Method. Set a timer for 25 minutes. When it goes off, take a five (5) minute break. After four (4) 25 minute sessions, take a 15 to 30-minute break. Continue this throughout your workday.
If you don’t have an ideal home setup, make an alternative desk. It could be a cushion on the floor and a coffee table as a desk, an upside-down basket with a flat bottom and your laptop on a bed or table, or make a standing desk by using your computer on the countertop. Listen to your body and change positions if needed.
If you’re a seasoned pro, you may generally work from home as a Virtual Assistant, but you may need to set boundaries to avoid family members in your workspace. Set boundaries and expectations for anyone who demands your time; stay focused so you can work efficiently. Take care of your physical and mental wellbeing; this looks different for everyone. Make it a point to get outside every day.
As a Virtual Assistant, have faith in your ability to adapt and find your work-life balance. Check out the below video to learn more about these strategies for working from home.
Did you use any of these tips, or have others you think are helpful? Follow CanScribe on Instagram to share your thoughts and ideas with us!
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