Any working parent will tell you that finding a balance between work and home life is hard enough. Throw a baby into the mix, and it can feel downright impossible.
Your love knows no bounds with your newborn, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best co-worker. That’s why it’s important to establish structures and habits that help you succeed in your work and parenting. Pocketbook Agency has 10 tips to get you started.
Setting a daily routine can be an incredibly helpful tool as it allows us to stay organized and focused throughout the day. It not only keeps our minds sharp; it helps us strike a better balance between health, work, and leisure in the long run.
Starting your morning with a set schedule will help you get into the right mindset for a productive day and tackle tasks one by one. Abiding by your routines consistently will help you avoid procrastination and decision fatigue, allowing more time for restful relaxation or enjoyable activities.
If you’re like most other work-from-home parents, your daily life is ever-changing. Having some structure centered around habits you can rely on can bring much-needed stability.
Working from home is freeing in many ways, but it can sometimes be hard to stay motivated and productive when dealing with everyday distractions. One simple tip that can make a world of difference during work days at home is to get dressed for the day.
You don’t have to don a full suit and tie or a dress, but changing out of your pajamas into something more comfortable yet professional will signal to yourself (and others) that it’s time to focus on the tasks ahead. Doing so helps separate work life from home life, even when everything occurs in the same spot.
Get dressed for the day as soon as you wake up to maximize productivity from the start.
A dedicated workspace can help you get into the right mindset for work and stay focused throughout the day. Keep your work area separate from where you relax, eat, and sleep as much as possible.
Your workspace should have comfortable furniture and fixtures, such as an ergonomic chair, adjustable desk, and task lighting, as well as all the necessary tools (e.g., laptop, desktop computer, scanner, etc.) and other office supplies.
Setting up a designated workspace is an essential boundary between your personal time and work time, helping you remain productive during business hours. A cohesive workspace also brings more structure and consistency to your life at home. You’ll be equipped to do your best work by creating an environment where you feel focused, creative, and energetic each day.
Taking breaks during the day to spend quality time with your baby will benefit both of you in many ways. For parents, it can be especially helpful for their own mental and physical health. Taking intentional moments out of your day to nurture your child will provide them with the love and attention they need for healthy development.
Breaks during the day also give parents a much-needed chance to take some time off from their responsibilities and return feeling recharged and ready to tackle them again. Baby bonding is a critical part of creating a solid connection between parent and child, so you take every opportunity to take a break and connect with your little one.
Seeking help from family and friends may not seem easy, but it can provide the solace and trust necessary to make progress. Remember that everyone needs help from time to time, no matter how independent you feel.
Asking for assistance doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable; it’s simply a way to improve yourself and achieve goals faster. There’s no shame in being open about your needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support from those closest to you.
Using technology is an excellent way to stay connected with colleagues in this day and age. Leveraging video conferencing software, messaging apps, and other digital communications tools helps create a stronger bond between remote employees and makes it easier for team members to collaborate on projects no matter where they are located.
These types of technologies can provide conveniences like virtual whiteboards for brainstorming, document-sharing capabilities to share documents with large teams quickly, and various integrations that help users stay organized with their tasks and deliverables.
Utilizing the right tech tools will improve workflow, increase productivity, and help your team achieve its goals (not to mention benefit your career).
Working from home with a baby presents unique challenges, but there are also plenty of rewards. Making the most of your weekends can go a long way in stretching out those rewards throughout the week.
Meal prepping is one way to use your weekends effectively; dedicate some time to cooking meals for the upcoming week so you’ll have nourishing food that’s easy to prepare when your daily routine gets busy.
You can also use weekends to research strategies to keep your baby occupied as you work, such as finding games or crafts that spark joy and keep them interested. Above all, prioritize family time throughout the weekend so everyone can relax and enjoy spending time together—which is essential to creating a healthy work-life balance.
It’s important to eliminate distractions to stay focused, increase your productivity, and manage your time effectively. This is challenging when working from home with a baby, but not impossible.
Don’t cave into the temptation of reading emails or scrolling through social media continuously throughout the day. Try setting specific times for email checks and limiting the number of notifications you get from various apps, so you aren’t constantly being tempted.
Also, remember that taking regular breaks is crucial when working from home, so use this opportunity to reset yourself and connect with your baby while they’re awake. Managing your distractions will undoubtedly lead to more focus and satisfaction in your work.
If you’re a new parent, finding quality items that allow you to keep working with your baby resting in your arms can be a daunting task. Lucky for you, several products can help make your life easier.
A baby carrier or sling can give you the freedom to move around while your infant stays tucked away safely in your embrace. You could also invest in a play saucer or some sort of activity center; it will provide ample space and cushioning while stimulating your baby’s cognitive development with toys, bright colors, and plenty of exploring opportunities.
There’s no shortage of helpful items out there to ease your transition into parenthood while still allowing you to work from home. The key is to take time to research and compare products to identify the ones that will help you the most.
Working from home while caring for a baby can be a difficult and exhausting experience. It’s essential to take time out of your day to practice self-care to stay healthy and balanced.
Here are a few tried-and-true self-care activities to make time for:
– Deep breathing or meditation
– 30 minutes of exercise (like yoga or running)
– Eating healthy meals with no distractions
– Spending time outside whenever possible
– Going for walks around your neighborhood
– Checking off items on your to-do list (which can help reduce stress and increase productivity).
Taking regular breaks throughout the day to go outside in the sun or relax with a cup of tea are essential for maintaining your physical and mental health when working from home with a baby. You’ll also want to ensure you’re getting as much restful sleep as possible, which might mean napping when the baby naps.
Prioritizing self-care will not only help keep you healthy but also give you more energy and motivation to enjoy quality time with your new family member! So, the next time you need a break but don’t feel like you have the time for it, remember that it will help you work (and live) more efficiently in the long run.
While it may seem daunting (or even impossible) at first, sticking to a daily routine can help you stay productive while working from home with your baby. By getting dressed each morning, establishing a dedicated workspace, taking regular breaks, and following the other tips above, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful work-from-home arrangement.
If you need to find a new job or employee, reach out to agencies like Pocketbook Agency. We thrive on helping professionals like you maximize their opportunities and improve their careers!
Sources:
5 Habits for a Morning Routine if You Work From Home | Forbes
The Science Behind WFH Dressing for Zoom | Association for Psychological Science
Your Work-From-Home Survival Guide for Self-Care | Everyday Health