Tunheim Tips: Tackle working from home like a pro

Here are some tips and tricks to success and well-being as you work from home.

During the pandemic, home has become our sanctuary for work, downtime, exercise, social interaction and everything in between. During these unprecedented times, it’s crucial to take a step back, breathe and take a temperature check of your well-being. Across #TeamTunheim we’re all experiencing working from home differently: some of us have roommates, some of us have kids at home during the workday and some of us live alone. Yet, we all have one thing in common—we’re all working hard to deliver results for our clients while balancing our mental health, relationships, social needs and more.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been two key narratives. The first is finding time for, and prioritizing, self-care and rest. The second is utilizing the extra time to move mountains, refine yourself as a professional and kick-off that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about.

As a team, we’ve been focused on both (within reason!) and that’s why we’ve rounded up our best tips and tricks to hone yourself professionally while also keeping your mental health in check amongst the chaos and uncertainty of COVID-19. When working from home, it’s easy to work around the clock— make sure to set clear boundaries between working time and time for yourself and family. Some #TeamTunheim members are establishing work/life boundaries by:

• Waking up at the same time every morning.
• Putting all work away during the weekend.
• Maintaining as regular a schedule as possible.
• Refraining from letting household chores and other temptations interrupt the workday.
• Getting dressed!

Create a space that is your designated workspace. This will help to set boundaries and make the other spaces of your home feel separate. Hence, work/life balance! Here’s some of our tips on creating an at-home workspace:

• Separate areas for work and rest—keep work out of the bedroom and off the couch.
• Change up your designated workspace every week.
• Use a stand-up desk or make your own.
• Find a space with natural light to boost your mood.
• Hook your laptop up to a TV or monitor using an HDMI cable for dual screens.

It’s okay to take a 20-minute walk in the middle of the day to get outside, soak in some Vitamin D and clear your head—sometimes time away from your workspace enables more efficient work time.

• Take a lunch break to make something fresh and filling.
• Check up on your children’s schoolwork progress.
• Meditate.
• Spend quality time with your children.
• Do a mini workout challenge.

Build in time for virtual happy hours and hang outs with co-workers. At Tunheim, we have weekly team happy hours and #TunheimTrivia nights to keep us connected outside work! In need of some mid-day socializing? Schedule a virtual lunch break with a friend or colleague. Some of our #TeamTunheim picks include:

• Virtual Netflix party movie nights.
• Instagram meme sharing.
• Play ‘Psych!’ a free app you can play remotely with friends and family.
• Play Jackbox Games online with friends.

There are dozens of webinars popping up daily focusing on key topics centered around growing your professional development and navigating the challenging times brought on by COVID-19. Set aside time to tune in, ask questions and take notes.

• Tunheim has hosted three webinars— check them out here!

There are so many ways to enjoy exercise from home. Our picks include:

• Free Instagram Live workouts from Alchemy 365, Barre3 and Basecamp Fitness.
• Self-guided yoga.
• Outdoor bike rides, runs and walks (with proper social distance, of course!).
• Free online guided workouts (pro tip: many fitness apps and websites are offering free trials!).
• Dog walks.

Each week set goals that you aim to accomplish— whether it’s finishing a book, going on five walks or nailing that client deck you’ve been working on; set goals that push you and are achievable. Some of our Tunheim suggestions include:

• Setting a goal for the number of books you can finish while staying home.
• Learning how to make a new cocktail.
• Developing a new career-oriented skill.
• Learning a new recipe.
• Increasing your running distance.

With more down time, now is a great time to connect and learn from others! Reach out for coffee meetings you haven’t had; listen to webinars you’ve missed or read the book that’s collected dust on your shelf. With these tips and tricks, we hope you’re able to maintain a healthy work/life balance throughout these uncertain times. While this “new normal” may feel anything but normal, remember that you’re not alone. As always, stay tuned in to our social channels— Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for frequent insights and updates on how Tunheim’s tackling working from home!