Working from home has been a real game changer over the last few years, and it’s completely transformed many lives, with the flexibility to jump out of bed and straight to a laptop rather than make the trudge to the office.
However, we’re all aware there can be distractions when working from home. There’s the fact nobody is checking up on you, for starters, and then there are the likes of the television, internet, and chores to do.
There’s a more serious note, too, as physically going to work can keep you out of trouble, while those suffering from addiction can struggle with the temptation while at home. For example, it would be very easy to roll up a joint at home without anyone knowing, and the temptation can be all too much.
That can lead on a very bad pathway and relapse after weed withdrawal is not uncommon, especially when time isn’t filled in a more effective manner.
So how do you avoid that temptation when working from home?
Maintain A Routine
It can often feel like structure is thrown out of the window when working from home. Especially at the start. However, it’s important to maintain a routine and stick to it.
That means getting up and going to bed at the same time, making sure you get dressed, and essentially working and taking breaks just as you would in a workplace.
That will keep you behaving professionally and lower the risk of temptation.
Create A Separate Workspace
Working in a bedroom or in the place where you usually relax isn’t going to separate work from home and you’ll often find yourself thinking about work during your downtime.
That can lead to stress, and you may turn back to the booze or marijuana to try and destress. Of course, that’s what you want to avoid, so create a workspace separate from your chill-out zones and leave your work “at work.” Separate workspaces help us to be more focused and goal-oriented. Also, it prevents us from being bothered by other family members or flatmates, or even your furry puppy friend. In particular, when you have a pet, you probably don’t want to clean up after him when he pees or jumps on you at work. Placing some waterproof puppy pads in the right place can save both you and your puppy a lot of hassle.
Be Proactive In Identifying Warning Signs
Don’t ignore any risk factors; do your best to identify any warning signs that you may be slipping into old habits.
Warning signs will be there if you’re close to relapse, and if you start to behave in a certain way that you’d previously associated with addiction, then it could be time to get help or even decide that working from home isn’t a long-term solution for you.
Create a Workstation That is Energetic
You should design your workstation in a way that helps you stay focused. Plants, flowers, or photos are commonly displayed in workstations to create a calm and energetic environment. You can also improve your concentration by keeping your desk and shelves clean. You should have enough sunlight and artificial light to boost your productivity. There is also a great deal of importance to the sitting position and the placement of the equipment. It is best to think about your working flow while implementing your action.
