Tips to help keep sane whilst working from your bedroom...

I’ve spoken with many people over the recent weeks and whilst some are fortunate to have the luxury of space in their home to distribute how and where they work from. Many seem to be using their kitchen, lounge or bedroom.

This can at times be frustrating, but even more importantly and especially when working from a bedroom, it can very easily blur the lines and create all sorts of issues with ultimately not being able to use the room for it’s given purpose which is to relax and sleep.

The experts are pretty strict when it comes to helping people who suffer from sleep issues, advising the bedroom is used for just three things: SLEEP, SEX and GETTING DRESSED/UNDRESSED . Anything else should be done outside of the bedroom in order to preserve the sanctity and boundary of this (tranquil) space.

Clearly, now being confined to our homes and spending daylight hours in the bedroom and bringing in all the elements that work delivers – this can impact the sleep you get which in turn will impact all other areas of your life and health.

Here are some tips:

If possible create a Day room and a Night room. So in the evening, perhaps lighting a candle in there or having extra cushions on the bed or even a different bedsheet. Also, removing the laptop and any files/pens relating to work/office space.

Whilst during the day you may wish to make it look or feel more office like.

If the room is big enough you could even section it off.

Other things to do include, getting dressed for work (doesn’t matter what you wear, but must be different to what you wear for when you sleep). If possible try not to bring any food or drink in to the bedroom, keep this separate to the kitchen, lounge or dining area. If you brought in a chair to use for work, take this out at night.

Also, creating regular ‘work hours’ and taking breaks to go into a different room for a drink or rest and if you have a garden, going out for some fresh air, change of scenery and to stretch. Also to bring in all your other senses – how many different colours can you see, what can you smell, name 2 separate sounds coming through etc.

Speak with your friends or colleagues and share ideas with others in similar situation. Always remember that we don’t all find the same things helpful, so pick and choose and explore what works best for you.