As the new year comes and goes, we've been hearing more and more from small business owners, remote workers and teams who have been struggling with the continual routine of at home work. Many people's sentiment oscillate between the increasing challenge to focus and for others, how hard it is to step away from work. Depending on the household, many feel their days monotonous and isolating, or frustrating and too distracting in their full house of family, friends, partners or roommates. To help, we've reached out to multiple professionals on products, tips, and content that they've relied on and recommend to others.
While most of those working from home require basic infrastructure like an internet connection, device (computer, tablet or other), we've looked more at items that help to set up a healthy and motivating space, things that help with unwinding and unplugging, and general products that can engage and entertain as well. Our list tries to keep in mind affordable prices as well as genuine recommendations and reviews.
Important advice for those who are having a hard time sitting down and getting to work: create an office space for yourself. If it's possible, set up a work space that you stick to on a daily basis. Don't mix relaxing and fun with where you work, and having office furniture to work out of helps, a lot.
For some pieces of furniture like a desk or office chair, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or tag sales can be a great place to find affordable pieces. Not to mention, the environment will thank you for repurposing used items too! Wherever you choose to source your office items, the overarching idea is that it's important to have a dedicated space to work. Additionally, get a comfortable chair that helps with posture and keeping your back supported.
Now that you have your office basics, our research and experience expresses just how important it is to step away from work and be able to relax and unplug. This idea may come in all shapes and sizes, depending on each person and who/where you live. There was a resounding piece of advice, which was be sure to go outside every day. So, the easiest way to unplug is free and doesn't require anything besides getting yourself out the door. But, for those looking to cozy up inside (or as they say in Denmark, hygge, here's what we got:
As per general household items - small business owners and remote teams are spending a lot more time at home, which means that our lives should be a little easier, a little brighter and a little kinder to ourselves. Household chores add up, splurging on a coffee every day doesn't make that much sense any more, and there's time to not only become a better cook but also to use cooking appliances. From sous vides to dutch ovens to instant pot cooking - the recommendations received are a healthy mix of "put the food in the thing and then it's ready" and spend your lunch break food prepping for dinner.
And finally, how to entertain ourselves these days is harder and harder. The monotony is real, the fear of Covid during day to day activities, and the anxiety and stress that comes with supporting families, friends, staying safe, etc. need we list it all? Life is weird and hard for so many, and if you're lucky to have a job or own a business and work from home doing it - know that you're luckier than so many. So what about some escapes through song, story, science or other?
Here at ClickEasy, we help one person businesses get set up online quickly. From scheduling, website pages to payment and customer management - we have you covered. Jump in for free - check us out!
