As we continue to spend more time at home, it can be hard to to take a break from the stress and constant presence of our work lives. From working at the kitchen table to trying to keep your pet off of your zoom call, your house might not feel like a great place to relax and unwind. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help with that! Here are our recommendations for taking a break and making your home feel like home again.

Use a dedicated office space

It’s hard to sit on the couch and watch TV with your family when you have just been on a conference call in the same spot. Find some space in your home you can dedicate to your work, and make it somewhere you don’t typically unwind. Add things that remind you of your office, or simply make the space more enjoyable to get you excited about the prospect of a day in your new “office”. This separation will make it easier to leave work at your workstation when the day is over, instead of feeling like you could or should continue on.

Turn off your computer and work related devices at the end of the day

This is a great tip for those who struggle to leave work at the office, even if you aren’t working from home right now. Put them in a drawer, take them out to your car, whatever you need to do to keep yourself from checking your email while trying to cook dinner.

Do something just for you

Do you like to run? Spend time with your kids? How about home improvement projects? Take an hour in your day and indulge in your favorite activity. Doing so will give you a break from your calendar full of meetings and staring at your computer screen. Letting your brain take a break in order to be fresh for the remainder of your work day!

Don’t let work slip into your weekend

Just because your computer is sitting at home doesn’t mean you have to use it. Take your weekend, whether that is Saturday Sunday or a non traditional day off! Use this time to be outside at a socially safe distance, spend time with your family, or even treat yourself to a spa or home movie day. Just unplug and do what you like to do!

Whatever you choose to do, take a break from working while we are all at home. Not only is it important for your mental health and productivity, but it gives you a chance to enjoy this unprecedented time with your family.