Firstly, I think it's key to cut yourself some slack. I used to be ultra productive WHF, but somedays recently, even getting out of bed and logging in seems like a triumph. It's been a long, uncertain and stressful year which has taken a toll on most people, consciously or not. People haven't been taking leave so are tired, and there's no guarantee you wouldn't be feeling like this in the office too.
Echoing the others above, going for walks/run/rides at lunch help, especially if like me you're not a morning person so before work is out. Talk to your bosses too, I think WFH gives a degree of flexibility, so as long as you're not supposed to be in a call, taking a 2 hour lunch to go for a ride and working an extra hour later is probably fine. We've been told that, within reason, you're free to work when's productive and convenient rather than 'you must be at your desk between 9 & 5' as long as goals are being achieved.
Podcasts/radio in the office helps too, I used to only have music on, but the spoken bits kind of help with the missing human interaction stuff. Audio books too.
I've also found (where allowed - i.e. Scotland), meeting local colleagues or friends for lunch in a cafe/park really helps stave off the isolation feeling.
Lastly, chrome apps like Stayfocusd are great for nuking your web-based procrastination. Setting yourself set social media/STW breaks etc.
Taking the dog out for a walk first thing makes a big difference to me.
Also, noise cancelling headphones to block out the wife on her interminable HR calls.
Make sure you don't slip into working late. Log off when you are supposed to and shove all the work shit back in your bag/box/shut the door on it.
I was thinking about starting a similar thread to this last night so perfect timing for me.
I've only been WFH for 2 months having been furloughed before but in that time I've gained about 5lbs and my general motivation is dropping.
I'm getting to the end of the working day having done less than 2000 steps and that's just either walking to the bathroom or kitchen for coffee/snacks. On a normal office based day that would have been nearer 6000 steps by that point just in natural moving around to talk to others, nip out to the shop at lunch etc.
As other have said, the change in clocks hasn't helped. The general darkness outside isn't appealing. But we're due to move house in a couple of weeks (currently living with family) so hopefully getting some privacy back and having our own place again will spark up some motivation.
If not then I'll be large enough by Christmas to put on a Santa suit without needing any padding.
WFH since March. I do get a bit fed up with it. Initially worked between conservatory and summer house, but missus then furloughed and I was getting disturbed - she sews alot, and a sewing machine next to my screen wasn't great.
Moved into the shed. At least I separate home/work. I do take advantage of an extended lunch a couple of days a week for an hour's bike ride, even more needed now with the shorter days. It does allow a bit of flexibility, can have a break and potter in garden etc, but weather not really helping.
Previous WFH experience was a day or two a week in a former life. That was fine.
These days it’s full time. It’s quietly killing me, but I have a responsible job so can’t let that show to my team or the wider business. A 30 minute lunchtime walk works wonders.
But the thing that’s really doing my head in is working in the same house as my other half. She’s an academic so there’s lots of teaching - I gave her the study after the first 2 months as the noise from her temporary desk in the dining room was unbearable.
What’s worse though is her previous inability to separate work and home life could, to an extent, be held back when she had her own office in a university 30 miles away. Now, it is pervasive and disruptive. I cannot escape her work stress, hassle and general wailing and gnashing of teeth. Combined with that, now the in-laws have taken self-isolation almost completely literally, I bear the burden of the majority of school/dance drop offs and pick ups. I love our daughter and am happy to run her around, but it is also disruptive to any sort of concentration or flow (for want of a less ****y word).
So I’m now rapidly considering spending the loft conversion savings on a “garden office”. For my wife.
Also been WFH since March. First 6 months was pretty hellish moving around the house to find a quiet space to work away from wife and child. Work announced it was likely to become a more permanent arrangement so I decided to sort a proper environment out. Did a semi garage conversion to move the Turbo into and did spare room up with a desk but also somewhere to stand and work which I try and do when just on Teams. Plants have recently been added to bring a bit of the outside in which has improved my mood.
Forcing myself to exercise has definitely helped even if that means just something outside a normal lunch break etc. I'm lucky enough I can be flexible and work hours as needed. Work have accepted the 'normal' working day is no longer applicable.
Still struggling with boundaries at the end of the day but getting better at walking away and closing the office door.
I WFH at start of first lockdown when our office was closed. Due to my current living situation I hated it, and started going back in as soon as the office was reopened. It’s far far quieter (often only 2 people in whole building) but means I can get on with stuff without distraction.
If I had a spare room to use as an office then I would undoubtedly be doing that and really enjoying it. Just can’t do it at present unfortunately, though as the current situation will no doubt be normal for the foreseeable future, it may change when I can afford to move house.
If you have a work mobile, can you link it to your emails/skype? That way you can do stuff like walks, shopping, gardening whilst still being available and avoid any guilt about not being at your desk.
Mark out an out of office or unavailable time every day in your calendar. People will learn that you're not available. Everyone else will be doing similar anyway.
As long as you're getting the job done I wouldn't worry about not being available every minute of the traditional working day. It's crazy that we have all this technology and progressive attitudes to mental health yet there's an expectation that we should be tied to a rigid hours which were probably based on clocking in and out of a factory and being constantly monitored by a tyrant.
Just think about the extra tax you could be paying for the privilege.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/11/staff-who-work-from-home-after-pandemic-should-pay-more-tax
Idiots.