Working from home: 10 tips for English Teachers
Over the past few years, remote work has become more prevalent, and due to the ongoing pandemic, a growing number of teachers have transitioned to teaching from their homes. While there are various advantages to working remotely, including flexibility and the ability to work in a comfortable environment, teaching from home also presents particular difficulties. This article will provide ten useful tips for teachers working from home to maintain productivity, concentration, and inspiration.
Rules with others in the household
It’s essential to have a conversation with other household members about sharing the same space if you don’t live alone. This becomes even more critical if you’re in lockdown with people who aren’t used to being at home all day. With everyone under one roof, it’s effortless to get in each other’s way. Therefore, suppose you live with people who also work. In that case, it’s crucial to establish separate working spaces to avoid any conflict. Similarly, if there are non-working individuals in the household, request them to be mindful and respectful of your work hours.
Exercise
To maintain good health and focus while working from home, teachers, who often spend extended periods sitting at a desk or in front of a computer, should prioritize exercise. Even brief intervals of physical activity can boost blood flow and oxygen to the brain, enhancing concentration and productivity. You could take a 10-minute break every hour for stretching, yoga, or light exercise. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine by taking a walk or jog before or after work, or by joining online fitness classes can be helpful. By prioritizing exercise, you’ll not only improve your physical health, but also your mental well-being, and ability to stay focused on teaching. In addition to outdoor activities, there are many home workout resources available on YouTube, requiring little or no equipment. This might be an ideal opportunity to experiment with new activities, such as yoga or a fitness challenge.
Keep work and home separate
If your employer hasn’t specified your working hours or offers flexibility, it’s advisable to set a schedule and stick to it. This will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance when your workplace and home are in the same place. While it may be tempting to procrastinate and stretch your tasks throughout the day, doing so will prolong your work hours unnecessarily.
Besides, it’s crucial to have a separate working area. This doesn’t have to be a designated room, but you should have a dedicated spot to work that doesn’t interfere with your relaxation areas. Sitting on the couch in front of the TV is not recommended. By creating a distinct workspace, you can switch into work mode more efficiently and separate yourself from distractions during work hours.
Productivity
Many people think that working from home reduces productivity, but this is a misconception. In reality, remote workers can be even more productive without the typical distractions of an office. However, this increased productivity doesn’t come naturally. Establishing a routine is essential to ensure that you use your working hours effectively. Without a routine, there’s a risk of falling behind on your tasks. While you might have a general idea of when you’re most productive, working from home can disrupt your routine, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your productivity levels and adapt your schedule accordingly. Prioritizing tasks and finding ways to motivate yourself throughout the day can also help you stay focused.
Take breaks
During a typical workday in the office, you take breaks for lunch, to make beverages, and to chat with colleagues. It’s unrealistic to be productive for a full 8-hour workday consistently because it can cause burnout. Thus, it’s important to take breaks and allow yourself to switch off, just as you would in the office. Taking a break away from your computer during lunch can help you recharge and prevent eye strain. One approach is to use a cup of tea or a snack as a little reward after completing a task. If you’re feeling drained or struggling with procrastination, taking a short break and doing something else for ten minutes can be enough to refocus and energize yourself.
To-Do lists
Create a daily to-do list in the morning to prioritize your tasks and stay organized throughout the day. By setting realistic goals and avoiding overloading yourself with too many tasks, you can focus on what needs to be done and feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete each item on your list. If you find yourself constantly carrying tasks over to the next day, consider delegating or postponing them. Remember, your to-do list should be a helpful tool, not a source of stress.
Focus
As a TEFL teacher working from home, maintaining focus can be a struggle due to various potential distractions. However, there are strategies you can employ to stay on track. First and foremost, designate a workspace that is free from interruptions as much as possible. Additionally, create a to-do list every morning and prioritize your tasks for the day to remain organized and have a clear plan. Productivity tools and apps such as Forest, which helps you avoid phone usage, can help you stay focused. Finally, communicate with colleagues or students when you need to concentrate, so they understand not to disturb you.
Mental health
When working from home, it can be difficult to differentiate between work and personal life, which may cause additional stress and burnout. As a teacher, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and set boundaries to maintain good mental health. One way to achieve this is by taking regular breaks to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading, going for a walk, or listening to music. It’s also worth considering seeking support from a mental health professional or support group if you are experiencing feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. Remember that taking care of your mental health is essential not just for yourself, but also for your students and colleagues.
Snacks
Careful with snacking: Working from home can lead to the temptation of constant snacking. The proximity of the kitchen and the availability of food can lead to mindless munching. It’s important to establish a routine for meals and snacks and stick to it. Plan out healthy snacks ahead of time and keep them within reach to avoid reaching for junk food. Also, be mindful of emotional eating and recognize when you’re eating out of boredom or stress rather than actual hunger. Taking breaks for physical activity or relaxation can help curb the urge to snack as well.
Get dressed
Getting dressed and ready for the day may seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on your productivity and mindset. While it’s tempting to stay in your pajamas all day, getting dressed signals to your brain that it’s time to start the workday. You don’t need to put on formal business attire, but changing out of your sleepwear and into something comfortable yet presentable can help you feel more professional and ready to take on the day. Plus, if you have any unexpected video meetings or calls, you won’t have to worry about scrambling to look presentable at the last minute.
Working from home as a teacher can be a challenging transition, but with the right mindset and strategies, it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By taking care of your physical and mental health, establishing a routine, staying organized, and finding ways to stay focused and motivated, you can create a productive and comfortable work environment from the comfort of your own home. With these tips in mind, you can make the most out of your remote teaching experience and continue to make a positive impact on your students’ lives.
