Redditors who work from home, what have you found to be an effective method for separating work and home life?

I only work from home once a week or so ("work-life balance") but I try to do a few things:

1) Take a shower and wake up at a normal time. My job normally starts at 7:30AM so I try to start at that time, even at home

2) Take a shower and get dressed. Obviously you don't have to wear a suit, but try to put on jeans and a button down or something. Staying in your sweatpants all day will psychologically put you in the weird headspace of "I'm not really working".

3) If possible, have a separate room with a desk as your office. Or, set up an "office" in your living room, basement, whatever. Don't have the TV on. Treat it like you're basically in an office environment. Don't blast music, don't have YouTube videos playing constantly. Pretend like a "boss" could walk by. (Obviously take this advice within reason. Working from home is dope and has many benefits like being able to do what you want. Just don't abuse it. Try to stay focused).

4) Only get up to get a drink, take a small break, or eat lunch. If taking a small break, keep it to 10-15 minutes and walk to your kitchen or outside. If lunch, keep it to 30min-1hr and, if possible, don't do work at this time! Go to your kitchen and eat in there. Watch some TV, try to unwind a bit.

5) Once done, leave your office/desk, change into your nice, comfy clothes and pretend like you're "home" now.

Basically, act like you're going to "work" but your office is in your house. Try to keep to a time schedule. Stay focused, keep a consistent schedule like 8AM-5PM (if possible), take breaks, and try to separate work/life as much as possible!

/r/AskReddit Thread