Most people use their vacation time to completely unplug from work. But what if you could take a break from the office while still getting some work done? It’s possible to make the most of your vacation time by working from your home away from home. Just make sure you have all of the necessary supplies and set some ground rules with family and friends around work and play. Here are a few tips for making the most of your time away from the office.
Plan your work schedule in advance
One of the best ways to make the most of your time away from the office is to plan your work schedule in advance. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed when you return and will allow you to take some time off without having to worry about what’s happening at work.
To plan your work schedule, start by looking at your deadlines and determining when you need to have certain tasks completed. Then, create a timeline for yourself that outlines when you will work on each task. Make sure to leave plenty of room for breaks and relaxation; after all, you’re on vacation…ish. At the least, you need to make sure you get the most out of your investment by giving yourself both the time and permission you need to enjoy it.
If possible, try to stick as closely as possible to your timeline, but be prepared to adjust it if necessary. Things rarely go according to plan, especially when traveling, so flexibility is key.
Finally, communicate your plans with your boss and coworkers. Let them know what days you’ll be available and what hours you’ll be working so that they can contact you if needed. This way, everyone will know what’s going on and there won’t be any surprises when you return from vacation.
Set up your vacation home office
When you’re working from home, even your home away from home, it’s important to have a designated space for it. This can be a corner of the living room or bedroom, or even an entire room that you turn into a home office if you have the space. But if you do not have that luxury, try setting up a temporary office in one of the more common work-from-home spots: the dining room table, the kitchen counter, or even outside on the patio. If the view is nice, you won’t even have to worry about using a Zoom background!
Once you’ve picked your spot, it’s time to stock up on the essentials. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a desk, and a good internet connection. If you’ll be doing any printing or scanning, make sure you have a printer and/or scanner available as well. And don’t forget the most important tool of all: a set of noise-canceling headphones or AirPods to help you block out distractions!
If you are unaccustomed to working in a place you and your family have generally equated with a fun, unplugged-from-work vacation it can be hard in the beginning, so make your office or workspace as productive an environment as possible. This will ensure that your extended time away will be something that your coworkers do not see as a disruption. With a little practice, you’ll be able to settle into a routine and get as much work done as you would in an office environment. Just make sure to set some ground rules with family and friends regarding boundaries around work and play. Having this flexibility can help you recharge even if you can’t fully unplug from work.
Working from home already has its perks—and working from your vacation home has even more—but it can also be difficult to get into a groove if you’re not used to it. So, plan ahead and be strategic with your time and the boundaries you set around work and play.
Set some ground rules with family and friends
When you’re working from your vacation home, it’s important to set some ground rules with family and friends. If they know what to expect, they’ll be less likely to interrupt you when you’re in the middle of a work call or trying to focus on a project. Some things you may want to consider include:
- Establishing specific hours during which you’re available to work
- Putting off housework or other tasks that can wait until you’re done with your remote work
- Not allowing work to invade your downtime (e.g., no checking emails or answering calls after 5pm)
If you’re not able to take a month of vacation, oftentimes companies will allow you to spread out vacation days. So ask in advance about working a four-day work week while you’re away so that not all your time is dedicated to being shut away in a home office or not being present because you’re on calls. If you bought this vacation home, or are planning to buy a vacation home, to enjoy time with family, make it happen!
By setting some clear boundaries, you can help make the most of your time away from the office and ensure that you get the rest and relaxation you need.
Stick to your routine as much as possible
When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to let your work routine fall by the wayside. But it’s important to stick to as much of your normal routine as possible so that you don’t get too distracted. This means getting up at the same time, eating lunch at your usual time, and taking breaks at the same times you would normally. And while your family is enjoying everything your vacation home and location have to offer, limit your workday to the normal eight hours and focus those breaks on time spent connecting with them. Be present and take advantage of the time together, even if it is piecemeal during the day.
Working from your vacation home can be a great way to recharge, but it’s important to make sure you set some limits on how much work you’re doing. Otherwise, you might find yourself feeling even more burned out than when you started. By sticking to your routine as much as possible, you’ll be able to stay productive while still taking some time for yourself.
Take breaks when needed
Working from home can be a great way to get some extra work done, but it’s important to take breaks when needed. When you’re working in a familiar environment, it can be easy to get caught up in your work and forget to take a break. But it’s important to step away from your computer or work materials every so often to give your mind a break.
Take advantage of the extra space to spread out. Having those ground rules set will allow you to enjoy your time away without feeling guilty about working and without feeling guilty about leaving. Breaks are important to help you stay refreshed and focused, so take them even if you feel like you may not. Get outside and go for a walk, take a nap, or just step away from your work to clear your head.
When you’re working from your vacation home, it’s important to take advantage of the flexibility that comes with it. But don’t forget to take breaks! By taking some time for yourself, you’ll be able to stay focused and productive when you’re working.
Reward yourself for completing tasks
When it comes to getting things done, sometimes the best way to stay motivated is to reward yourself for completing tasks. This could mean anything from pausing to enjoy your favorite coffee with a loved one, to going out for lunch rather than staying home. The key is finding something that works for you and that helps you feel good about completing the task at hand.
For example, if you had taken Friday off and know that your email inbox is going to be flooded with email, plan to go through your email at the start of your day. Then, when you’re done, reward yourself by taking a break to do something you enjoy. Maybe that means taking your dog for a walk, enjoying a cup of coffee on your porch, or taking a dip in your pool. Whatever it is, make sure to give yourself permission to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Don’t overdo it!
When it comes to vacationing and working from home, it’s important to find a balance. It can be easy to get carried away and spend too much time working, especially if you’re used to a more traditional office setting. But it’s also important to take some time for yourself and enjoy your vacation. So try to stick to a schedule that allows for both work and play.
And if you do find yourself working more than you planned, don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world. Just make sure you take some time to relax and rejuvenate once you’re done working. This can mean going for a swim, reading a book, or simply taking a nap. Ultimately, finding the right balance will help you make the most of your time away from the office.
Time to Get Started
Now that you have all of the information you need to make the most of your time away from work, it’s time to get started! Order supplies and have them shipped to your vacation home so you can set up a home office. Establish ground rules early on with family and friends regarding boundaries around work and play. Stick to a routine so that you’re productive during your stay. Take breaks when needed and reward yourself for completing tasks. We hope that this article has helped give you the tools necessary to relax and recharge while working from your vacation home.
Many of our clients at Eagle Mountain Land and Development who have purchased vacation homes in Hochatown and Broken Bow, Oklahoma, are experiencing the freedom and restoration that can be had by creating a home office away from the home office. If you are interested in building a luxury cabin or want to talk about purchasing an existing property, contact us. Our team would be more than happy to help!
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