To help with the 'defining' bit, I've been making a conscious effort to separate work from home over the past few months in a few ways. Even though I'm at home and nobody sees me most of the time, I get into "work clothes", even if it's just a T-Shirt or polo, and trousers.
At 5-6PM, I'll shutdown the laptop and put it away, out of sight, and get back into "home clothes". The acts, despite its placebo effect, helps immensely in switching to home mode.
For people new to working from home, having work clothes is one of the most beneficial things I do personally. I would say over the last 15 years of working remotely this is the most impactful intentional thing I do for my productivity and work life balance.
Plus, it’s a super easy thing to try for a few weeks to see if it works for you.
I don't do the work clothes but I shut down my laptop at 6pm and only turn it on the next day. Also, no e-mail or anything work related on any of mother devices.
If you want to keep your balance in life, it is helpful to adhere to certain regular routines and habits. There is in fact a musical about this, and the challenges of doing so:
- In a world with other people.
- While also allowing yourself and others the life-autonomy to pursue their happiness.
At 5-6PM, I'll shutdown the laptop and put it away, out of sight, and get back into "home clothes". The acts, despite its placebo effect, helps immensely in switching to home mode.