Working at Home
Verse to meditate on as you read this: Whatever you do, work at with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
Many of us are working from home, for now, and I would like to share some strategies we are using and have helped us navigate this new routine. Even if you are not working from home, I invite you to try some of these ideas too. You may be surprised at how this can help balance your time right now.
1. Write down an actual time schedule. Ask yourself, what is your company schedule or what is your personal “start time”. Share your schedule with your supervisors, if necessary.
Get dressed every day, put on some makeup (if it is part of your daily routine).
Set aside 15 – 30 minutes prior to that to connect with God before you begin.
Put on some praise and worship as if you are driving into work or school.
Catch up with Him before you begin. God is your daily co-worker.
Read your 3W verse of the day and devotional.
2. Set up your workspace at home to be functional, pretty, and comfortable. Women like pretty spaces!
Select an area that will work as your “cubicle”, desk, or work space.
Set up a plant, flowers, pictures of loved ones, whatever makes you smile when you look at it.
Gather the items you need and place them all in a box, crate, basket, and/or a container. Include all chargers, headphones, earbuds, pads, pens, etc.
Test to see the container you pick fits all your necessary supplies.
* Make sure you have the sunlight and/or light that you need. I need to be by a window. My office at work has no windows and the small glass in my door has had to be covered up for safety reasons so I am enjoying my dining table that is right next to glass doors.
3. Plan a lunch break. Research shows that you are most productive if you take “brain breaks”.
Have a Google Hangout, Zoom or FaceTime lunch if you would like some socializing or are alone at home. Set a timer only 30 minutes at least.
Stand up, go get your lunch and eat somewhere that is not at your workspace.
Eat outside one day a week, change your point of view.
*I have been fasting until lunch so lunch time is breakfast for me. It is quick and easy, but also allows me to engage in something different for a few minutes. I try to keep it to the same time every day if work meetings, schedule for the day allow for it.
4. Midday Mental Motivation!
Disconnect for 5 – 15 minutes. Walk away from all devices. Yes, even your phone. Voicemail will be there for you.
Make coffee. Read a verse from an actual Bible and random verse. God will speak to you. Have a fruit, or snack.
*If you are anything like me, you feel compelled to answer every call, text, or message that comes your way. Well guess what - unless you are an on-call 24 hour employee, you do need to be “off” at a time. Online work was created for flexibility, therefore you have flexibility too since technology is available 24/7. Technology is a blessing if used correctly and productively. It can also be a burden if we do not set boundaries. Even 24 hour workers have scheduled days off. Give yourself boundaries. It is Godly to create routines and boundaries. Go watch Pastor David’s series on Rhythms. It is biblical to have a season for all things.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for all that you have allowed us to learn and share. Thank you, God, for our church family and community. We come to you as our strong tower, our refuge, and where our help comes from. Carry us through as we turn to you in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What does your workplace look like? Send in your pictures and tag us @3wchurch.com
