Mastering the Art of Working from Bed

In a world where the line between work and life blurs continuously, one’s bed has become more than just a place for sweet dreams. The bed, in its unrivaled comfort, has evolved into a workstation of its own for many people. Working from bed has become a new normal these days due to the pandemic. I, for one, am no stranger to this practice. Having spent a considerable amount of time working from bed in the past, I thought I would share some of my experiences and tricks in mastering this art. Firstly, despite often being tempted to do so, I have always tried my best to avoid turning my bed into a 24/7 work station. Transforming it into such takes away from the intended purpose of the bed: a haven for rest and relaxation. Don’t get me wrong; the situation calls for flexibility, but cluttering your sleep space with work-related stuff can cause sleep problems.

Table of Contents

• Setting Boundaries
• Comfort and Productivity
• Investing in the Right Gear
• Lighting Matters
• Take Breaks

Setting Boundaries

Working from your bed doesn’t mean completely merging your profession with your downtime. Therefore, setting boundaries and switching off when it’s time to rest has been key for me. Studies have shown that this boundary creation helps improve sleep quality and general well-being. One trick I’ve adopted is to switch off my laptop and store it away from my bed after work. This small act of shifting my focus away from work helps me transition smoothly from work mode to relaxation mode. I have noticed that it also aids my brain to make the distinction between work time and downtime, thus improving my sleep quality.

Comfort and Productivity

Working from bed definitely offers a comfort not usually associated with traditional workstations. However, too much comfort can be a double-edged sword, possibly leading to a drop in productivity. I found out the hard way, when I initially started working from bed, that I was often tempted to nap or laze away. To combat this, I introduced a routine where I ensured that I was always dressed for work, even when in bed. This psychological trick has worked wonders for me by boosting my focus and productivity levels.

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Investing in the Right Gear

While the bed offers comfort, it doesn’t naturally lend itself to hours of ergonomic work. For that, investing in some practical items can go a long way. I have been using an adjustable laptop table that provides a flat surface for my laptop and lets me adjust the height and angle. This ensures a comfortable sitting position while working, which ultimately contributes to better productivity and reduces health issues related to prolonged poor posture.

Lighting Matters

In my experience, lighting plays an essential role while working from bed. Bad lighting can not only affect one’s mood but also lead to eye strain and fatigue. To tackle this, I have a small table lamp that provides ample light for working. I also spend a few minutes every day in natural light, either by timing my breaks around sunrise or sunset, which helps in maintaining my body’s natural circadian rhythm. Over time, I also realized that using blue light-blocking glasses helped reduce digital eye strain, a common issue I faced in the beginning. Such preventive measures have helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance while also ensuring that my overall well-being isn’t compromised.

Take Breaks

Lastly, but most importantly, do not forget to take regular breaks from work. Just as in a traditional office set up, breaks are vital in a home setting too. Initially, I found myself working for long stretches without a break, affecting my productivity and mood levels. Ultimately, I incorporated short breaks into my schedule at home and realized they played a vital role in keeping me refreshed and productive throughout the day. In conclusion, working from bed isn’t as straightforward as it seems. As someone who has lived and mastered it, I can vouch for its surprises and challenges. However, with some effective practices and self-discipline, not only can it be mastered, but it can also turn into an enriching experience.