Suddenly found yourself working from home? When launching Stix, Our founder, Tom Anderson-Dixon, spent 6 years working from home, and therefore we think he knows a thing or two about best practices.

He's laid out his top 6 tips to working from home below:

DRESS FOR WORK

Much like when you go out wearing something new, “When you look the part, you play the part”. Wear something smarter for work time to help get you in the right mindset. (I used to wear a shirt and trousers).

CREATE A WORK SPACE

Do not work from your bedrooms, sofa or other area where you want to relax. In my experience you’re confusing your mind as to whether that area is a relaxing zone or a mentally active one. Create a nice space in your house where you can work from.

"I'M WORKING" - DO NOT DISTURB

Make sure loved ones know that when you are in that chair/space, you are at work. It’s easy for you to become easily distracted and for people to think it’s ok to come and distract you. Setting clear boundaries will help you all be clear.

EXERCISE DAILY & TAKE BREAKS

Exercising releases endorphins into the body helping with mood. It run can be very cathartic to take your mind off work and life’s stresses and relax you. Equally, getting some Vitamin D is so important, and there are many studies of reduced vitamin D levels and increased depression. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space, try to get and additional 30-60 minutes of sunlight a day. Our Vit Stix contain 50% RI Vit D in every drink.

Studies show working in 40-60 minute chunks boost productivity. Make sure you set regular breaks so you can step away from work for a moment, stretch your legs, do a bit of exercise or take your mind away from being at home.

EAT HEALTHY & STAY HYDRATED

When I started working at home I realised I’d put on weight because the fridge became my new office “watercooler”. Setting clear meal times and eating healthily is very important for energy levels. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. I use a Vit Stix sports bottle and fill it up first thing in the morning and after my lunch to ensure I’m having a minimum of 1l of water during work.

VIDEO CALL - BE SOCIAL

At Stix we’re having morning face to face meetings (via face-time or Skype) to boost moral and set out our three key objectives for the day. We’re then going through our progress at the end of the day in a group call.

Good luck and stay healthy. If you find yourself struggling mentally, make sure you reach out to friends and family and try apps such as Headspace and Calm to practice mindfulness, which can help to reduce stress levels and relax your mind.