Working virtually brings a unique blend of productivity, flexibility, and the constant need to balance home and work life. 

Whether you’re providing online PA services, handling workflow automation or managing a client’s inbox, it’s crucial to stay organised and efficient. But what’s just as important—especially when working from home—is maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. Something that has taken me and my team a long time to attain. 

As a Workflow Consultant, my day is all about being mindful, productive, and efficient, while still taking the time to enjoy moments with my family. I’ve learned that by structuring my day well, I can get the best out of my working hours and still have time to focus on the things I love, like spending time with my daughter.

Let me walk you through a typical day, and hopefully, you’ll gain some valuable tips on how to improve your work-life balance, boost productivity, and create a space for self-care, even when life is busy.

1. Starting the day right: preparation is key

One of the first lessons I learned as someone who handles multiple admin tasks is that preparation is everything. Before I dive into work, I spend 30 minutes setting up my workspace. This time includes checking that everything is technically sound—making sure my laptop, software, and communication tools are up to date and working properly.

During this time, I also take a moment for myself. I make a hot drink and spend 5 minutes meditating. This small act of mindfulness helps set the tone for a calm, productive day. After that, I engage in 5- 10 minutes of rough play with my daughter. She’s very much a rough-and-tumble child, and I’ve noticed that when I play her way, she’s more likely to give me a hug when I ask for one later. It’s a little bonding ritual that makes me feel grounded before work begins.

The quote “The way we start our day determines how we create our life” by Hal Elrod has grown in meaning since having my daughter. It was difficult to retrain my mind to accept that I had complete control over my day. Starting the day right has helped massively with this perception. 

2. Structuring the workday: balancing tasks with breaks

When working from home, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal time. That’s why I use structured blocks of time to stay focused on my work. I rely on techniques such as the Pomodoro method, where I work in focused bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This helps me handle complex tasks like updating systems or automating workflow tools without feeling overwhelmed.

I also make it a rule to take regular breaks and step away from the screen. But here’s the key—breaks are for me, not for household chores. Doing the washing up or tidying the house during work breaks disrupts that important boundary between work and personal life. Instead, I step outside, stretch, or grab a healthy snack. This way, I can recharge without getting distracted by non-work tasks.

According to a study by FlexJobs, 75% of remote workers report that they experience fewer distractions and interruptions when working from home. However, maintaining discipline is key to avoiding household chores that may eat into your productivity.

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” – Ovid

3. Closing the workday: a proper end to the day

The end of the day is just as important as the beginning. I make sure to put everything away at the end of the day so that it feels like work is truly done. This mental separation is crucial for home workers. By physically shutting down the computer and clearing away papers, I create a clear boundary between my work and home life.

This closure is not only good for me mentally, but also helps me reset for the next day. After all, my work can be mentally draining, and it’s important to fully switch off at the end of the workday.

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow.” – Eleanor Brownn.

Why balancing home and work matters

Working from home is rewarding, but it can be tricky to strike the right balance. By creating clear boundaries—starting the day mindfully, taking breaks for yourself rather than household chores, and properly closing the workday—you can maintain both your productivity and your personal life.

It’s also essential to keep a watchful eye on your finances, especially for small business owners. Cash flow is the backbone of any small business in the UK, and staying on top of it daily is key to avoiding financial pitfalls. By keeping your accounts updated and ensuring your administrative tasks are managed, you can focus on growing your business without worrying about the small details.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, poor cash flow management is one of the leading causes of small business failures in the UK. By outsourcing general admin tasks to a virtual assistant, many small business owners can regain control over their time and finances.

Let’s Help You Find Your Balance

If you’re looking to boost productivity and achieve a better work-life balance, we are here to help. Whether you need assistance with diary management, virtual executive admin tasks, or workflow automation, we’ve got you covered.

Take the first step towards a more balanced and productive workday. Contact us today for a 1:1 consultation and let’s talk about how we can help you reclaim your time and grow your business.

FAQs

What is diary management?

Diary management involves scheduling, organising, and managing appointments, meetings, and tasks to maximise productivity. It ensures that your calendar is always up to date and that you never miss an important event.

How do virtual assistants ensure a proper work-life balance?

By creating clear boundaries between work and home life, structuring the day with focused work sessions, and properly closing the workday, virtual assistants maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Why shouldn’t household chores be done during work breaks?

While working from home, it’s tempting to do household chores during breaks, but this blurs the lines between work and personal time. Breaks should be used to relax and recharge, ensuring maximum productivity during work hours.

To see how Eto & Flow could benefit your business, simply get in touch today – we’d love to walk you through your options.